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Barretts Honda Latest News

23 May 2012

Honda CR-V


Honda CR-V is ‘Honestly’ the Most Popular 4x4

The British built Honda CR-V has fought off fierce competition to be crowned Most Popular 4x4 by expert motoring website honestjohn.co.uk. The CR-V came out on top as Google Analytics data, which analysed the number of page views for each car over the last 12 months, recognised it as the most searched for 4x4 on the site. The reliability and robustness of this British built model are just some of the qualities why users are regularly searching for this car.

This is the second recognition Honda has received recently from honestjohn.co.uk after being rated as a top three performer in their analysis of MoT pass rates earlier this month.

“There has been a significant increase in traffic to the CR-V review and in such a tight category with plenty of popular models, it’s done well to come out on top” said Dan Harrison, Editor of honestjohn.co.uk. “It’s rare to see increased traffic for a model that’s soon to be refreshed, but the current model CR-V continually drives high traffic for the 4x4 reviews. That said, we’ve already seen plenty of interest in search from users, months ahead of the official launch of the new model.”

Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK) commented: “It’s great to see honestjohn.co.uk visitors are showing such support for the CR-V and have already begun creating a buzz around the fourth generation model coming out later this year.”


Spacious, versatile and comfortable, these are just some of the qualities that highlight why the CR-V has generated such interest online. The CR-V is available from £23,030 OTR and now couldn’t be a better time to get behind the wheel as customers purchasing a CR-V in SE+ specification will be upgraded to the ES-T variant. This means the addition of £2,490 worth of extra equipment including 18” alloy wheels, half leather/half alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, retractable wing mirrors, iPod connectivity and Satellite Navigation with Hands Free Telephone system, all completely free of charge.

Customers looking for that added luxury and opting for the ES-T specification will automatically receive a complimentary upgrade to EX trim. This means the addition of premium audio, full leather upholstery, panoramic roof, HID lights, auto lights and wipers, full body coloured bumpers and eight way power assisted driver seat – worth a total of £2,520. The model is also available with a range of flexible finance packages and low cost service options to help drive down ownership costs.

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Barretts HONDA

Barretts Honda are part of the Kent based Barretts Motor Group http://www.barrettskent.co.uk/
Twitter: @BarrettsHonda


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16 May 2012

Honda is a Top Three Performer


Honda is a Top Three Performer in honestjohn.co.uk Nationwide MoT Pass Rates


Honda is rated as a top 3 performer in an analysis of MoT pass rates undertaken by consumer champion, honestjohn.co.uk, reinforcing Honda’s solid reputation for reliability and bullet-proof build quality.

The analysis of 24.5 million MoT records obtained by honestjohn.co.uk, revealed that an average of 86 per cent of Honda cars registered in 2008 passed their first MoT, against a national average of 80 per cent.

Notable amongst the Honda successes was the British built CRV, scoring an impressive 89 per cent and demonstrating once again that the workforce in Swindon can match the build quality of any Japanese manufacturing plant.

Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda UK said ‘it’s great to see that all three of Honda’s British built cars, the CR-V, Civic and Jazz have outperformed the national average. The highly skilled workforce at our plant in Swindon, should take great pride in these results as it shows that they are producing high quality, reliable products’

The research by honestjohn.co.uk involved examining tens of millions of records obtained from the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) through the Government’s OpenData scheme. Now honestjohn.co.uk is publishing it as The MoT Files at honestjohn.co.uk/mot – the first time this information has ever been available to the public in such detail.
The table below shows how the Honda models stack up:

Make
Model
Year
Tests
Pass Rate
Honda
S2000
2008
343
89%
Honda
CR-V
2008
12618
88%
Honda
Legend
2008
128
88%
Honda
Jazz
2008
21293
85%
Honda
Civic
2008
29557
84%
Honda
Accord
2008
5166
83%
Honda
FR-V
2008
2098
83%

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Barretts HONDA

Barretts Honda are part of the Kent based Barretts Motor Group http://www.barrettskent.co.uk/
Twitter: @BarrettsHonda


Social Media Management by motortradesolutions.net

02 May 2012

Honda celebrates 500 new employees


Honda celebrates 500 new employees starting work as Swindon Plant introduces second shift

There were celebrations today at Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) in Swindon as they introduced a second shift within their Car Plant 2 facility. As announced in December 2011, 500 new Associates were being recruited and today, they began their new roles within the Plant. This brings the total number of employees at HUM to 3,500, with the production volume forecast to double to 180,000 units in 2012.

