• Pre-VAT rise prices have been held on selected models for January
• Three years’ complimentary servicing and flexible finance options available until the end of March 2011 on selected models including the sporty CR-Z hybrid

Honda (UK) is continuing to make new car ownership more affordable by adding three years’ complimentary servicing and a range of flexible finance options to selected new cars until the end of March 2011. Honda is also easing the pain of the New Year VAT rise by absorbing the price increase for customers throughout January.

Three years’ free servicingCustomers visiting a Honda dealership in the new year will also be eligible for three years’ complimentary servicing on all new CR-V models and Insight and CR-Z hybrids.

This offer, combined with Honda’s standard one year’s road side assistance, three year new car warranty and Honda’s reputation for bulletproof reliability, means affordable and hassle-free Honda new car ownership for the first three years.

Pre-VAT rise price freeze
Honda is also holding 2010 prices on all CR-V, CR-Z, Insight and Accord models and selected Civic variants until the end of January 2011. For example, by not passing on the VAT rise, customers can benefit from a £443 saving on a new Accord 2.0 ES GT. 

Flexible financing
A range of flexible finance options are available across the Honda range to break the new car cost into manageable monthly payments. With a 25 per cent deposit, customers can secure a 5.9 per cent PCP over three years, while those with a smaller deposit of 10 per cent can secure a 7.9 per cent PCP over the same duration. A two year 0 per cent HP is available with a 35 per cent down payment.

Customers opting for the 5.9 per cent PCP with 25 per cent deposit could walk away with a brand new CR-V 4x4 for as little as £299 per month*. 

“Our New Year’s resolution was to keep helping our customers drive down the cost of new car ownership and three years free servicing combined with a selection of finance options is a great start. Plus, we wanted to take the sting off the VAT price rise – two and a half per cent is a significant amount on large purchases such as cars and it all adds up,” concluded Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda (UK).

- New, fresh face
- CVT gearbox is back
- Suspension improvements refine ride and improve handling
- Addition of leather upholstery 
- Improvement in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption
- Prices start from £11,295 OTR for the Jazz 1.2 S model
- Prices for the Jazz Hybrid start from £15,995 OTR for the HE trim level

The popular Honda Jazz has been given a refresh, with a range of enhancements to both looks and driving dynamics. The revised Jazz range, which will include a hybrid model, goes on sale in the UK on 1 February 2011, with prices starting from £11,295 for the 1.2 S model and £15,995 for the Hybrid variant in HE trim.

The challenge for Honda’s engineers was to freshen and improve the car without compromising on the characteristics that make the Jazz so popular. But by enhancing the car’s strongest qualities, Honda has taken the Jazz on to the next stage, producing a car with greater flexibility, better looks, increased ride comfort and improved eco credentials.

While the revised car is just as cleverly packaged, fresh styling gives the Jazz a new appearance. New front and rear bumpers are the main parts to have influenced the look of the car. These have also been designed to reduce drag as the airflow passes over the Jazz’s body and to avoid turbulence when the airflow detaches from the rear. These styling improvements aid aerodynamic efficiency on all Jazz models helping the Cd figure to fall from 0.336 to 0.330.

Welcome back CVT
Constantly variable transmission, more commonly known as ‘CVT’, first appeared in the previous Jazz range and due to overwhelming customer demand Honda has brought it back along with a few clever improvements.

The CVT is an automatic transmission that keeps the engine in a rev range where the car is most efficient. As well as ensuring the whole power train of the Jazz is more efficient, it also offers the driver a smooth and effortless journey.

The CVT transmission is a standard feature on the Hybrid while it is available as an option on 1.4 litre petrol models, where, thanks to the improvements, it now matches the economy and emissions of the outgoing Jazz i-SHIFT, with a CO2 value starting at just 125g/km.

High specification and flexible cabin
Leather upholstery makes a very welcome appearance for the first time in the Jazz range. Along with the addition of chrome rings defining the air vents, instruments and climate controls across the dashboard, the leather trim gives a whole new premium feeling to the interior of the car and is an important option for customers downsizing from larger vehicles from other sectors. Leather seats are standard on the Jazz Hybrid in HX trim and available as a £1,250 option on the 1.4-litre petrol EX model.

Another change across the range is a new darker dashboard material which contrasts strongly with the orange and blue back lighting of the dials, gauges and displays across the dashboard. The orange backlighting colour is unique to the petrol powered variants, while the Hybrid version uses the blue lighting to differentiate the model from the rest of the range.  

