2011/07/27

Charting the 2012 Honda Changes

HONDA CANADA - The Honda lineup in Canada consists of 11 cars and trucks and evolves for 2012 with two of its best-selling vehicles – Civic and CR-V – completely redesigned. Four other models that are being substantially enhanced for 2012 are Fit, Insight, Pilot and Ridgeline, all receiving numerous enhancements. Accord, Crosstour, CR-Z and Odyssey remain fundamentally unchanged for the 2012 model year.


2012 Honda Civic

Canada's best-selling car is all-new and completely redesigned for 2012. This ninth-generation Civic is improved with enhanced technology for personalization, safety and fuel efficiency with even more value than ever before. The Civic family consists of the well-equipped Canadian-built Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe models and the more powerful Civic Si models, built exclusively in Canada for the North American market, as well as the fuel-efficient Civic Hybrid expected to go on sale this fall.

New technology includes:
· The intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that allows for convenient, line-of-sight access to vehicle information, audio track titles, personal wallpaper and more via simple steering wheel controls and a 5-inch colour display
· Standard i-MID, Bluetooth and USB on almost every Civic
· Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognitions standard equipment on Civic EX-L, Si, and Hybrid models

New powertrain technologies include:
· A re-engineered 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with 140 horsepower and enhanced fuel economy on Civic Sedan and Coupe
· A larger and more powerful 2.4-litre Civic Si 4-cylinder engine (201 horsepower)
· A new Civic Hybrid powertrain that improves fuel economy and power delivery with lithium-ion battery technology

Other changes include:
· Fuel economy: All Civic models achieve improved fuel economy ratings compared to the 2011 models, boasting improvements up to 12 per cent on some models (Civic AT 6.2L/100km combined). Civic Hybrid offers the best fuel economy for any car in the compact car segment (4.2 HWY / 4.4 City) and uses a lithium-ion battery for the first time on a Honda hybrid vehicle
· Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard on all models
· Lower price on most models


2012 Honda CR-V

Following on record annual sales in Canada last year, the all-new, 4th-generation, redesigned Honda CR-V becomes more fuel efficient, functional and convenient in 2012 for Canadians looking for a fun, reliable SUV with high value. The 2012 CR-V goes on sale in Canada early next year.

Changes include:
· More expressive exterior styling adds new dimension of refinement and elegance to Compact SUV segment where CR-V has long been regarded as the segment benchmark
· All-new interior with a more accommodating and spacious design, lower cargo floor and enhanced packaging
· Introduction of a new, Canadian-exclusive CR-V "Touring" model for 2012
· Improved fuel economy for top-of-class fuel efficiency


2012 Honda Fit

Already one of the most spacious and versatile small cars on the market, Honda Fit returns in 2012 with added refinement achieved through style and feature enhancements. The 2012 Fit will go on sale later this fall/winter.

Changes include:
· New styling for front fascia and wheels
· Body-coloured side mirrors
· Interior enhanced with all black dashboard components for a more unified colour theme (replacing grey and black theme) along with new chrome accents on the instrument panel
· Fit Sport seats enhanced with premium fabric
· New design for centre beverage holders
· Increased sound insulation for improved NVH
· Feature additions: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink applied to LX and Sport models, while VSA Stability Control is applied as standard equipment
· New colour: Cool Turquoise Metallic


2012 Honda Insight

As the most affordable hybrid available on the market, Honda Insight gets even better for 2012 with updates for fuel economy, comfort and styling along with the addition of more premium features on the upscale models. The 2012 Honda Insight goes on sale this fall.

Changes include:
· Exterior styling changes emphasize sophistication with new front and rear styling along with fresh wheel designs
· Improved fuel economy through enhanced aerodynamics, energy-efficient tires and reduced engine friction
· Interior styling and functionality enhanced with upgraded materials and layout


2012 Honda Pilot

The 2012 Pilot embraces a new, more refined look with improvements to its comfort and convenience features. Pilot is also now designed to deliver the highest fuel economy available in a three-row, 8-passenger SUV. The 2012 Honda Pilot goes on sale this fall.

Changes include:
· Sleeker styling, improved fuel economy and upgraded feature content
· Aerodynamically refined exterior emphasizes a sophisticated crossover style with all-new front fascia and other details
· Interior styling changes include a revised instrument panel with more subtle character lines and textures, upgraded materials and a simplified centre stack with a new button layout
· Upgraded audio and available navigation systems
· New colour: Dark Amber Metallic replaces Mocha Metallic


2012 Honda Accord

Accord carries its features over for 2012 after receiving significant styling and feature updates in 2011. The 2012 Honda Accord goes on sale this fall.

Changes include:
· USB audio interface added to Accord SE Sedan (now 100% have feature)


2012 Honda Crosstour

The Honda Crosstour sees its models and features carry over for 2012 with only minor revisions. The 2012 Honda Accord Crosstour goes on sale in early 2012.

Changes include:
· EX-L Non-Navi adds a rear view camera, mounted in the rear view mirror. (Navi models keep the camera display in the Navi screen, as in previous model years)
· New colour: Basque Red Pearl

2012 Honda Ridgeline

The 2012 Ridgeline receives improvements for style and fuel efficiency as the new Ridgeline Sport introduces popular high-value features consistent with the entry 4-wheel-drive truck segment. The 2012 Honda Ridgeline goes on sale later this winter.

Changes include:
· New front styling
· Enhancements for an improved highway fuel economy rating on all models
· Ridgeline DX, VP and Touring receive new grille design
· Addition of a new Ridgeline Sport trim level which adds the following to Ridgeline VP standard features: exclusive black 18-inch alloy wheels (+1 inch from VP wheels), exclusive black honeycomb grille, and black headlight and brake light housings.


2012 Honda CR-Z

For 2012, Honda CR-Z will carry its features over from 2011, with one minor change – new black seat fabric becomes available on vehicles with red exterior. The 2012 Honda CR-Z goes on sale early next year.

2012 Honda Odyssey

Honda's Odyssey receives a carryover from a complete full model change in 2011, with only minor colour changes for 2012. The 2012 Honda Odyssey goes on sale later this fall.

Changes include:
· New colour: White Diamond Pearl (replaces Taffeta White) is available on all models
· New colour: Dark Cherry Pearl is now available on EX-L and Touring grades