Speaking in December, Honda Motor Europe President Manabu Nishimae said Honda remained totally committed to building cars and engines in Europe with Swindon at the heart of Honda's European manufacturing activities. This move to a two shift pattern on Line 2 represents a further step in HUM’s increased production activity, and coincides with growing demand for Honda’s new Civic family hatchback.

HUM Director, Andy Piatek commented, “I am delighted to welcome our new Associates. At HUM we are proud of the skills of our workforce and the quality and reliability of the products we build.”

New Honda Associate, Dan Smith, spoke about his excitement at starting work at Honda, “I am really looking forward to building the new Civic here at HUM. Over the past few months we have been through all kinds of training and now it’s finally time to get started!”

In addition to the new Civic and the successful Jazz, 2012 will also see the mass production launch of the new European CR-V and the introduction of a new small diesel engine, both of which will be produced at HUM.

Barretts HONDA

Barretts Honda are part of the Kent based Barretts Motor Group http://www.barrettskent.co.uk/
Twitter: @BarrettsHonda


Social Media Management by motortradesolutions.net

11 April 2012

Civic Best Value Car


It’s Official – New Civic is the Best Value Car on the Road
  • New Civic tops the medium hatchback category and beats all competitors to be named the Parkers Cost of Motoring New Car Awards 2012 overall winner
  • Jazz Hybrid takes the top spot in the Eco Car category for the second year in a row
The new British built Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC SE has been recognised as representing the best value for money in the Parkers Cost of Motoring New Car Awards, 2012. It not only came out on top in the competitive Medium Hatchback category on the basis that it offered better value than any of its competitors over a three year period, but it was also named as the overall Awards winner.

The new Civic which has only been in dealerships since February held off fierce competition to be given the number one spot based on figures collated by Parkers’ Cost of Motoring tool. This innovative tool calculates the true “hidden costs” associated with owning and running a new car, including fuel consumption, depreciation, servicing, breakdown cover and road tax over a three year period. In a further boost to the Honda range, the Jazz 1.3 IMA HE Hybrid was awarded the Eco Car category title for the second year running.

Kieren Puffett, Editor of Parkers, commented; The Medium Hatchback category is a hugely competitive market so to have a winner here is truly a tremendous achievement and that is why we are not only delighted to announce that the Honda Civic Hatchback 1.4 i-VTEC SE five door wins the Parkers Cost of Motoring New Car Awards for the Medium Hatchback category, but is also the overall winner.

“The statistics for the Civic tell us it is great value for money and Honda should feel rightly proud, because the Parkers awards are based on statistical analysis of every new cars’ running costs, rather than opinion. But it doesn’t end there. The icing on the cake is that the Honda Jazz 1.3 IMA HE Hybrid wins for a second year in a row the Parkers Cost of Motoring New Car Awards Eco Car category. It’s an outstanding performance by Honda all round.”

Commenting on Parkers announcing the Honda Civic as the overall winner in the Cost of Motoring New Car Awards 2012, Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK), said: “This is a fantastic result for the new Civic. It has only been in dealerships since February and to have received this accolade so soon is a great achievement. What makes the award even more special is that it is based on fact. Thanks to Parkers’ very clever cost of motoring tool, we can officially say that the new Civic is the best value new car out there!"

