WHAT CAR AWARDS - Honda’s hot hatch triumphs with award for most eagerly anticipated car launch of 2017

• Honda’s hot hatch triumphs with award for most eagerly anticipated car launch of 2017
• Reader award nomination good indicator of successful launch
• Made in Swindon, the new Civic Type R is British built and exported world wide

The British built next-generation Honda Civic Type R has won the coveted What Car? reader award and has been named as the most eagerly anticipated car launch of 2017.

Demonstrating its huge popularity, the Civic Type R took almost half of the votes and clinched the top spot in the poll compiled by What Car? experts and voted for by the readers.

First unveiled as a surprise entry prototype at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September last year, the mass production version of the next generation Civic Type R is expected to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Made in Swindon, the next generation Civic Type R is set to go on sale in the latter half of this year and comes hot on the heels of the current car, which is expected to fast become a modern classic with only 2,500 on UK roads.

Held in association with Warranty Direct and widely acknowledged as the ‘Oscars’ of the car industry, the annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards are only given to the cars that set the highest standards in their class each year.  These awards are highly important for both car makers and customers because of the authority and integrity of the What Car? brand.

Dave Hodgetts, managing director of Honda UK, commented: “Kicking off the year with a win at the most prestigious automotive awards ceremony is a fantastic achievement; something which is even more rewarding as it was voted for by the readers.

“That in itself has a deeper significance as it clearly demonstrates the connection, belief and trust we have with our customers. 2017 is going to be another big year for Honda in the UK as we not only launch the new Civic Type R but also the 10th generation Civic and celebrate 25 years of Type R.”

Steve Huntingford, editor at What Car? added: “The Type R’s low-slung shape, large rear spoiler and triple exhausts have clearly captured the minds of What Car? readers, because this is the model they have voted as the most anticipated new car of 2017.”

“The Civic Type R will shake things up in the hot hatch market as Honda is sticking with front-wheel drive and aiming to set the new benchmark for this type of car."

Honda will bolster its Accord lineup with the launch of the 2017 Accord Hybrid this spring.

• Next-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain expected to receive class-leading EPA fuel economy ratings; including 49 mpg city
• Most powerful and refined midsize hybrid sedan with 212 total combined horsepower
• Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies standard
• Doubled production capacity for expected sales increase

Honda will bolster its Accord lineup with the launch of the 2017 Accord Hybrid this spring, featuring a more powerful and efficient second-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain that has the highest EPA fuel economy ratings of any midsize hybrid sedan and delivers the most power. 

With improved production methods and supplies of hybrid components, Honda is anticipating significant growth in sales of Accord Hybrid and is targeting annual sales to be more than double its previous best of just under 14,000 vehicles in 2014.

"The new Honda Accord Hybrid is the ultimate Accord – the most refined, technologically sophisticated and, of course, most fuel efficient in the lineup," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. 

"With Accord already America's most popular car three years running and the best-selling midsize car to younger buyers, we think this new hybrid model will add considerable momentum for the Honda brand."

In addition to its more powerful and fuel efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2017 Accord Hybrid carries the substantial upgrades made to the entire Accord lineup for model year 2016. This includes the latest technology Honda has to offer, including the available Display Audio with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, to be offered as standard equipment on all new 2017 Accord Hybrids. Hybrid-exclusive design features include a special aluminum hood and wheels, blue highlighted LED headlights and taillights and "Hybrid" exterior badging. A more compact hybrid battery pack increases trunk capacity to a midsize hybrid class-leading 13.5 cu.-ft.

Combining the next generation of Honda's two-motor hybrid system with an ultra-efficient 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine, the 2017 Accord Hybrid powertrain will achieve peak combined output of 212 horsepower, the highest of any midsize hybrid sedan and up 16 horsepower over the 2015 Accord Hybrid. EPA fuel economy ratings of 49/47/48 (city/highway/combined)¹ put the Accord Hybrid at the top of the class for ratings, making it the most powerful and fuel efficient midsize hybrid sedan in America. These EPA fuel economy ratings are based on new, more stringent ratings requirements enacted by the U.S. EPA for the 2017 model year. Based on the new requirements, Honda estimates the 2015 Accord Hybrid ratings would be 48/45/47 (actually rated at 50/45/47 under the previous method), indicating a +1/+2/+1 increase for the 2017 model over the previous version.

