The all new SEAT Arona, yet another new car from SEAT, as they continue to grow.

• Arona is the perfect companion for the Ateca in SEAT’s growing SUV range
• The second SEAT vehicle produced on the MQB A0 platform represents SEAT's entry into the compact crossover segment
• Great height and width, compact crossover dimensions and the most advanced technology in safety and connectivity
• Manufactured exclusively in Martorell, SEAT’s third release in 2017 represents another step forward in the Spanish brand's biggest ever product offensive

The New SEAT Arona is here, and just like the New Ibiza, is making its first appearance during a media event in Barcelona, in front of 250 international journalists. The New SEAT Arona will make its public debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.

The New SEAT Arona is the Spanish brand's third new release in 2017, after the upgraded Leon and the New Ibiza. This is yet another addition to the SEAT range in its biggest product offensive ever, which also includes the Ateca and the upcoming large size SUV that will be released in 2018.

The New SEAT Arona sits neatly within the SUV range as the younger brother in the family, combining the advantages of its compact dimensions in the city, with its crossover attributes once it is out of the city limits. 

It’s also the fact that the SEAT Arona is so elegant, spacious, practical and comfortable, both in the normal Monday to Friday working week and adventurous, robust, sporty and efficient at the weekend. All of this combined with applied safety and connectivity technology that is only seen in higher market segments, plus SEAT’s undoubtable attractive and distinct design, as well as with the sports DNA dynamism and finesse of the Spanish brand. 

The Arona, manufactured exclusively in Martorell - the plant with the largest production volume in Spain - will play a key role for SEAT, strengthening the brand and increasing sales.

"We at SEAT are very persistent. With our biggest product offensive, by the time the Large SUV reaches the market, SEAT will have launched, on average, a new vehicle every six months in two and a half years. SEAT has allocated a total of 900 million euros in investments and R&D expenditure to the Ibiza and Arona. These investments are a part of the total investment of 3.3 billion euros for the 2015-2019 period”, says Luca de Meo, President of SEAT. "The commercial launch of the New Ibiza is taking place this very month, and Arona will be premiered at the Frankfurt Motorshow".

The New SEAT Arona is the first SEAT model in the compact crossover segment, which has increased four-fold since 2015. Far from confining itself to a specific category, the Arona is a lesson in versatility. Thanks to its compact size and the sensations of safety and control offered by its high driving position and modern design, it is perfect for everyday city driving, but it’s not afraid to show its fun and adventurous side either.

The New SEAT Arona is designed for drivers looking for a sense of excitement, distinction and functionality. People who know that age is just a number, not an outlook on life. This is a car that fits their lifestyle, that works in both the city and the countryside, that is loaded with technology and that is comfortable, spacious, safe, dynamic and all-purpose. It is a car that's easy to get in and out of, and if that weren't enough, a car in which your luggage can fit easily with no hassle whatsoever.

Always ready for an adventure

When it comes to passive safety, the New SEAT Arona performs at the highest level in an environment that is much more demanding nowadays. “We’re certain that the New SEAT Arona is the perfect answer to the current demands of our customers, in terms of dynamic behaviour, comfort, safety and state-of-the-art technology. We are once again setting new standards in the segment” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Executive Vice-President for Research and Development.

The New SEAT Arona has all of the driving assistance and infotainment systems you know and love from other SEAT models, such as Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Hold control, Tiredness Recognition System, Auto lights and wipers, Multi-Collision Braking, Keyless Entry and Start System, precise and high-quality rear camera, premium 8-inch black panel touchscreen, and Connectivity Hub with Wireless Phone Charger and GSM signal amplifier. The Arona also offers an optional Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection and Park Assistance System, which works for both parallel and angled parking.

Dimensions

In terms of its dimensions, the SEAT Arona is 4,138mm long, which is 79mm more than the New Ibiza. However, the real difference lies in its height, as the Arona is 99mm taller. As a result, the New SEAT Arona offers not only higher ground clearance for those off-road adventures, but also more front and rear headroom, and, above all, a larger boot, with a 400-litre capacity. 