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Barretts HONDA

Barretts Honda are part of the Kent based Barretts Motor Group http://www.barrettskent.co.uk/
Twitter: @BarrettsHonda


Social Media Management by motortradesolutions.net

02 April 2012

Honda CR-V Upgrade


Honda CR-V Customers Benefit from a Complimentary Upgrade

Honda customers purchasing a British-built CR-V from new this spring will benefit from a complimentary trim level upgrade worth up to £2,520.

Between the beginning of April and end of June 2012, customers purchasing a CR-V SE+ will be upgraded to the ES-T variant. This means the addition of £2,490 worth of extra equipment including 18” alloy wheels, half leather/half alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, retractable wing mirrors, iPod connectivity and Satellite Navigation with Hands Free Telephone system all completely free of charge.

Customers looking for that added luxury and opting for the ES-T specification will automatically receive a complimentary upgrade to EX trim. This means the addition of premium audio, full leather upholstery, panoramic roof, HID lights, auto lights and wipers, full body coloured bumpers and eight way power assisted driver seat – worth a total of £2,520.

To keep the CR-Vs running costs manageable, Honda is also offering a three year service plan for only £299 and a two year 0 per cent HP finance package.

Your Honda, Your Way

Throughout April, May and June, the popular Jazz supermini and CR-Z sports hybrid will continue to benefit from the ‘Your Honda, Your Way’ campaign which was launched at the beginning of the year. This campaign gives customers the opportunity to create their very own exclusive offer package by choosing three of the following complimentary options:
  • 3 years servicing & road side assistance
  • Fourth year extended Honda Happiness guarantee
  • 3 years 6.4 per cent PCP with 0 per cent deposit
  • 3 years 0 per cent HP with 35 per cent deposit – new addition
  • 3 years road tax
  • £300 insurance contribution
The addition of 3 years 0 per cent HP with 35 per cent deposit brings down monthly payments even further.

For more details on all of the above and to see what else Barretts Honda has to offer please visit http://www.barrettskent.co.uk/honda/contact_barretts.htm.

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Barretts HONDA

Barretts Honda are part of the Kent based Barretts Motor Group http://www.barrettskent.co.uk/
Twitter: @BarrettsHonda


Social Media Management by motortradesolutions.net

21 March 2012

Geneva Motorshow 2012

Honda at the Geneva Motorshow 2012 

 The first engine from Honda’s ground breaking new Earth Dreams Technology range will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2012. The 1.6litre i-DTEC is the first in a new generation of engines being introduced to Honda models over the next three years. Lining up next to the new 1.6litre i-DTEC is the stunning Honda NSX Concept and European CR-V Prototype.
Honda will also have the European premiere of the EV-STER, the next-generation electric small sports concept model in the form of an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car.

Two new Jazz derivatives will be displayed for the first time. The Jazz Si features an upgraded sporty suspension package and styling changes to the interior and the exterior. The second variant, the Jazz 1.2 with Idle Stop, delivers a reduction in CO2 emissions of 3g/km compared to the standard 1.2 model.

Honda is also displaying the rest of its model line-up comprising of the new Civic, the hybrids - Jazz, CR-Z and Insight - as well as the Accord range in Saloon and Tourer guise. In addition, the FCX Clarity, the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle, makes another appearance to the public.

Earth Dreams Technology – Honda‘s new generation of drive trains


New 1.6
litre i-DTEC engine for Europe At the Tokyo Motor Show in December 2011, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that Honda is developing a new generation of drive trains named ‘Earth Dreams Technology’. This new series of engines and transmissions will deliver excellent performance and environmental values and will be gradually introduced throughout the Honda range.

Number one in fuel economy 


With the exceptional environmental values of Earth Dreams Technology, Honda strives to achieve industry leading fuel efficiency within 3 years.

The first engine from this series will be a newly developed 1.6litre i-DTEC engine. Designed for the European market, this new smaller diesel engine will be first introduced to Honda’s new Civic in late 2012. It is lighter than any other diesel engine of its size and with CO2 emissions of 95g/km and a maximum power output of 120 PS (at 4000rpm), the engine delivers a class-leading balance of fuel economy and performance. Plus, the 300Nm of torque (at 2000rpm) results in excellent driveability.