The Magic Seats, famed for their flexibility and multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations – are now even better with the addition of a reclining rear seat. The rear seats can now recline 73mms to increase rear passenger comfort.

Engine range expands with the introduction of hybrid technology
The established 1.2-litre and best-selling 1.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engines remain in the Jazz range and to compliment the launch of the Hybrid variant, these two petrol engines have benefited from some small reductions in CO2 values and improved fuel economy. The 1.4-litre manual variant with manual transmission has emissions starting at 126 g/km down from 128 g/km and uses 51.4mpg on the combined cycle. The fuel sipping 1.2 litre engine uses 53.3mpg and also drops two grams of CO2 to 123g/km. 

The Jazz Hybrid is an ultra-efficient car with a combined fuel consumption figure of 62.8 mpg – and with the same super-smooth electric system as the Insight, even more fuel is saved around town. While a CO2 output of just 104g/km makes the Jazz Hybrid the lowest of any automatic car in the B-segment.

Improved ride comfort and handling
The suspension on the 2011 Jazz features revised settings to increase ride comfort and improve handling. Already well respected for its lightness and manoeuvrability around town, the Jazz benefits from improvements to steering feel at higher speeds. Thanks to this continuous improvement the revised model has a much firmer, positive steering feel as speeds increase to inspire a confident driving experience.

All Jazz models, including the Hybrid version, share new sleek, projector style headlights adding to the sportier look. There are four new colours available across the petrol range – Azure Blue, Polished Metal, Urban Titanium and Ionized Bronze. The Hybrid version also benefits from Azure Blue plus two new colours – a vibrant Lime Green Metallic and Taffeta White. 

Honda beat off rivals to the top spot in the annual survey which is published by industry leading publication Fleet News. The report covers 1.5 million vehicles owned or managed by the country's 50 largest contract hire companies. Honda also featured highly in the top ten most reliable cars with the Accord and British-built Civic in second and ninth place respectively.

Graham Avent, Manager - Corporate Operations at Honda (UK), commented:"Winning the FN50 most reliable manufacturer accolade is a huge boost for Honda in the Corporate market. What makes it so important is the survey size - it's great to know that out of over one million drivers, the Honda brand comes out on top. We always score well in consumer surveys thanks to the phenomenal reliability and quality of our product range - but to get this recognition from the company car drivers themselves means the world to our Corporate team and our Corporate dealer network.

"The Civic's top ten placing is also a great endorsement for our plant in Swindon that makes 85 per cent of the cars we sell in the UK. Honda has proven that British manufacturing continues to produce class-leading product for the fleet market."

Over the years, Honda has continually been ranked highly in customer reliability surveys such as the JD Power Survey and Which? Car.

Fleet News editor Stephen Briers concluded: “Businesses that depend on vehicles take reliability very seriously, and can’t afford downtime through breakdowns that incurs extra costs.

“This is the largest reliability survey of its kind, so any vehicle with a top 10 placing will represent a safe bet for any organisation or private motorist.”

To mark this special occasion, Honda has launched a dedicated website at http://world.honda.com/ASIMO hosting films and photographs detailing ASIMO's evolution over the past 10 years. A 'Run with Asimo' smartphone and iphone app has also been produced to allow users to interact with a virtual version of the robot on their phone.

ASIMO was created 10 years ago as part of Honda's programme of research and development into robotics and human mobility. After 10 years of innovation, ASIMO can now run and walk on uneven slopes and surfaces, climb stairs, and reach for and grasp objects. ASIMO can also comprehend and respond to simple voice commands, recognise faces and even avoid moving obstacles as it runs.

ASMIO has lead to breakthroughs in mobility technology, but Honda's ultimate goal is to develop ASIMO into a robot to help people, both by carrying out day to day tasks and by performing work too dangerous for a human, such as firefighting and cleaning up toxic spills.

Honda is now focusing its research on the development of ASIMO's intelligence, as well as exploring the scope for interaction between humans and humanoid robots.

To view ASIMO's birthday celebrations, please visit http://world.honda.com/ASIMO

Starting at Madeira Drive in Brighton, the Future Car Challenge uses the traditional 60-mile veteran car run route, but in reverse. The three Honda cars will be retracing the route taken by Honda Motor founder, Soichiro Honda, when he tackled the London to Brighton event in 1985.

All participating cars in the Challenge are measured on the energy they use on the route, with those using the least energy over the 60-mile run crowned the winners.