Another important feature is the seat cushion, which is 52mm higher and gives it a dual advantage: firstly, a higher driving position for an impressive view of the road ahead; and, secondly, it makes it much easier to get in and out of the car. The passenger seats are also 62mm higher, while headroom is 37mm greater in the front and 33mm in the rear. The suspension has been increased by 15mm and the windscreen is slightly more vertical than in the Ibiza for an even roomier interior.

MQB A0 Platform

The MQB (Modular Quer Baukasten) A0 platform allows higher manufacturing flexibility, more robust implementation and different models with different body types within the same segment. Also different wheelbase configurations can be achieved within the same base platform. SEAT’s investments and R&D expenditure in recent years were partially allocated to adapt Line 1 at the Martorell factory to the new MQB A0 platform, allowing SEAT to be the first company of the Volkswagen group to use this technology.

Fully connected and with its own style

In terms of connectivity, Arona features Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link.

Like the Ibiza, Leon and Ateca, the New SEAT Arona will offer the following trim levels (depending on market): Reference, Style, FR & XCELLENCE trims. The dual-coloured (red and white) ambient indoor LED light and dual-zone climate control with an aircare filter are also available on the Arona, while at the front, triangular headlights with attractive colour and excellent luminance make it instantly recognisable. At the rear, its tail lights are also LED and they provide extra visual width thanks to their dual nature. The FR trim includes dual-mode suspension, and the SEAT Drive Profile with four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual.

Multi-use without a single compromise

On the emotional side, Arona offers the thrill that drivers once looked for in three-door versions, with the advantage of the space offered by a family car body, and the enhanced capacity made possible by its higher frame. The Arona also shares features with the Ateca. After all, it is its younger brother within the SUV range, as we await the arrival of the family's biggest member, the large SUV scheduled for 2018. The Arona's robust front follows the same structure as the Ateca, with a three-dimensional look that's more pronounced, without being aggressive. Also, the license plate on the tailgate, allows a more robust bumper design and raises the car visually.

Alejandro Mesonero, Design Director at SEAT, says, "We wanted to give the New SEAT Arona the distinct feel of a crossover, a sturdy car for everyday life, for the urban jungle. That's why it features such strong protection in the bumpers, the wheel arches and the dark coloured rubber side skirts, as well as the roof rack and the aluminium look-like protection at the bottom of the bumpers". All of which makes it look tougher and taller. The 665mm larger diameter wheels also help to make the car higher.

The New SEAT Arona is very expressive. In addition to its rack, the roof features evoke the aesthetics of all-terrain vehicles. It has many aspects in common with the new design language shown in recent SEAT cars, although there is no doubt this car has its own personality. This is clear in its interior, which stands out not only in horizontal proportions that emphasise and enhance the car’s size, giving an even greater feel of roominess and space inside, but in its increased sophistication as well. Special care has been taken with the details to underscore the improvements made to the New SEAT Arona in terms of its perceived quality.

The High Console Concept also gives the console more prominence, which affects the safety and ergonomics, since every element is positioned such that the driver barely has to look away from the road while driving. The driver’s seat has been given particular attention, and all of the instruments are oriented toward the driver. Everything is within reach, allowing for easy adjustments and increased safety. The seats are more comfortable and provide a greater feeling of protection while holding the occupants in place more securely. The fabrics, shades and colours are exclusive to the New SEAT Arona, whose interior colours and trims offer many possibilities for personalisation (depending on market), with the console, for example, being painted to match the dashboard.

In this regard, the ability to personalise the Arona is very important. There has been a trend in customers demanding individualisation for their vehicles. Colour-wise, the Arona is divided into two: the lower body, on the one hand, and the roof, plus the A- and C-pillars, on the other. Added to the colour palette for the bodywork is Eclipse Orange. The roof can be grey, black, orange or the same colour as the body. Globally, there are 68 possible colour combinations. Prominent on the C-pillar is the ‘X’ graphic engraved in the sheet metal to highlight the Arona's crossover look. While every model in the SEAT line-up has a dynamic, versatile, technological and sporty character, the Arona maintains all of those features but has a more spacious interior and a wider range of possible uses.

