Honda to launch Civic hybrid on June 18th

Everything seems to be going according to plan so far[remember Mr Kuldip Nayar, Chairman of Pinnacle Honda] after the accord launch the civic hybrid launch too has been confirmed.Now only the Next generation honda city launch remains.

Honda will launch its civic hybrid in India on June 18th and it would be available for test-drives at all its 80 dealerships from day one.After all Honda want to showcase this car as honda's commitment to the environment and depending on its success plan the future course for environment friendly vehicles in India.

Although the timing is perfect what is disappointing is the goliathian price tag of approx Rs.20 lakhs plus[and that too not the on road price].

Honda is having a dual strategy in India where it plans to take on the economy segment like the nano and the maruti 800 with its bikes while its cars target the upper segments.

Also read:
Honda civic hybrid- Taking nature for a ride

[source:the hindu]

Update:Now launched with a 1.3L petrol electric engine and a price tag of Rs.21.5 lakhs[ex-showroom]

The 8th generation Honda accord is here

Generally one does not tend to associate value for money with Honda but if you are shopping around in the premium sedan segment and have a petrol in mind you need to look no further than the latest genertion Honda accord which is available at a bargain if compared to its competition[Camry,teana].

Three variants have been launched the Accord 2.4,Accord 2.4 Elegance and Accord 2.4 Inspire with prices starting from Rs 16.49 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and going up to Rs 18.14 lakh for the top variant.

After success with paddle shifts in the Honda civic,Honda now are offering the accord with paddle shift five speed automatic transmission.What powers the car is a 2.4L ,180 ps @6500rpm and 222Nm @6500rpm, E10 petrol engine which is euro 4 compliant.Sadly we do not get the V6 with VCM[ Variable Cylinder Management ].The plus point is fuel efficiency has now improved by 8% compared its predecessor.


If there is one area of concern its the looks department although I am told in real life things are a lot better than what the pictures suggest.In terms of dimensions the overall length and width of the car has increased by 80 mm and 25 mm respectively.


Honda have thankfully not skimped on the safety equipment and the new accord comes with 6 airbags.When it comes to interiors its a Honda do I have to even write more.For the drivers comfort you get 8 way power adjustable seats with lumber support[lucky chauffeurs].The audio system comes with a USB slot.

All in all we have a winner once more with Honda raising the bar when it comes to luxury and performance but at the same time showing the way in terms of pricing[wow I never thought I would write that about a Honda].

[Source:Economictimes]

[image source:Hondacarindia]

Next generation Nissan Teana

Thanks to the internet once again a car is out in the public domain well before its launch date.The internet is full of scanned pictures from a car dealers brochure of the next generation Nissan Teana.


The Teana would have an official launch at the Bangkok motor show[2008] and is based on the Nissan Intima concept car.Its an either you love it or hate it kind of design and you certainly cannot say it looks like they have taken bits from their rivals design.Clearly the teana has once again established a distinct identity for itself amongst itself.Inspite being a car for the middle class[ok not in out markets] it gives you that premium car feeling.Take the wood for instance,toyota have come under severe criticism for the wood they use in their cars which has too much of a cheap feel to it with the teana however you certainly feel that its straight from the forests.


The interior looks well appointed once again,the centre console requires special mention with a laptop like flat keypad.


When will it be in India,probably not atleast till second quarter of 2009.Its competition the accord is all set for a makeover and the new accord comes to our market this june[2008].The hyundai sonata is due for a small facelift and the new model should be out in India by next year[2009].As for the camry after the new corolla launch it would lose its distinct identity.


[source,image source:bkkautos]

Ps:In case you are interested in the new sonata[which would be known globally as the i40] here is a link you could look at
2009 Facelifted Sonata[i40]