New 9Gen Accord launched in Malaysia

The new 9th generation Honda Accord finally makes it way to Malaysia, more or less completing the launching cycle of Honda's best selling model for Asia. Launched yesterday, September 4th 2013 by Honda Malaysia, as expected for Malaysia, the line-up comprises two variants of the 2.0l type and one variant of the 2.4l type. 

The 2.0l Accord uses the existing R20A 2.0l SOHC i-VTEC engine, spec'ed to deliver a max power of 155ps at 6,500rpm and max torque of 19.2kgm at 4,300rpm. The two variants differs in the equipment level and fitting, the basic being the 2.0 VTi which comes with basic biege colour fabric-based interior while the 2.0 VTi-L comes with black colour leather based interior. The 2.4 VTi-L also comes with more features and accessories. 

The 2.4l Accord uses the new Honda 'Earth Dreams Technology' (often shortened to ED or sometimes also EDT) engine, an under-square 2.4l DOHC i-VTEC engine rated to deliver 175ps at 6,200rpm and 22.9kgm at 4,000rpm. Interestingly, the specifications for the same engine at the HAT (Honda Automobile Thailand or simply 'Honda Thailand') website are slightly different with the power put at 174ps and torque put at 23kgm (same rpm points). ASEAN Accords are designed/developed out of Honda's research facility in Thailand (Honda Research Thailand or HRT).

Honda's Earth Dreams Technology is their latest line-up of engines employing a series of technologies Honda has been working on exploiting over the past decade focusing on efficiency rather than performance. The two key targets are reduction in emissions (hence the use of the Earth based theme) and an improvement in fuel economy. Any power related increase will be a corollary of these two focuses. Unlike VTEC or Type-R which are more specific, ED/EDT doesn't signify a specific technological approach but rather makes use of a wide range of technologies, from straight-forward exploitation of existing techniques to reduce internal friction (e.g. use of exotic materials), to the outright implementation of technologies like the use of the Atkinson cycle instead of the normal Otto cycle and so forth. The top of the range is currently the 2.4l which is a regular Otto cycle engine in DOHC i-VTEC form and using Direct Injection, used by AHM in the 2.4l Accord for the USDM, Honda's largest and most important market. Various different variations using part of the above technologies are used in other engines in the range. The top of the range hybrid ED/EDT engine currently uses Honda's IMA-2 coupled with an Atkinson cycle engine in DOHC i-VTEC and also DI mode. These two engines are reserved for Honda's larger more important markets like the U.S. and JDM. For the 9G Accord for ASEAN, Honda has adopted the 2.4l DOHC i-VTEC port-injected ED engine (i.e. without DI). 

For the transmission, Honda continues with the standard 5AT that was fitted to the outgoing 8G Accord. As before, only the 2.4l Accord comes with manual sequential override activated via 'paddle shifters' on the steering wheel. According to the 9G Accord assistant chief engineer, the adoption of the 5AT instead of the CVT for the 2.0l variants like what is done for the USDM versions is because ASEAN Accord owners values a 'fun to drive' character in their cars which the CVT do not offer.

A significant change from the 8G Accord is the use of Macpherson struts for the front suspension instead of the double wishbone which has been a feature of the Accord for around two decades. The rear suspension setup continues to be independent multi-link.

As befitting its 'premium' status, the ASEAN 9G Accord comes with a whole suite of features and accessories that is normally associated with luxury type cars. This includes reverse camera, a new 'Lane Watch' feature which is a front passenger side-mirror mounted camera which expands the field of view of the left side of the car (to the driver) when changing lanes. Givens are the standard features like power seats, dual zone air-condition, and so forth.

A feature worthy of special mention is the new Active Noise Control and Active Sound Control (ANC & ASC) systems fitted to both 2.0l and 2.4l types. This is a system whereby low frequency sound is generated and broadcasted into the internal cabin. This is an off-phase (180deg phase differential) sound with the same frequency as the exhaust. These two sounds will then cancel each other out in the cabin, effectively reducing exhaust noise to near zero. This feature was first used on the previous 8th generation Accord in the U.S. and other premium markets but left out of our ASEAN 8G Accord. But it is now in our 9G Accord and is a significant and important feature.

A host of important and worthy safety and security features adorns the new 9G Accord, with newsworthy items being the new Honda 'Lane Watch' feature mentioned above, a multi-angle reverse camera system, full dual front and side airbags, and of course the standard VSA, HSA, ABS, and EBD complement. The steering is now a 'motion adaptive' EPS system. CMBS or Collision Mitigation Brake System, a feature which detects when we are approaching the front vehicle too fast and automatically applies the brakes which is a feature of the top grade Accord in premium markets including in Thailand but is not offered in Malaysian Accords.