The perfect companion

Strength nowadays lies in efficiency and reliability. All of the engines available in the New SEAT Arona range have direct injection, a turbocompressor, and feature an automatic stop & start system. There are three different petrol engines to choose from, all with an aluminium block. The first is the three-cylinder, 95PS 1.0 TSI, which is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. Next we have this same engine but in a 115PS version, which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or the dual-clutch seven-speed DSG transmission. The third is the new four-cylinder, 150PS TSI with active cylinder deactivation technology, which is exclusive to the FR trim and is connected to a six-speed manual gearbox.

As for diesel options, the efficient and reliable 1.6 TDI will be available with 95 and 115PS. The 95PS version can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or seven-speed DSG, and the 115 PS with a six-speed gearbox.

SEAT sales are rising steadily. Between January and May, SEAT delivered 201,300 vehicles worldwide, an increase of 13.9% over the same period in 2016. Sales growth has increased SEAT's turnover by 20.2% in the first quarter of the year, reaching a record of 2.487 billion euros. Last year, the company posted the highest operating profits in its history. SEAT's operating profit reached 56 million euros in the first three months of 2017, 4.1% more than in the same period in the previous year.

Skoda announces that it has produced the 1.5 millionth 3rd generation of its Octavia Hatchback and Estate.

• Milestone vehicle rolls off the production line at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav
• More than five million customers have opted for the ‘heart of the brand’ since 1996
• Over 80,000 third-generation Octavia have been chosen by UK customers
• The ŠKODA OCTAVIA is one of the most successful model lines in the automotive world

The ‘heart of ŠKODA’ has reached a special milestone: the car manufacturer’s employees at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav have produced the 1.5-millionth third-generation OCTAVIA. 

The comprehensively upgraded new version of the bestseller has continued the model range’s success story since the beginning of February. It impresses with redesigned front and rear sections as well as state-of-the-art solutions in terms of driver assistance systems, infotainment and connectivity. 

Since the first modern OCTAVIA generation was launched 21 years ago, over five million customers around the world have chosen the compact model from the long-established Czech brand. This makes the OCTAVIA model range one of the most successful in the automotive world.

“With the OCTAVIA, the rapid development of our company really gathered pace from 1996,” said Michael Oeljeklaus, Board Member for Production and Logistics. 

“It has been an important pillar of the ŠKODA portfolio for over two decades. With the third generation of our bestseller, we have seamlessly built on the success story of the first two editions. Much of the credit for the success of the OCTAVIA and the ŠKODA brand goes to our motivated and highly skilled workforce, which now has 1.5 million reasons to be proud of its achievements,” added Oeljeklaus.

With more than five million units sold, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is the Czech car manufacturer’s bestselling model. The first generation alone, which rolled off the production line from 1996 until the end of November 2010, won over more than 1.4 million buyers. 

The second-generation OCTAVIA continued the success of its predecessor: between 2004 and 2013, ŠKODA sold a total of 2.5 million vehicles. The third generation of the OCTAVIA, which is considered to be the cornerstone of ŠKODA’s model range, has been in production since November 2012; its one millionth vehicle left the production halls in Mladá Boleslav at the end of March 2016. 

In total, almost 1.4 million vehicles from the third generation were produced by the end of 2016. Production of the comprehensively upgraded OCTAVIA commenced at the beginning of February 2017. ŠKODA makes the compact model at its main plant in the Czech Republic as well as in China, India, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

ŠKODA offers the comprehensively upgraded third-generation OCTAVIA as a hatchback and an estate. With its redesigned front and rear sections, streamlined body and wider track, it comes across as even more dynamic than before. 

The new version of the compact model impresses with proven strengths and sets new standards in its segment in terms of the amount of interior space, functionality, technology for safety as well as comfort, and value for money. Customers have a choice of four trim levels: Active, Ambition, Style and L&K. 