The Accord Hybrid's two-motor hybrid powertrain takes an elegant and innovative approach to hybrid power, eliminating the need for a conventional mechanical transmission. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain seamlessly transitions between three operations:

• EV Drive – using its electric propulsion motor and lithium ion battery pack drives the front wheels for short distances under light loads (with the engine turned off)
• Hybrid Drive – the electric propulsion motor drives the front wheels while the gasoline engine powers a second motor/generator to supplement electrical current drawn from the battery pack
• Engine Drive – using a lock-up clutch mechanism to connect the engine and propulsion motor, the front wheels are driven by both the motor and gasoline engine.

With its next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and Honda Sensing™ technology, the 2017 Accord is anticipated to receive the highest available crash safety rating from the U.S. government – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA – and a similar top rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

The 2017 Accord Hybrid will be available in three trims – Hybrid, Hybrid EX-L and Hybrid Touring – and all grades will feature increased levels of standard and available equipment. New standard features include a wide angle rearview camera, remote engine start and Honda Sensing™, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). Available new features on upper trims include a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlayâ compatibility, heated rear seats, and front and rear parking sensors.

The Accord has been named a Car and Driver magazine "10Best" an unprecedented 30 times and has been the most popular car in America with retail car buyers for three consecutive years.² The Accord is on track to earn a fourth straight year as America's most popular car with sales up 12.3 percent through the first three months of 2016. Accord also is the most popular midsize car with Millennials and has been #1 with under-35-year-olds for four consecutive years and leads all other cars in America, except Honda's own Civic, in sales to under under-35 car buyers since 2010.³

The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid will make its first public appearance at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif., as part of the aquarium's Earth Day weekend celebrations on April 23-24.

About Honda

Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic and Accord passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the soon-to-be-launched Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 33 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2015, more than 99 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Honda Commitment to the Environment

Based on its vision of "Blue Skies for our Children," Honda is working to advance technologies that address society's environmental and energy concerns. Honda is targeting a 50 percent reduction in its total company CO₂ emissions on a global basis by 2050, compared to 2000 levels.

Honda will introduce a new 2017 Accord Hybrid and the Clarity Series of advanced alternative-fuel vehicles, beginning with the new, hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell later in 2016, followed by new Clarity Battery Electric and Clarity Plug-In in 2017, as the company strives to realize significant growth in sales of electrified vehicles.

The company is also demonstrating its vision for zero-carbon mobility and living though initiatives like its Honda Smart Home US, in Davis, California, which is designed to operate with half the energy use and CO₂emissions of a typical home in that region.

Honda and the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a non-profit organization committed to "instilling a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants and ecosystems" by providing engaging, entertaining, educational and empowering exhibits and programs on the Pacific Ocean and the lives of its inhabitants.

As a founding sponsor of the Aquarium of the Pacific, Honda supports this world-class venue for education and environmentalism that is visited by over 200,000 school children and nearly 1.5 million visitors each year. Honda's financial donations to the Aquarium assist in its efforts for marine conservation, education and community-outreach programs. Honda's initial sponsorship consisted of the 150-seat Honda Theater. In 2012 Honda became sponsor of the "Blue Cavern presented by Honda" where on-site daily dive educational lectures are held and explain how some of the animals in the exhibit are collected using aquarium collection boats powered by Honda marine engines.

In 2016 Honda is entering into an agreement to become the title sponsor for Pacific Visions Theater, a 14,000 square foot 300-seat in the round theatrical 4D experience, due to open in 2018.

Red and black themed ‘Ember’ Special Edition showcases the Range Rover Evoque’s bold design.

• Red and black themed ‘Ember’  Special Edition showcases Evoque’s bold design
• Next-generation InControl Touch Pro infotainment system delivers class leading connectivity and control, available across the range
• Fastest selling Land Rover ever, Range Rover Evoque surpasses 520,000 sales globally since 2011

Land Rover is introducing an exclusive Special Edition of its fastest selling model, the Range Rover Evoque. As part of a package of enhancements to the original luxury compact SUV, the striking ‘Ember’ edition features a bold red and black theme boosting its appeal.