Making its debut on British roads is the Jazz with hybrid technology. This car features Honda’s innovative and reliable petrol-electric IMA system to lower emissions to 104 g/km and improve fuel economy to 64.2 mpg (preliminary figures). Honda has been able to add this cleaner hybrid technology to the supermini while retaining all the popular practical characteristics found in the non-hybrid version including the unique folding Magic Seats. The Honda Jazz with hybrid technology will be available to order in the UK from early 2011. 

Supporting the Jazz will be the world’s first production fuel cell car – the ground-breaking FCX Clarity which emits no harmful exhaust emissions with only water vapour coming out of the tailpipe. This car offers a clean equivalent of what most of us drive today, including a good driving range of 270 miles, a 3-5 minute refuelling time and a flexible layout and design.

Boosting the Honda presence will be Honda’s CR-Z, the world’s first sporty hybrid coupe; a great looking car that’s exciting to drive and has all the benefits of advanced, low emission hybrid technology. It’s clean, efficient petrol-electric IMA hybrid powertrain not only offers good fuel economy (56.5 mpg) and a low exhaust emissions package, but also adds to the nippy driving characteristics of the car. The CR-Z was launched in the UK earlier this year and is available from £16,999.


The first cars competing in the Challenge will depart Brighton at 08:00 with the finish time estimated between 10:45 and 12:00 in Pall Mall, London.  Further information on the RAC Future Car Challenge can be found by visiting www.futurecarchallenge.com. 

The strong partnership of twice BTCC champion Matt Neal and Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden will build on the successful 2010 season for the Honda Racing Team. Both drivers were in contention until the final round at Brands Hatch earlier this month where they narrowly missed out in the fight for the Drivers’ crown, finishing in second and third spot respectively.

Neal, 43, from Worcester notched up 5 wins over the season while his team-mate Flash, 31, from Fife also had 5 wins. Shedden was recently awarded the prestigious BRDC Silver Star over both team-mate Neal and the 2010 BTCC Champion Plato, for scoring more points overall in his top 12 finishes this season.

Honda (UK) and Team Dynamics are already working closely together on plans and car development for the 2011 season. The team walked away with both the Team and Manufacturers’ Trophies and the target is for a clean sweep next season, so no one is resting on their laurels.

David Hodgetts, Managing Director, Honda (UK) said: "We are thrilled to announce Matt and Gordon as our drivers once again for next year. They have shown they are a winning combination on the track and they are excellent ambassadors for the Honda brand off the track too."

Matt Neal said: "I'm looking forward to a thrilling 2011. The Civic is a real driver’s car which gives you amazing performance and road holding both on and off the track. I can't wait to get the season started again."

Gordon Shedden said: "It was great to be back home in the Honda Civic in 2010 which delivered fantastic results. The aim is to come back even stronger and go for a clean sweep of titles in 2011. Bring it on!"

Drivers Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden took three podiums across the three races to help Team Dynamics, which runs the Honda Racing Team Civics, to fend off the opposition and win the trophy. Honda had already wrapped up the Manufacturers spoils.

While the drivers narrowly missed out in the fight for the drivers’ crown to Jason Plato, Neal said that the team’s on-track showings had exceeded expectations.
“Usually you would be delighted to have finished second in a championship but it isn’t enough for us,” said Neal. “We are winners and that is what we always want to do but we were up against a team with huge budget.

“It has been a great year for Honda and we have had some great successes so it is nice to reward the boys who work so hard on the car with a trophy. I gave it everything I had got at Brands Hatch and drove my heart out but it just didn’t work out for me to overhaul Plato.”

Despite the personal disappointment, Neal says he is already plotting his revenge. “For us the work never stops,” added Neal. “We have already started thinking about next year’s challenge and how we can take a clean sweep of all the trophies. This week is the first week of our 2011 programme and we can’t wait to get stuck in to it.”

Shedden, who finished in third place in the points, paid tribute to the work done by the team throughout the year to extract every last ounce of performance from the two-litre touring car. “I am upset that neither Matt or I were able to reward Honda with a drivers title but just take a look at the way we have performed this season as a unit. The car has been fantastic all the way through the year and we have been up against some of the most experienced rivals you could imagine.

“Against that backdrop, we have pushed hard and made the car competitive at every circuit. As a result, we have taken two of the three major titles on offer. It also means we should be really proud of having two of the top three drivers in the championship. That shows that Honda is a winning product and that it will only get faster in the BTCC.”