Specification


New 1.6litre i-DTEC engine specification:
Displacement1596 cc
Max Power88kw (120PS)/4000rpm
Max Torque300 Nm/2000rpm
CO2 95g/km of CO2 (to be confirmed)

Honda CR-V Prototype


At Geneva, Honda has on display the European CR-V Prototype, which provides the first official glimpse of the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V, set to go on sale in autumn 2012.

The CR-V Prototype embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction. Compared to the previous generation, the model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the overall lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

The CR-V's vertical taillights remain and now feature a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. Equipped with more efficient engines compared to the current model, the new CR-V is expected to deliver improved fuel economy.

The CR-V is one of the top-selling SUVs and is sold in more than 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa. This 4th Generation CR-V is already on sale in North America and Japan and the European version will make its official debut at the Paris Salon in the autumn of 2012.

Honda NSX Concept

Honda presents the new Honda NSX Concept for the first time in Europe, highlighting the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar.

Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies, including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.

Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, who was part of the development team of Honda’s first NSX supercar, recently explained the values of the new NSX; “Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency. In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept represents the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Utilising a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a powerful next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with direct-injection, works together with a dual clutch transmission and a third electric traction motor integrated within the transmission housing, to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

The new NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio, USA.

DIMENSIONS

NSX Concept
Length, mm
4,330
Width, mm
1,895
Height, mm
1,160
Wheelbase, mm
2,575
Wheel size
19x9 (front)
20x10 (rear)
Tyre size
255/35R19 (front)
275/30R20 (rear)

Honda EV-STER -
the next-generation electric small sports concept model

Featuring a dynamic and innovative styling design and excellent environmental performance, the EV-STER, an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car, will propose a new way to enjoy a sports type model which is unique to electromotive mobility. The use of light weight carbon materials contributes to the vehicle's driving performance and range of approximately 99 miles.

Key specifications of the EV-STER


Vehicle length3,570mm
Vehicle width1,500mm
Vehicle height1,100mm
Wheelbase2,325mm
Maximum speed99 mph
Acceleration (0-60km/h)5.0 sec
Maximum rangeApproximately 99 miles (JC08 mode)
Maximum battery output58kW
Charging time200V: under 3 hours
100V: under 6 hours

Honda JAZZ

Honda Jazz Si - New Limited Edition model to be introduced in summer 2012
  • Revised body styling emphasises fun-to-drive appeal
  • Suspension and steering changes improve ride and handling
  • Unique interior trim compliments enhanced exterior styling
  • 16-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard
  • 1.4-litre i-VTEC engine with manual transmission
  • Maintains acclaimed Jazz space and versatility with Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’
  • Comprehensive safety package includes Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure
  • VSA stability control system and six airbags as standard
  • Maximum five-star safety rating in Euro-NCAP crash tests
Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show is the new Honda Jazz Si, which will reach showrooms in summer 2012. This new version combines the space, versatility and frugal running costs of the existing Jazz 1.4 i-VTEC but with increased dynamic appeal. The retuned suspension is complimented by styling revisions inside and out.

The Jazz Si was developed by Honda Research and Development Europe and will be manufactured in the UK.

Emphasising the sharp appearance of the Jazz Si is a new body kit. This consists of new front and rear bumpers, with deep valances and prominent side skirts. Stylish 16-inch alloy wheels are fitted with low-profile tyres, while front fog lights, dark-tinted privacy glass and a straight exhaust tailpipe complete the transformation.

Inside, the Jazz Si has black and silver supportive seats, with the addition of a sports inspired leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift lever both featuring silver stitching.

To ensure the Jazz Si has substance as well as style, revised suspension settings have been adopted. New dampers are combined with a larger front anti-roll bar to improve straight-line stability and body control. The electric power-steering system has also been modified for improved feel and response.