Below are selected photos from the launch event. The Grey/Silver Accord is the basic 2.0 VTi variant, the black is the VTi-L variant. The Modulo-fitted Tafetta White unit is the 2.4 VTi variant.

Rightmost in this photo is Nakano-san, assistant LPL for the 9G Accord

Accord 2.0 VTi

Accord 2.0 VTi-L

2.0l SOHC i-VTEC engine for the 2.0VTi and 2.0VTi-L

 Modulo Accord 2.4 VTi

 

 New Earth Dreams 2.4l DOHC i-VTEC engine

Base Accord 2.0 VTi

Base 2.0 VTi has fabric-based beige colour interior

Honda to Release all-New Fit and Fit Hybrid in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, September 5, 2013 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it will launch the all-new Fit and Fit Hybrid on September 6, 2013.^*1 The first-generation Fit revolutionized the concept of the compact car. Now in its third generation, the Fit once again sets the global compact automobile benchmark. While retaining the design concept of the original model, the all-new Fit features a completely redesigned powertrain and body and offers a whole new level of interior comfort, fuel economy, styling and driving performance.

The Fit Hybrid features the new, simple, one-motor Sport Hybrid i-DCD^*2 hybrid system, which performs off-the-line starts in EV mode. By switching automatically among EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive based on driving conditions, this system delivers fuel economy of 36.4 km/L,^*3 the highest of any vehicle available in Japan,^*4 and high responsiveness throughout the rpm range.

The all-new 1.3 L gasoline-engine Fit features a newly designed engine that achieves class-leading^*5 fuel economy of 26.0 km/L,^*6 rivaling that of previous Honda hybrids, along with very high output. The all-new 1.5 L gasoline-engine Fit leverages Honda's proprietary direct injection technology to produce high output for powerful, exhilarating driving.

Honda has further refined the center tank layout, an innovative Honda packaging technology that helped make the original Fit such a revolutionary compact car. The latest refinement of this layout makes possible a significant reduction in vehicle weight and an incredibly roomy interior that greatly exceeds expectations for the compact class. This new packaging contributes to the fun driving people expect from a Honda, as well as to outstanding fuel economy.

First introduced in June 2001, the Fit series has passed the two million units sold milestone in Japan.^*7 The Fit is manufactured in 10 locations in eight countries and territories, including Japan. A favorite model around the world, the Fit is available in 123 countries and territories, and over 4.87 million units have been sold to date.^*8

*1	The 4WD Hybrid type is scheduled for release in December 2013
*2	The full name is Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive
*3	Testing of Fit Hybrid (FWD) by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in JC08 mode
*4	Honda calculations as of August 2013 excluding plug-in hybrids
*5	Honda calculations as of September 2013
*6	Testing of Fit 13G (FWD) by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in JC08 mode
*7	Honda calculations as of April 30, 2013
*8	Honda calculations as of September 2013

Fit 13G F Package (FWD)		Fit Hybrid F Package (FWD)

Fit 15X L Package (FWD)		Fit RS (FWD)

Monthly sales target for Fit series (Japan):

15,000 units

Manufacturer's suggested retail price

Indicates model shown in photo

Type	Engine	Transmission	Drive	Price (including consumption tax)
13G	1.3 L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC	CVT	FWD	¥1,265,000
			4WD	¥1,454,000
13G F Package		5MT	FWD	¥1,360,000
		CVT	FWD	¥1,360,000
			4WD	¥1,549,000
13G L Package			FWD	¥1,461,000
			4WD	¥1,650,000
13G S Package		CVT + paddle shifters	FWD	¥1,560,000
			4WD	¥1,749,000
15X	1.5 L direct injection DOHC i-VTEC	CVT	FWD	¥1,580,000
			4WD	¥1,769,000
15X L Package			FWD	¥1,680,000
			4WD	¥1,869,000
RS		6MT	FWD	¥1,800,000
		CVT + paddle shifters	FWD	¥1,800,000
HYBRID	1.5 L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC i-DCD	7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with internal high-output motor	FWD	¥1,635,000
Hybrid F Package			FWD	¥1,720,000
Hybrid L Package			FWD	¥1,830,000
Hybrid S Package		7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with internal high-output motor + paddle shifters	FWD	¥1,930,000

・Prices are for reference only and do not include insurance, taxes (except consumption tax), registration or other fees.