• Three years’ complimentary servicing and three years’ free road tax on majority of Jazz, Civic, and Insight models until the end of the year
• CR-V petrol range benefits from three years free servicing
• Customer savings on Jazz 1.2 S, Civic 1.4 Type-S and Insight SE models
• Type-R GT available for £19,995 OTR – saving of over £2,000
• Competitive finance options available – new Jazz available for as little as £122 per month

Customers visiting Barretts Honda in Canterbury, Kent can take advantage of three years’ affordable driving, cost savings and competitive finance options, to help off-set the cost of new car ownership for the first three years. 

Three Years’ Affordable Driving
After a successful 'Three Years’ Affordable Driving' campaign launch in early summer, Honda (UK) is extending the popular offer. Customers can now benefit from three years’ complimentary servicing, three years’ free road tax and a range of competitive finance options on the majority of Jazz, Civic and Insight models. The CR-V petrol range also benefits from three years complimentary servicing alongside a selection of low-rate finance options.

This offer, combined with Honda’s standard one year’s road side assistance, three year new car warranty and Honda’s reputation for bulletproof reliability, means affordable Honda new car ownership for the first three years. 

Customer savings
In addition to driving down running costs, savings can also be made on selected Jazz, Civic and Insight models. Customers can drive away with a new Jazz 1.2 S from £9,995 – a saving of £995, or a Civic 1.4 Type-S from £13,995 – or even an Insight for just £14,995, further cementing its place as the lowest price hybrid on the market.

Those customers wanting to buy a Type-R before UK production halts later this year can get an impressive £2,330 saving on the Type-R GT - bringing the cost down to £19,995 OTR.

Low-rate finance options
There is also a selection of competitive finance options available to enable drivers to spread the cost over three years to provide a low monthly payment. For example, with a 25 per cent deposit, customers can secure a 5.9 per cent PCP over three years. For those with a smaller deposit, 10 per cent can secure a 7.9 per cent PCP over the same duration. A two year 0 per cent HP is available with a 35 per cent down payment.*

• Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) awarded Euro NCAP Advanced honour
• CMBS is a radar-based autonomous emergency braking technology to help prevent collisions
• Euro NCAP Advanced evaluates safety technologies not tested under the traditional Euro NCAP assessment

This award reflects Honda’s commitment to overall vehicle safety and compliments Honda’s long standing in-house safety testing which seeks to improve real world safety.

Euro NCAP Advanced was initiated by Euro NCAP in response to the rapid development of new safety technologies available which are not tested under the traditional star assessment - like Honda’s CMBS system. 

Honda’s award-winning Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) is a radar-based autonomous emergency braking system designed to help prevent collisions with vehicles which are stationary or travelling in the same direction. 

Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System
The technology works at speeds above 9 mph and if the system senses that the car is likely to collide with a car in front, a three stage process is initiated. In the first, typically around 3 seconds before impact, the driver is alerted by visual and audible warnings. In the second stage, when the system senses that a collision is still likely (2 seconds before impact), three sharp tugs are given on the seat belt and the car automatically starts to apply some braking. Finally, when a collision is unavoidable, CMBS tightens the front seat occupants’ seatbelts and applies a high level of braking force. The technology is available as an option on Accord and CR-V models.

About Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Since the introduction of the new rating scheme Euro NCAP have tested 5 Honda models; Civic, Accord, Jazz, Insight and most recently CR-Z. All 5 models achieved 5 stars, with the Honda Insight also being named “safest hybrid vehicle” as well as the 2nd safest vehicle tested in 2009. 

Euro NCAP Advanced is a Euro NCAP initiative in response to the rapid development of new safety technologies available when buying cars for which there is no independent assessment. Euro NCAP Advanced is open to any technical system that has a clear safety benefit and as long as it is available as an option on one of the Euro NCAP tested cars and not already addressed by the current star rating.

Detailed information about the 2010 rewarded technologies, their safety benefits and the related cars is now available on Euro NCAP’s website: www.euroncap.com.

• World’s first B-segment car with hybrid technology
• No compromise – features all the practicality of the standard Jazz
• Retains the flexible Magic Seats
• Up to 831 litres of boot space
• 104 g/km of CO₂ emissions*
• Improved fuel economy offers up to 64.2 miles per gallon*  

The Jazz will feature the same 1.3 litre i-VTEC as the Insight hybrid and despite its taller body shape, the new car has similar CO₂ emissions of 104 g/km* - 21g/km less than the current lowest-emitting 1.2-litre petrol Jazz. As well as the environmental benefits, the cleaner emissions bring more affordable driving too: road tax exempt for the first year and just £20 a year after, the hybrid version of the Jazz will also be free from the London congestion charge.