Furthermore, they can also choose Scout and RS versions. The engine portfolio comprises state-of-the-art petrol and diesel units with power outputs ranging from 63 kW (86 PS) to 180 kW (245 PS). Depending on the engine version, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA is also available with advanced direct-shift transmission (DSG) and all-wheel drive.

Ford announces pricing and specification for the all new Fiesta Supermini.

• Next generation Fiesta, priced from £12,715, on sale this Spring
• Takes over from current model celebrating over eight consecutive years as UK’s best seller
• Core range in dealerships this Summer debuts B&O PLAY and luxury Vignale editions – with Active crossover and hot ST to follow
• Offers 15 driver-assist technologies – the same as the large Ford Edge SUV

The next generation Ford Fiesta range offers a version for every lifestyle when it goes on sale this Spring.

Priced from £12,715 for a Fiesta Style, the range continues through Zetec and Titanium to high-tech B&O PLAY series, luxury Vignale and sporty ST-Line models available this Summer.

The Fiesta will be launched with the most sophisticated range of driver assistance technologies and connectivity features ever in a volume small car in Europe, as part of the most comprehensive line-up of variants in Fiesta’s 40-year history.

It will be the first Ford to deliver an enhanced version of Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that can detect people who are in or near the road ahead, or who may cross the vehicle’s path, using light from the Fiesta’s headlights at night.

Also offered for the first time on Fiesta is Ford’s Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, which helps drivers find suitable spaces and park hands‑free nose-to-tail and side-by-side with other cars. 

Further enhanced for Fiesta, the technology can now apply the brakes if drivers do not respond to system guidance and proximity warnings while performing forward and reverse manoeuvres, and a collision with a parked car or obstacle to the front or rear is imminent.

The most popular Fiesta variant is the Zetec, with 58 per cent of customers of the current model opting for Zetec. Customers can purchase the next generation Fiesta Zetec from £14,215 with 15in alloy wheels, Quickclear heated windscreen and Ford’s SYNC 3 DAB radio with a 6.5in touchscreen with Emergency Assistance, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.  

Ford will also launch a unique B&O PLAY series range available on Zetec and Titanium models offered in two striking exterior and interior colour themes – Bohai Bay Mint and Chrome Copper. 

The new B&O PLAY systems – exclusive to Ford’s global vehicle line-up – offer an elevated audio experience with ten speakers including a boot-mounted subwoofer and a central mid-range speaker on top of the instrument panel, incorporating the B&O PLAY aluminum logo and a unique radiating hole pattern. 

The stylish series also get the upgraded 8in floating tablet-inspired touchscreen and Navigation as standard and are available from £15,165.

The next generation Fiesta will for the first time be offered as an upscale Vignale model – part of the Ford Vignale range joining the Mondeo, S-MAX, Kuga and Edge Vignale. Priced from £19,345, the Fiesta Vignale features 17in alloy wheels, unique exterior body styling and front grille and distinctive interior in Black Ruby leather, heated seats and steering wheel, panoramic roof and rear view camera as standard.

Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, said: “Ford’s 40-year reign of the UK car market began in 1976 when the Fiesta was first launched.  

Since then Fiesta has been firmly established as part of the fabric of Britain – and remained at the top of the sales charts for the last eight years.  With so many new Fiesta faces coming this year, including B&O PLAY Editions for music lovers and the luxurious Vignale execution, it’s set to stay at number one.”

Fiesta Active crossover and the recently-announced Fiesta ST pricing will be subject to a later release.

The 400,00th DS3 hatchback has been produced and handed over to it's new owner.

A DS 3 Performance Black recently became the 400,000^th DS 3 hatchback off the production line and is already on the road in France. The car was delivered to its new owner a few days ago by Julien Faux, Director of DS WORLD PARIS. 

DS 3 is the brand’s best-selling vehicle, with style and the wide range of personalisation options at the top of customers’ most popular reasons for purchase.

Built at the PSA Poissy manufacturing site near Paris, the 400,000^th DS 3 hatchback was delivered a few days ago to its owner, Marine Laurent, by Julien Faux, Director of DS WORLD PARIS.