・In accordance with Japan's automobile recycling law, a separate recycling fee will be levied. The recycling fee includes a recycling deposit (to cover expenses required to recycle shredder dust, air bags and fluorocarbons, plus an information management fee) and a capital management charge.

・There is an additional charge of ¥31,500 (¥30,000 before consumption tax) for the Premium White Pearl, Tinted Silver Metallic, Attractive Yellow Pearl and Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl body colors.

Eleven body colors (including five new colors):
Vivid Sky Blue Pearl (new, exclusive Hybrid color), Attractive Yellow Pearl (new), Premium White Pearl, Milano Red, Light Beige Metallic (new), Tinted Silver Metallic (new), Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic (new), Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Sunset Orange II (exclusive RS color)

Note:

Attractive Yellow Pearl and Light Beige Metallic are scheduled to become production colors in November 2013

Six interior colors:
13G: Black
15X: Ivory, Black
15X L Package: Black with combination seats
RS: RS Black
Hybrid: Light Gray, Nuance Black
Hybrid L Package: Black with combination seats
Hybrid S Package: RS Black

Key features of Fit and Fit Hybrid

Honda's new design concept: "EXCITING H DESIGN!!!"

・The new crossfade monoform exterior styling represents a dynamic evolution of traditional Fit design elements. Advanced in every way, it is the perfect look for the world's benchmark compact automobile.

・As spacious and comfortable as ever, the sophisticated, futuristic cockpit takes refinement and ease of driving to the next level. The cockpit's controls are concentrated for driver convenience, the front passenger area is open and roomy, and the rear seats are highly comfortable for long drives. Every area of the interior is enhanced in both functionality and value.

・For fun, comfortable driving, the cockpit's advanced interface gives the driver intuitive control and instant access to important information.

Earth Dreams Technology powertrains—completely new to the Fit series

13G

・Thanks to the newly designed 1.3 L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine and the newly designed lightweight, compact, wide-range CVT, this model offers class-leading fuel economy of 26.0 km/L. 

15X and RS

・The newly designed 1.5 L direct injection DOHC i-VTEC engine offers maximum output that is approximately 10 percent higher than that of the previous model. The result is powerful driving with a refined feel.

Hybrid

・In combination, the 1.5 L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine; 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) with internal high-output motor; and IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) with internal lithium-ion battery deliver fuel economy of 36.4 km/L, the highest in Japan for a hybrid vehicle.

・The electric servo braking system increases regeneration efficiency, while the fully electric compressor reduces engine load. These and other advanced technologies help the new hybrid system offer more than 35 percent higher fuel economy than Honda's previous IMA hybrid system.

・Based on driving conditions, the hybrid system can automatically link and unlink the motor and gasoline engine, switching among three different drive modes: EV Drive uses the motor only, Hybrid Drive uses the motor and gasoline engine, and Engine Drive uses the gasoline engine only.

Newly developed platform

・In the first-generation Fit, Honda's original center tank layout helped revolutionize the compact automobile. Maximizing the benefits of this layout, the all-new platform made it possible to design interior space and overall packaging more freely and flexibly than ever before.

・Aiming for high fuel economy and exhilarating driving at the highest level, Honda has fully updated its manufacturing and analytical methods for the Fit series, resulting in a platform design that is even more lightweight and rigid.

・The surface area of sound-absorbing and -proofing materials is increased, helping produce exceptional quietness typically found in a mid-size automobile. This enhancement also greatly reduces the noise generated by irregular road surfaces.

・The roofline, front pillars, rear combination lamps and underbody have been designed for enhanced airflow, reduced drag and overall superior aerodynamic performance.

Newly designed chassis for fun driving in the Honda tradition

・The newly designed suspension offers smooth, stable vehicle posture and delay-free roll during turning. The result is a combination of stable steering, handling performance with a steady feel and a comfortable ride with minimized vibration.

・In Fit Hybrid types, the electric servo braking system converts a much higher amount of kinetic energy into electricity during deceleration, contributing to outstanding fuel economy. In addition, this braking system is the world's first^*9 to offer variable servo ratio control, which makes possible a highly linear and steady braking feel.

*9 Honda research as of September 2013

Advanced safety technologies concentrated in a compact body

・Featuring Honda's proprietary G-Force Control Technology (G-CON), the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Body is designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision involving the front of the vehicle. These and other technologies contribute to the excellent passive safety of the all-new Fit.

・Designed to assist the driver in preventing accidents, the active safety technologies of the all-new Fit include VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), HSA (Hill-Start Assist) and the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), which warns vehicles to the rear of a sudden stop.