“We think that a cleaner, more economical version of the Jazz will be a big hit with customers,” said John Kingston, Government Affairs and Environment Manager, Honda (UK). “The IMA hybrid technology is incredibly easy to use, owners don‘t need to worry about plugging anything in to charge. It‘s simply a case of filling up with petrol and driving on as normal.”

Like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models, the hybrid version of the Jazz will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions and this contributes to a combined fuel consumption figure of 64.2 mpg* - a 23 per cent improvement over the best-selling 1.4 ES model.

Honda has added this cleaner hybrid technology to the supermini while retaining the flexibility of its unique folding Magic Seats. The IMA battery pack and power control unit have been integrated in the area under the boot floor, keeping the normal boot area of 300 litres and allowing the Magic Seats to fold in the same manner as non-hybrid versions. This means that the seats still fold entirely flat to provide a surprising large boot space of 831 litres, or the seat bases can be folded to sit vertically to accommodate tall items within the car. 

The Jazz with hybrid technology will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show and will go on sale in the UK in early 2011. Prices, homologated emissions levels and full specifications will be announced at a later date.

Barretts Honda News
Honda Racing News
Honda Racing Team BTCC Race Review, Rounds 25-27, Donington Park, Leicestershire

• Shedden wins round 25
• Neal wins round 27
• Honda wins Manufacturers’ Championship

Honda Racing Team stars Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden have closed in on the lead of the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship by taking a win apiece at Donington Park on Sunday. Honda has won the BTCC manufacturers’ championship, beating rival Chevrolet. 

The Derbyshire venue was the scene for the penultimate round of this season’s contest and Shedden powered his Civic to victory in race one and a second position in race two to notch the highest points score of any driver over the weekend. Neal rounded off a superb weekend for the Civic drivers by dominating the final encounter. The results mean that Neal is in second place in the points going into the season’s showdown at Brands Hatch in three weeks time (October 9/10) and Shedden is tucked four points further back in third place.

Matt Neal said the weekend’s performance was a credit to the handling of his Honda. The 43-year-old explained: “The Civic was a fantastic car today and we’ve been able to turn up the pressure in the race for the championship. I was slightly disappointed with what happened at the start of the second event because I honestly believe we would have been in a position to win that race but these things happen in motor racing. There was a small problem with my clutch and I couldn’t help but creep forward and got a jumped start penalty. Nevertheless, we have managed to cut the gap to the leader in the points and that’s what we set out to do. It will be gloves off at Brands Hatch now – I am the one doing the chasing so the pressure is going to be on everyone else.”

There was more joy for Neal’s sister car of ‘Flash’ Gordon Shedden. The 31-year-old was the most successful racer of the weekend with two podiums in the opening two races and he added to his tally with a battling top ten finish in the final race of the weekend. “I am delighted,” said Shedden. “We know the Civic is a good car around Donington Park so this was a golden opportunity to capitalise on that and I was able to. I had to fight hard to get to the front in the opening race and then I used my head to hang on to second place in race two. I am right in the mix for the title for the first time so I am pleased about that. Anything could happen at Brands Hatch but we at the Honda Racing Team will be doing absolutely everything we can to make it work for us.”

In the Manufacturers’ Championship, Honda is 90 points ahead of Chevrolet with three races remaining at Brands Hatch and cannot be caught.

Matt Neal said “Winning the manufacturers’ title underlines what a great racing car the Civic is. We haven’t had to chuck the huge amount of money at the programme that some of our rivals have been able to, and we haven’t had access to a twin programme in the world championship either. For us, this has been a highly efficient programme, concentrating on the Civic’s strengths and proving that the Civic is one of the best handling cars out there. Now all we need to do to cap an incredible season is claim the drivers’ title too…”

Team Dynamics principal Steve Neal said “We are absolutely delighted with this result and it is a clear reflection on the strengths of the Civic in all conditions and the strength of our drivers, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden. Chevrolet and its lead driver Jason Plato are tough opponents to beat, but we respect what they have achieved and I hope they respect what we have done. We were dominant in the first half of the season and then the others caught up a bit, but we didn’t rest on our laurels. We pushed the programme forward and constantly developed the Civic to put ourselves back at the head of the pack. To earn silverware at the end of the season is a credit to everyone involved: the team, Honda itself and the driver pairing we have.” 