With the guarantee ‘Made in France’, DS 3 was the first modern-day DS to be launched. DS 3 has always placed personalisation at the heart of the manufacturing process, which has helped to make it the most popular model for DS Automobiles.

DS 3 Performance Black number 400,000 is a dynamic version of DS 3 with matt black bodywork, touches of carbon fibre on the side mouldings and a gold roof, making the vehicle stand out through its distinctive good looks.

“I had to have this DS 3 as soon as I saw it. Even though I was already a DS driver, this new model is just irresistible because of its timeless character and personalisation options. I think it’s unlikely that any two DS cars will look the same,” Marine Laurent.

Customer surveys conducted by the DS brand in Europe* show that DS 3 appeals to both women (55% of customers) and men. The main reason for purchase is ‘style’. For 73% of customers DS 3 has a ‘sporty’ image, 62% say it is ‘fun to drive’ and 54% describe it as ‘elegant’. On the road, customers tend to highlight the vehicle’s main standout features as ‘comfort’, ‘high levels of equipment’ and ‘quality’.

*Surveys conducted between 2011 and 2015 in the G10 Europe countries with customers buying New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio. Survey panel: 6,000 respondents.

New design-oriented special edition of the popular X-Trail, The Range Topping Tekna Grade, Style Edition.

• New design-oriented special edition of the popular X-Trail crossover
• Based on top-spec Tekna grade for the highest level of premium equipment
• Comprehensive suite of driver assistance technology including Nissan Safety Shield

Style by name, stylish by nature – Nissan has introduced a new special edition of the X-Trail crossover that features many of the car’s most desirable accessories. The X-Trail Style Edition is on sale now and further enhances the model’s reputation for premium quality, comfort and contemporary design.

Using the range-topping Tekna grade as its starting point, the long list of additional equipment includes alloy sports pedals, chrome door sills, chrome mirror caps, a chrome finisher on the lower boot and striking 19-inch ‘Black Ibiscus’ alloywheels. In addition, there’s extra protective trim on the boot lip and a practical boot floor mat.

The high level of specification included on Tekna trim means a wide range of Nissan’s easy-to-use infotainment technology is already featured on the car. It’s accessed via the intuitive NissanConnect seven-inch touch-screen. Also standard is a comprehensive suite of real-world safety systems, including Nissan 19-inch ‘Black Ibiscus’ alloywheels and Traffic Signal Recognition. Nissan’s innovative Intelligent Park Assist is also fitted.

Leather upholstery on the seats, which are electrically adjustable and heated for the driver and front passenger, is included, plus there’s a leather steering wheel, leather gear selector and satin-finish roof rails.

The X-Trail is the most versatile crossover in Nissan’s award-winning range, which also features the Qashqai and Juke. The X-Trail is available with either five or seven spacious seats, and is equipped with an innovative Luggage Board System as standard. This enables owners to adjust the boot shelves and dividers to create 18 different cargo-carrying configurations. For genuine every day practicality, there’s a one-touch automatic opening power tailgate.

The Style Edition is available now, priced from £29,405 and offered with the 1.6-litre dCi 130 diesel or 1.6-litre DIG-T 163 petrol engines. Both come with engine start/stop to minimise emissions and fuel use, and there’s a choice of two and four-wheel drive, and manual and Xtronic transmissions.

The 526hp Shelby GT350® & GT350R Mustang have been named Automobile Magazine All-Star winner 2016

With scoring criteria including style, class, importance and desirability, it's no wonder editors chose the 526-horsepower Shelby GT350^® and Shelby^® GT350R Mustang as an Automobile Magazine All-Star winner for 2016.

"The GT350R has a very 'mean American' feel but balances that with a very good chassis," said Automobile's Marc Noordeloos. He called Shelby Mustang a classic pony car, but one with "excellent dynamics." Of 25 vehicles evaluated, only seven took home awards.

Automobile chooses its All-Star contenders from the entire range of all-new, heavily revised or newly significant vehicles on sale or otherwise available in the United States in the 12 months preceding the test. The magazine's editors spend multiple days driving the vehicles on both road and track, then cast their votes for the winners by private ballot.