The new 2017 model year Range Rover Evoque also offers next-generation InControl Touch Pro infotainment across the range, providing a 10.2-inch tablet-style pinch and zoom touchscreen control and a customisable home screen to ensure customers’ favourite apps are always at their fingertips.

The Range Rover Evoque, which established its own sector in 2011, has surpassed 520,000 sales globally when it re-wrote the motoring rule books and has amassed 182 international awards.

Ember Special Edition

The red and black themed ‘Ember’ Special Edition builds on the attributes of the Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic with striking exterior and interior details. A distinctive Firenze Red roof contrasts with the Santorini Black body colour and is complemented by matching exterior design elements, including the front and rear tow eye covers.

Phil Simmons, Land Rover’s Studio Director for Exterior Design Realisation said: “We wanted to give the Range Rover Evoque Ember Special Edition a sporty feel; contrasting the intensity of the Firenze Red with Santorini Black really shows off the Evoque’s stand-out proportions.”

The addition of unique ‘EVOQUE’ tailgate badging in black, with a silver surround, and Narvik Black ‘RANGE ROVER’ lettering on the bonnet gives the Special Edition further definition.

Black Pack elements including Satin Black 20-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic black exhaust finishers, Dynamic Narvik Black grille and darkened front and rear lights give the Ember a more purposeful appearance.

The ‘Ember’ theme continues inside, with Ebony Black seats sporting a contrasting Pimento Red stitch, complemented by black and red premium carpet mats and Gloss Black trim finishes.

The Range Rover Evoque Ember will be available to order for a limited three-month period this summer with deliveries expected from September and prices starting from £47,200 on the road.

New Innovative All Terrain Technology

‘Low Traction Launch’ further cements Range Rover Evoque’s outstanding all-terrain capability. This new feature is a manually selectable driver mode that aims to deliver the optimum pull-a-way/launch on a low friction surface or terrain. It controls the amount of torque that the driver can apply, thus preventing wheel spin and maximising the potential driving force that can be achieved given the conditions.

InControl Touch Pro: Intuitive technology

The new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system optimises in-car connectivity by providing faster responses and more intuitive operation. Introduced from launch on the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, this now becomes available from 2017 model year and is standard for HSE Dynamic, HSE Dynamic Lux and Autobiography

The touchscreen behaves like a smartphone or tablet with swipe, pan and pinch to zoom controls and provides a clearer 21:9 super-wide format with 1280x542 pixel resolution – an 80 per cent increase over the Evoque’s standard eight-inch touchscreen.

Using the Land Rover Route Planner smartphone app, destinations can be pre-planned and synced to the vehicle ready for easy selection. Touch Pro also offers door-to-door navigation even after parking handing over to the Route Planner phone app to display public transport and pedestrian directions to the final destination.

In Control Touch Pro can share customers’ ETA with friends and family. If the driver is running later than expected, Touch Pro can automatically keep them informed by sending updates via SMS.

Additional features include high definition 3D maps and a bird’s eye view surround camera system allowing drivers to see the vehicle from above, ideal for negotiating narrow streets or tight parking spaces.

Specification enhancements to the Range Rover Evoque SE Tech sees the addition of 12-way powered seats and Automatic High Beam Assist with pricing starting at £33,000. For HSE Dynamic and above trim levels, enhancements include: InControl Touch Pro with 10.2 inch screen, InControl Connect including wifi, InControl Apps and Remote, and All Terrain Progress Control (Automatic only) with pricing starting from £41,400.

Graphite Design Pack

A new Graphite Design Pack enhances the exterior of Range Rover Evoque Autobiography derivatives with a host of subtle design changes. Unique 20-inch alloy wheels in Satin Technical Grey are complemented by the Dynamic grille in Narvik Black with a Satin Dorchester Grey Surround, while the tow eye outer covers front and rear sport the same grey tone. A black contrast roof, bonnet and tailgate lettering, darkened front and rear lights, Dynamic black exhaust finishers and black detailing on the door mirror caps, bonnet louvres, foglight surrounds, fender vents and tailgate finisher complete the look. The Graphite Design Pack will retail for £2,125 in the UK.

Customers will also be able to choose from a wider palette of exterior body colours than before. The addition of Aruba, Farallon Black, Carpathian Grey and Silicon Silver premium metallic paint finishes takes the total number of colour options to 18.