・Offering a range of enhanced safety features, the City-Brake Active system is available on certain Fit types. The newly developed City-Brake Active system is designed to help drivers avoid rear-end collisions and accidents during off-the-line starts. The system is accompanied by a side curtain airbag system and a front seat i-side airbag system with staged inflation.

Advanced Honda Internavi navigation system and Linkup Free

・The electrostatic touch panel interface is easy to use, providing smartphone-like operation (factory option).

・Internavi LINC Premium Club members enjoy several advanced services. The Smart Map Update Service lets users update all map data for free every six months via the Linkup Free network for the first three years. More practical than ever before, the emergency information service sends the vehicle location and other pertinent information to HELPNET^®*10 (an emergency response service in Japan) when an airbag activates due to a collision or other cause.

*10 HELPNET^® is a registered trademark of Japan Mayday Service Co., Ltd.

Fit with rotating front passenger seat

・The rotating front passenger seat on this model makes it even easier to get in and out of the all-new Fit. Retaining the basic design, comfort and holding performance of the regular passenger seat, the exclusive rotating seat has a lower cushion with a smooth front edge for easier entry and egress.

・A touch of a lever makes the seat rotate smoothly. There is ample foot room throughout rotation to make the seat even easier to use.

Fit Hybrid F Package (FWD) with rotating front passenger seat

Manufacturer's suggested retail price

Indicates model shown in photo

Type	Engine	Transmission	Drive	Price (including consumption tax)
13G L Package with rotating front passenger seat	1.3 L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC	CVT	FWD	¥1,555,500
			4WD	¥1,744,500
Hybrid F Package with rotating front passenger seat	1.5 L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC i-DCD	7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with internal high-output motor	FWD	¥1,814,500

・Prices are for reference only and do not include insurance, taxes (except consumption tax), registration or other fees.

・In accordance with Japan's automobile recycling law, a separate recycling fee will be levied. The recycling fee includes a recycling deposit (to cover expenses required to recycle shredder dust, air bags and fluorocarbons, plus an information management fee) and a capital management charge.

・There is an additional charge of ¥31,500 (¥30,000 before consumption tax) for the Premium White Pearl, Tinted Silver Metallic and Attractive Yellow Pearl body colors.

Nine body colors (including five new colors):
Vivid Sky Blue Pearl (new, exclusive Hybrid color), Attractive Yellow Pearl (new), Premium White Pearl, Milano Red, Light Beige Metallic (new), Tinted Silver Metallic (new), Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic (new), Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl

Note:

Attractive Yellow Pearl and Light Beige Metallic will become production colors in November 2013

Two interior colors:

13G L Package: Black

Hybrid F Package: Nuance Black

Honda introduces the NSX Concept-GT that will race the 2014 SUPER GT Series GT500 Class

Earlier this morning, Honda has announced the introduction of the NSX CONCEPT-GT, a racing machine designated for entry in the GT500 class of the 2014 SUPER GT Series at Round 5 of the "2013 AUTOBACS SUPER GT" at Suzuka Circuit.

The NSX CONCEPT-GT is a race-only machine built from the NSX Concept which debuted in January 2012 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

This vehicle adheres to the Japan Automobile Federation's GT500 regulations for 2014. This means a different engine from the NSX Concept, a mid-mounted 2.0 L inline direct-injection 4-cylinder turbo engine and a racing hybrid system.

A prototype NSX at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has already been showcased on August 4, the race day of the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.

Unfortunately, the 2014 Super GT series will miss Sepang for Thailand and Korea.

Do you think the NSX GT will outshine the HSV-GT010?

A link to the video of the test run of the NSX Concept GT is attached below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7yu6VO_t4I

More photographs courtesy of Honda Japan.

New 3G Fit/Jazz specifications

With the launch of the new 3rd generation Fit/Jazz in Japan just around the corner, now is a good time to consolidate what is known and what is expected of the all important specifications of the car, based on what has been leaked and also info feeding in from insiders.

For the 3rd generation, the Fit/Jazz continues to come with three main engines - 1.3l, 1.5l and a hybrid IMA engine which is now offered in 1.5l form only. Below is a leaked photo from a dealer's training manual that has been published on the internet. A TOVer posted it on our TOV forums but did not disclose the source.

According to another TOVer, when translated the following informations are pertinent:
- 1.3L DOHC, atkinson cycle but no DI (direct injection) mention
- 1.5L DOHC, Di but no atkinson mention
- 1.5L DOHC, atkinson cycle but no DI mention

Note that the information may not be complete and is contradicting to other sources, e.g. Best Car. For e.g. according to Best Car, the 1.3l is SOHC in format but the information above says it is DOHC VTEC with VTC (i.e. DOHC i-VTEC). However, the information above should be more accurate.