GENEVA - Honda celebrates the Past F1 history as well as special editions, concepts and new products.

1. Introduction
2. Civic Hatchback Prototype
3. Clarity Fuel Cell
4. CR-V Black Edition
5. Jazz “Keenlight” Concept
6. Civic 1.4 S Limited Edition Hatchback and        “Style” Limited Edition Tourer
7. RA272
8. CRF1000L Africa Twin

1. Introduction

Honda unveils the next step in the renewal of its European car range at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, including the global premiere of the Civic Hatchback Prototype.

Civic Hatchback Prototype

The Civic Hatchback Prototype receives its global premiere at Geneva Motor Show, previewing the exterior design of the all-new hatchback model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. Produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), the car will be exported to global markets, including the US.

Clarity Fuel Cell

The Clarity Fuel Cell makes its European debut at Geneva, following its global unveil at Tokyo motor show in October last year. Clarity Fuel Cell is the world’s first production fuel cell saloon to house the entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet. With a range of up-to 700 km* (435 miles), the Clarity Fuel Cell achieves best-in-class range while its unique packaging allows an interior design to offer seating for five, a first for a fuel cell saloon.

* Honda internal measurement in JC08 mode and use of hydrogen station with pressure of 70MPa

NSX

Following the announcement of the start of customer sales in the US at Detroit motor show, Honda confirms the first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin in 2016. The NSX features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX. The new hybrid supercar has an  all-new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT. 

Jazz ‘Keenlight’ Concept

Honda also demonstrates a new design concept model of the popular Jazz. The new Keenlight concept seeks to highlight the potential for customising Jazz, using sleek design elements, special decals and a unique colour named ‘Keenlight’.

CRF1000L Africa Twin

Inheriting the “go anywhere” spirit of its celebrated predecessors, the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin packs an innovative and powerful parallel twin-cylinder engine into a lightweight, agile chassis ready for true adventure both on and off road, whether crossing continents or commuting.

2. Civic Hatchback Prototype

Prototype of the next-generation Civic hatchback makes global premiere at 2016 Geneva Motor Show

• Assertive stance and provocative new design establishes 10^thgeneration as the sportiest Civic ever
• Low, wide proportions and long wheelbase promise engaging driving dynamics while maximising interior space
• First European vehicle to be available with Honda’s all-new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines Further improvements made to existing 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine
• New Civic hatchback will be available in Europe early in 2017 and will be built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM)

The next-generation Civic hatchback makes its global debut in prototype form at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The design of the prototype heralds a significant step-change from previous versions of Honda’s core European model, focusing on provocative design and rewarding driving dynamics.

Jean-Marc Streng, General Manager of Honda Motor Europe, Automobile Division, commented: “The Civic is a core model for Europe with a strong sales and manufacturing heritage in the region. For many European customers, Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand. The all-new Civic hatchback continues this tradition, and we hope will continue to be a key volume pillar for the European business. We are excited to be developing this next generation model and look forward to its introduction in early 2017.”

A distinctive design and sportier Civic

The all-new Civic hatchback will be 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current generation. New larger and wider wheels and tyres give a feeling of an assured stance, while the long wheelbase, short overhangs and sleek cabin area further add to the dynamic feel of the exterior.

At the front of the car, a short overhang with large air intakes presents a sharp and aggressive interpretation of Honda’s family face. LED headlights and daytime running lights flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches.

The sleek and swept-back body lines continue along the side of the car with a swage line that incorporates front and rear door handles before culminating in the distinctive C-shaped LED rear lights. A second, lower character line extends from behind the front wheels up through the doors and meets the rear wheel arches, emphasising the car’s dynamic forward-leaning stance. At the rear, the bumper incorporates angular creases and vents, designed to echo the aggressively styled nature of the rest of the car.

Daisuke Tsutamori, Project Leader for the styling of the Prototype provides an insight into how the distinctive design was conceived and realised: “We knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic’s core values. The result is a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality.”