1. Jason Plato, Racing Silverline, Chevrolet Lacetti (224)
2. Matt Neal, Honda Racing Team, Honda Civic (207)
3. Gordon Shedden, Honda Racing Team, Honda Civic (203)4. Tom Onslow-Cole, Team Aon, Ford Focus ST (200)

Honda's ground-breaking hydrogen fuel cell car, the FCX Clarity, has made its debut on UK roads, in the first of a series of high-profile test drives to raise awareness of the zero emission technology.

Business Secretary, Vince Cable, was one of the first to drive the world’s only production fuel cell electric car following a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street.

He said: “I was pleased to be one of the first in the UK to test drive the Honda FCX Clarity and find out more about the potential for hydrogen fuel cell technology.

“The Government is keen to encourage all forms of low carbon vehicle technology such as hydrogen fuel cells, hybrids or significantly more efficient conventional vehicles,” continued the Secretary of State.

“This is part of our push to stimulate the market for green motoring and give consumers greater choice.”

Honda has brought the FCX Clarity to the UK to inform and educate policy makers of the viability and potential of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which emit no pollutants, only water vapour from the exhaust.

Later this week, the FCX Clarity will be driven by other politicians, industry figures and key members of the media as Honda demonstrates the practicality, performance and range of the 5-door saloon to help encourage the development and adoption of hydrogen as a fuel in Europe.

“Petrol-electric hybrids – like our Civic, Insight and CR-Z models – are currently an effective way to reduce emissions from cars, but fuel cell electric cars are the ultimate environmental technology,” says Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK).

“The FCX Clarity is a real world production vehicle that emits no harmful exhaust gasses, offers a range of around 270 miles, a short refuelling time, and the practicality and performance of a conventional saloon. It could revolutionise the future of motoring.”

Honda is already leasing FCX Clarity vehicles in the US and Japan, where there are emerging infrastructures to support hydrogen-powered cars. There are no plans at present for the commercial introduction of the FCX Clarity in the UK.

Barretts Honda Racing News
Local hero Gordon Shedden says his Honda Racing Team Civic will allow him to delight the home fans when the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship resumes at Knockhill in Scotland this weekend.

The Fife flier, who is currently fourth in the standings, thinks the hatchback racer and the demanding Scottish track are the perfect partners.

“Knockhill is a really tricky circuit because it has undulation, some of the corners are over crests and you have to really attack it to get the best out of it,” explains the 31-year-old, who works at the track as a commercial director. “I think the Honda Racing Team will score big points on a circuit like this. The strengths of our car include the incredible handling of the Civic and that is what Knockhill is all about. You can see why I am looking forward to it.”

Shedden has taken three wins so far this season and is within touching distance of the title lead. He knows that the results over the three races on Sunday are going to be vital towards his push for the crown.

“You have got to maximise your points all the time because consistency is the key to any title attack,” he explains. “I want to come away from Knockhill with 30 points in the bag which means I need to be on the podium in all three races. It is hard to do in a series that is as competitive as the British Touring Car Championship but, with the Civic, I have a great chance."

“It is also nice for me to race in front of the home fans,” he adds. “These three races offer as many points as any other on the calendar and I am always trying my maximum but when you see all the supporters there it is nice to give them something to cheer about.”

Shedden’s team-mate Matt Neal is also looking forward to this weekend’s showdown. The 43-year-old is also a three-time winner in the 2010 campaign and is third in the standings. 

The former double champion says that Knockhill will provide an all-action weekend. “It is a funny little circuit at Knockhill and it is quite small, which is great for the fans because it means the field never gets that spread out,” he explains. “That might be fun for the spectators and TV viewers, but it makes it hard work for the drivers! Having said that I am extremely optimistic heading to the track. Recently, we have had races on layouts that haven’t played to our strongest points so we have just consolidated our position but that will change in Scotland. 

“The Civic is brilliant at riding the kerbs, which you need to do at Knockhill to get a good lap time and the chassis is incredibly well balanced. If we can capitalise on that, then this weekend could prove to be a turning point for myself and for Gordon in terms of the championship chase.”

New and Used Honda in Kent
Barretts Honda are celebrating the launch of the new Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe with some great finance PCP Offers and a stunning contract hire deal for business users.

To find out more click the links below.