UK Used Review; Honda FR-V

Here's a write up on a vehicle that we won't see here in North America anytime too soon, and it's a pity because it sure looks good.
Honda FR-V
Used Car

The Honda FR-V is a masterpiece of clever packaging: shorter than a BMW 3-series and narrower than a Ford C-Max, it can accommodate six, and has a boot about 90 litres larger than that of a Volkswagen Golf.

It is the perfect car for families who want the space and practicality of an MPV without the bulk and fuel costs of such vehicles.

The FR-V was launched in November 2004 and was an instant hit. Under the bonnet, Honda initially offered just two petrol engines: a 1.7 litre and a 2 litre producing 125bhp and 150bhp respectively. Expect to pay some £850 more for a 2 litre than you would for an equivalent 1.7 litre.

In September 2005, the long-awaited 2.2 litre diesel engine appeared. Producing 140bhp and just 167g/km of CO2, at the time it was among the cleanest and most refined diesels money could buy. With more than 250 lb ft of torque available from just 2000rpm, it is also perfectly suited to propelling a heavily laden vehicle with ease.

However, the diesel’s desirability is also reflected in second-hand prices; so expect to pay £10,000-plus for a three-year-old example — that’s £2,500 more than for a similarly equipped 1.7 litre petrol model.

The unique character of the FR-V becomes apparent only when you slip behind its wheel. Three individual front seats are mirrored behind, and Honda has moved the gearstick and handbrake from the floor to the dash to liberate space. While none of the seats can be removed, the rear ones stow into the boot floor — increasing boot space to more than 1,000 litres — and the front middle seat has a huge amount of fore and aft adjustment.

In the world of people carriers, the FR-V is something of an oddball, but none the worse for it. Combining a decent drive with plenty of space, and with residual values that look strong, it could be a sound investment for cash-conscious families.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/used_car_reviews/article5433596.ece

For more informataion here's a blog put on by 'Acer Vicius' on the FR-V (thanks for following);
http://hondafrv.blogspot.com/

Euro Honda Accord Luxury Navi Review (N.A. Acura TSX)

For those interested in what's across the pond in UK, here's a nice review on the Euro Honda Accord Navi, which is of course here in North America, the Acura TSX.

Here's the link to the write up;
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=56949&vf=15

Euro Honda Civic Review

This is for us north americans who are interested in what's abroad. This is a car that we will probably never see here and if we did, it would probably come here in the form of an entry level Acura. Honda did bring the UK Civic here in the form of the 2002 - 2004 Honda Civic SiR hatchback, which remains in my opinion to be a very underrated car!
An engaging driving dynamics, practical interior and head-turning looks, make the Civic our compact family car favourite.

Styling/image
The latest generation of Civic is a radical styling departure for the normally conservative Japanese company. With its full width front lamps, wedge profile and high-set tail, the Honda certainly stands out from the crowd. Both three and five door versions are available, although both feature similarly sporty looks thanks to the latter’s hidden rear door handles. Rapid Type-R range-topper gets neat bodykit and 18-inch alloy wheels. Only the dull looking IMA hybrid four-door saloon is a design let down

Interior practicality
The cabin of the Civic is as eye-catching as the exterior, with the highlight being the logically laid-out wraparound dashboard. A large boot and innovative folding rear bench make sure the interior is practical and stylish. Sadly, thick C-pillars and high waistline result in poor rear visibility. Entry-level SE models get air-con and electric windows, but little else. Pay a little extra for Sport trim and you’ll get Xenon headlamps and 17-inch alloys, while the ES adds cruise control, rain sensing wipers and auto lights. The range-topping EX features voice-recognition sat-nav and parking sensors.

Engine/performance
The Civic is available with three petrol engines – an underpowered 82bhp 1.4-litre, eager 138bhp 1.8-litre and feisty 198bhp 2.0-litre. However, it’s the punchy and refined 138bhp 2.2-litre i-CDTi diesel motor that’s our pick. Keen drivers will love the hot Type-R version. It’s fitted with the intoxicating 2.0-litre motor, which revs to over 8,000rpm and has a race car soundtrack. Eco-conscious buyers have the option of the petrol/electric hybrid IMA model.

Driving experience
Sharp steering and strong grip mean the Civic is as good to drive as it is to look at, although it can’t match the Ford Focus for driver involvement. Only a firm ride counts against the Japanese car. Plump for the Type-S and handling is improved further thanks to revised suspension settings, while the hardcore Type-R serves up even stiffer springs, a bone-jarring ride and huge amounts of fun.

Costs
It’s hard to beat the 2.2 i-CDTi Type-S when it comes to value for money. It’ll return 54mpg, emit just 138g/km of C02 and retain 42 per cent after three years. Only the hybrid IMA version betters that at 45 per cent. Even the 1.8-litre petrol fares well on running costs, managing an impressive 44.1mpg at the pumps and putting out a respectable 152g/km of CO2.

Safety/environment
The Toyota Prius rivaling Civic IMA hybrid is the greenest version in the line-up. By combining a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor it delivers 113bhp and a CO2 emissions of 109g/km. However, the diesel is a more practical choice, offers more performance and still has CO2 emissions of only 135g/km. With a four-star EuroNCAP rating, the Honda lags behind the competition for safety, although electronic stability control is standard across the range.

Source;
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/newreviews/229377/honda_civic.html