New turbocharged powertrain options deliver improved driving experience

The all-new Civic Hatchback will feature a range of three powertrain options: 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines, and a revised 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel unit. Civic will be the first European model to feature the two all-new petrol engines.

The all-new engines are part of Honda’s growing Earth Dreams Technology range and aim to deliver a combination of dynamic performance, a class-leading output for their displacement and excellent fuel economy.

Based on a completely new engine structure and harnessing newly developed turbo systems, the petrol engines feature variable valve motion technology to reduce friction and achieve class-leading output and environmental performance. A turbocharger with a low moment of inertia and high responsiveness, together with direct injection technology seek to achieve an optimum balance between high output and torque, above those of conventional naturally-aspirated engines.

A revised version of Honda’s popular and efficient 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine - unique to European Honda vehicles– will be offered alongside the two new petrol engines. The common rail turbo-diesel unit incorporates extensive technologies that reduce friction, improve emissions and increase fuel economy. The engine features a small, high-efficiency turbocharger, low-pressure EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system and a high-intake flow, high-swirl cylinder head port. A new high-strength, lightweight slender crankshaft and all-aluminium, open-deck, high-pressure, die-cast engine block makes the unit lightweight while ensuring high levels of durability.  

10^th generation Civic hatchback to be built in Europe and exported globally

Honda’s European production facility, Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), will become the global production hub for the 10^th generation Civic hatchback. Honda has confirmed investment of €270m in new production technologies and processes to prepare for the new model, which will be exported around the world, including the US. The investment is part of a long-term vision for the European plant in Honda’s global operations.

Jason Smith, Director of HUM, commented, “By establishing HUM as a global production facility for the all-new Civic hatchback, Honda is demonstrating its long-term commitment to manufacturing in the UK and Europe.

This is incredibly important for HUM and is a reward for the commitment and effort put in by Honda associates in recent years. As a global production facility for the Civic hatchback we look forward to making the most of the opportunity to export this model not only to our European customers, but also to key global markets.”

3. Clarity Fuel Cell

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell makes European debut at Geneva Motor Show

Making its European Debut at Geneva Motorshow 2016, the Clarity Fuel Cell incorporates Honda’s most advanced technologies and provides the world’s first production model fuel cell powered sedan to house the entire fuel cell stack and drivetrain system under the hood of the car. The Clarity Fuel Cell will be available for lease purchase in Japan from March 2016 and will be available in the USA later in 2016. In Europe, the Clarity Fuel Cell will be introduced through the HyFIVE project in the UK and Denmark during 2016.

Packaging of the Clarity Fuel Cell is inspired by Honda’s guiding design principle of man maximum, machine minimum. By minimising the space used by the powertrain, Honda has achieved a level of interior space that is comparable to fossil fuelled sedans.  The size of the fuel cell stack and the power generation unit has been reduced through Honda’s advanced technologies to a size comparable to a V6 engine.

Despite the reduced size of the fuel cell powertrain, Honda has ensured world-leading fuel cell stack performance. Honda’s original wave flow channel separators are more advanced than ever, while the cells now feature a higher output and a more slender shape thanks to a 1 mm (20%) reduction in the thickness of each cell. These advances combine to make the fuel cell stack 33% more compact than the stack used in the original FCX Clarity. This improvement is highly impressive as it has been achieved in parallel with an increase in maximum output to 130 kW (177ps) to 100 kW and a power density increased by 60% to 3.1 kW/L, providing a perfectly smooth acceleration anywhere from zero to maximum speed.

The direct response, exhilarating drive and quiet cabin together form an appealing combination. Clarity Fuel Cell offers the driver two driving modes: the ‘Normal’ mode provides a balance between fuel economy and driving performance, while ‘Sport’ prioritises a more responsive acceleration feeling.

The Clarity Fuel Cell, coupled with its efficient powertrain and reduced energy consumption can deliver best-in-class fuel cell vehicle range per tank of over 700km* (435 miles). Refuelling time of the Clarity Fuel Cell is comparable to that of a petrol powered car and takes up-to 3 minutes, providing further everyday convenience customers have come to expect with their petrol or diesel powered cars.