Standard Jazz Si equipment includes automatic climate control, cruise control, front fog lights, LED rear combination lamps, remote audio controls on the steering wheel, USB socket, trip computer, powered and retractable door mirrors, height-adjustable driver’s seat, and electric windows, with an auto-up function for the driver,– along with the unrivalled flexibility bestowed by the Jazz’ Magic Seats.

One of the key considerations for Honda’s designers and engineers during the development of the Jazz Si was to preserve the key strengths that owners of the existing Jazz enjoy about their car.

The Jazz Si is powered by Honda’s familiar 1.4-litre i-VTEC 100 PS (73kW) engine, acclaimed for its performance and high fuel economy. This four-cylinder unit develops its maximum power at 6,000rpm and has a peak torque output of 127Nm at 4,800rpm.

In five-speed manual form the Jazz Si has the acceleration as the traditional models and has a top speed of 113mph.

Along with greater dynamism, the Jazz Si retains the easy-to-drive character, smooth controls, comfortable ride and long-distance refinement of the standard Jazz. The Jazz Si therefore offers the best of all worlds – a small car that can effortlessly cover long distances and is also fun to drive.

The excellent safety of the Jazz remains a key component of the Jazz Si, too. It employs Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which compensates for collisions between vehicles of different sizes and deflects crash energy away from the passenger cabin.

ACE body structure is part of a comprehensive package that helped the Jazz achieve a maximum five-star safety rating in Euro-NCAP crash tests. Standard protection features include Honda’s VSA stability control system and anti-lock brakes to help the driver avoid an accident. Should a collision prove unavoidable, however, there are six airbags, three-point seatbelts all round, with reminders to warn the driver if someone has failed to put their seatbelt on, anti-whiplash head restraints and ISOFIX child-seat tethers and top anchors.

The Si variant of the Jazz was developed and engineered entirely in Europe and it will be in dealer showrooms at the end of August.

Honda Jazz SE with Idle Stop
The Jazz SE with Idle Stop makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 and further demonstrates Honda’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy. The 1.2 litre Jazz with Idle Stop will be sold alongside the existing Jazz range and will not lose any of the practicality associated with the model. The Jazz SE with Idle Stop sits above the S A/C in the model line up and also benefits from the addition of Auto Climate Control and body coloured door handles and mirrors.

The Idle Stop system automatically switches off the engine when you come to a stop improving efficiency and delivering a combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 120 g/km – representing an improvement of approximately 3 g/km in comparison to 1.2 litre Jazz. The system is also optional so that the driver can switch it off when it is not required.

Specifications
1.2 litre petrol engine specification
Displacement1198 cc
Fuel Consumption M/T54.3 mpg Combined
CO2 120g/km of CO2

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Barretts HONDA

Barretts Honda are part of the Kent based Barretts Motor Group http://www.barrettskent.co.uk/
Twitter: @BarrettsHonda


Social Media Management by motortradesolutions.net

New Honda Civic CO2 emissions


Honda announces CO2 emissions of 95 g/km for new Civic with 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine

Honda Motor Europe’s President, Manabu Nishimae, today announced the 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine in the new Civic would deliver CO2 emissions of 95g/km*.

The new 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine is the first drive train from Honda’s new Earth Dreams Technology engine series to be introduced into Europe. It will be manufactured at Honda’s UK manufacturing facility in Swindon from the end of 2012.

The application of new high-strength material in the cylinder head has enabled Honda to deliver the world’s lightest aluminium open deck 1.6-litre diesel engine.

These lightweight characteristics, along with the compact high-efficiency turbocharger enhance responsiveness and ensure the car will offer a class-leading balance of fuel economy and performance.

*Honda data

1.6 diesel engine specification:
Displacement1596 cc
Max Power88kw (120PS)/4000rpm
Max Torque300 Nm/2000rpm
CO2 95g/km of CO2 (Honda data)

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Barretts HONDA

Barretts Honda are part of the Kent based Barretts Motor Group http://www.barrettskent.co.uk/
Twitter: @BarrettsHonda


Social Media Management by motortradesolutions.net