Also, the hybrid engine is 1.5l DOHC VTEC with VTC and according to past press releases, it is expected to operate using the Atkinson cycle for 'low-cams' and the normal Otto cycle for 'high-cams'.

As far as expected/leaked power info are concerned, the following is generally accepted:

1.3L : 98 ps, 88 lb-ft torque, 28 km/l fuel economy, i-DCD and 5MT
1.5L : 130 ps, 15.7kgm torque, 23 km/l fuel economy, i-DCD and 6MT 

1.5L IMA : 118 hp, 30ps from the IMA motor alone, 36 km/l fuel economy, most probably only i-DCD option only

Other details additional pages of the the leaked document provide additional details such as:

- Pre-safe tech (a new safety feature) would brake down to about 30kmph
- Orders for the JDM will be taken from 8/1. On sale date is 9/5
- LED headlights will be available in some trims
- 4WD models won't reach the dealers until December.
- A/C control through the touch-panel in some trims (like in the SUV concept)

On the new FIT SUV:
- On sale end of November
- Engine lineup same as Fit
- Both 2WD & 4WD available at launch, 4WD system similar to CR-V (i.e. RT-4WD)
- It says there will be a hybrid 4WD version, as well as 2WD.

TOV chief editor Jeff Palmer had a chance to drive the new generation IMA hybrid engines, in prototype form, late last year when he was part of the contingent to Japan courtesy of AHM and has this to say of his experence:

The one prototype I drove was pretty revvy - better than I thought. As mentioned, it leverages VTEC to operate in Atkinson mode on the low cam lobes, and at higher rpms it switches to a normal otto cycle, and it feels reasonably sporty. From a dead stop, the electric motor lurches you forward and you're halfway through first gear before the gasoline engine even gets the chance to fire up. In my notes I wrote that it felt like you finally got max power in 3rd gear. I also noted it got a little buzzy at high rpms (but not unreasonably so) but hell, even the new K24Ws are a little buzzy when wound all the way out (especially on the CVT), and this was still an engineering prototype (i.e. probably very little sound deadening). I also noted that the trans+motor assembly is really small and that the motor is considerably larger than the 7DCT.

 

Photos of the new 3G Fit RS.

For fans of Honda's wondercar the Fit/Jazz, with its impending launch for Japan just around the corner, there are now videos of the car on youtube. Earlier we pointed out a preview documentary on the new 3G Fit/Jazz Hybrid. But several other videos are also available on youtube, though most of them being of still shots of the car. Of great interest to Honda enthusiasts would be the new JDM-only Fit RS, of which still shots of what seems to be the actual car are featured in the video below.

At the end of the video, make sure to check out the recommendations by youtube as there are quite a few other videos/still shot montages of the new 3G Fit/Jazz.

Documentary on new 3G Honda Fit/Jazz Hybrid

With the launch of the new 3rd generation Fit/Jazz just around the corner, previews of the car from japanese media are already available. For fans of the car, below is a TV program feature a preview of the new 3G Honda Fit/Jazz Hybrid.

Actual photos of new 3rd Gen Honda Fit/Jazz !

The India Auto Blog website once again scooped the rest of the world by putting up leaked photos of what is believed to be the upcoming new 3rd generation JDM Honda Fit (Jazz). The photos were clearly taken using a handphone off an internal Honda brochure or similar document as  watermarks with the statement  "prohibited to show outside the company" were printed over all the images. This lends credibility that it was an internal use only document probably a briefing document meant for Honda dealers.

Of interest is how these photos tallies well with the Best Car magazine's artist rendition. In their article, India Auto Blog also published some info on the new 3G Fit/Jazz, citing their opinion that some countries big with diesel will see a 1.6l i-DTEC Jazz while other countries will get a 1.2l and 1.4l version with India getting a 1.5l version. They also say that the 3G Fit/Jazz will be 60mm (slightly over 2inches) longer with a larger boot of 40l and that the magic seat will now help to offer 180 different seat configurations (!).

Due to the distortion of the original photos, several TOV/TOVA forumers have used photoshop to try to correct a couple of them to present what they believe to be more accurate versions. Those two photos are the ones put inline in this article here (as they belong to TOV/TOVA). The photos of the rear-end and the instrument cluster put below are the original leaked images however, which are copied from the India auto blog. The distortion of the photo of the rear-end can be clearly seen. There are more photos and more info in the India Auto Blog article and the original article can be reached at Inda Auto Blog 3G Jazz article.