* Honda internal measurement in JC08 mode and use of hydrogen station with pressure of 70MPa

4. CR-V Black Edition

Honda launches new CR-V Black Edition

Honda has supplemented its CR-V SUV range with a new Black Edition for 2016. The Black Edition adds exterior and interior design elements to present a sporty and premium twist on the SUV. It will be available on 4WD models only, with a choice of 2-litre i-VTEC petrol or 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engines. The diesel can also be specified with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior of the CR-V Black Edition features running boards, a tailgate spoiler, 19” black alloys, a gloss black front grille and skid plates on the front and rear.

Inside the cabin, the CR-V Black Edition benefits from a full leather interior,with contrasting stitching and an embossed Black Edition logo. To complement the luxurious feel of the cabin, the Black Edition comes with premium carpet mats again featuring the Black Edition logo.

5. Jazz “Keenlight” Concept

New “keenlight”design concept highlights customisation potential of new Jazz.

The 2016 Geneva Motor Show will see the debut of Honda’s new Jazz ‘keenlight’ Concept model. The new concept aims to attract customers who are looking for more emphasis on style, using sleek design elements and accessories in a custom copper colour called ‘keenlight’.

The exterior features a keenlight-coloured roof spoiler, mirror caps, front grille and tailgate decoration. A distinctive new decal offers visual elements of London’s skyline. Unique 15” keenlight finished alloys complete the exterior.

The keenlight theme extends to the interior with accents on the steering wheel, dashboard, and doorstep garnishes. Other interior accessories include customised floor carpets and leather upholstery.

Overall, the new concept aims to highlight the strength of Jazz for personalisation, and shows a vision for a potential future Jazz special edition.

6.Civic 1.4 S Limited Edition and Civic Tourer Style

Civic Hatchback and Tourer ranges bolstered by new “1.4 S Limited Edition” and “Style” special editions

Honda showcases two special editions of its Civic at Geneva Motor Show. First announced in January 2016, the Civic 1.4 S Limited Edition adds extra specifications to the car with no additional cost including colour-coded front bumper, rear skirt cover and wheel arches. Inside, the 1.4 S Limited Edition is specified with the Honda Connect infotainment system. 

Customers will have the ability to bolster the appearance of their Civic 1.4 S Limited Edition with the addition of 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Civic Tourer “Style”, which is not on sale in the UK, adds 17” sport alloys, privacy glass, cargo net and a stainless steel loading edge cover. The cargo net can be positioned behind the rear seats to keep loads in place or behind the front seats when the rear seats have been folded flat.

7. RA272

Honda’s F1 pioneer makes an appearance at Geneva Motor Show

Following its 1964 debut, Honda’s Formula 1 team started the 1965 season with fresh ambitions, a new single-seater (RA272) with a redline of 14,000 revs, and a very experienced driver in American Richie Ginther. After finishing 6th twice, the American gave Honda its first victory in Formula 1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico, in what was only the team’s ninth race. It was obviously the first victory for a Japanese single-seater in the entire history of the Grands Prix, and a wake-up call to more established teams from Europe.

8. CRF1000L Africa Twin

A legend of two wheels makes its first appearance at Geneva Motor Show: The new CRF1000L Africa Twin

The essential features of an adventure motorcycle – strong engine, tough chassis with long travel suspension, upright riding position and wide handlebars – ensure its usability whatever the terrain. This practicality has been key to the popularity of these machines: they are easy to ride, comfortable and adaptable, at home on the road whether touring mountain passes and highways or filtering through jammed city streets. And when the desire for a true adventure takes hold, they’re capable of traversing great swathes of distance after the tarmac runs out.

Inheriting the “go anywhere” spirit of its celebrated predecessors, the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin packs an innovative and powerful parallel twin-cylinder engine into a lightweight, agile chassis ready for true adventure both on and off road, whether crossing continents or commuting.  In addition to the standard model, two further versions are available: the first with switchable rear ABS and multiple mode Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and the second equipped with Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission (featuring new off-road functionality), switchable rear ABS and HSTC.