HONDA CANADA - Honda Canada provided a glimpse into the future of driving at today's Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto with the unveiling of the Honda Urban SUV Concept and the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid – two vehicles designed with innovative styling and engineered to offer specific solutions to the changing needs of drivers.
"Whether it's for the track or a daily commute, Honda is a company always challenging ourselves to improve our products," said Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada. "The Urban SUV Concept and Accord Plug-In Hybrid are two more examples of Honda's drive to provide vehicles that make the lives of our customers better."
The Honda Urban SUV Concept
Perfect for Canadians with active lifestyles, Honda's Urban SUV Concept design provides the basis for a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small vehicle with aspirational design, flexible packaging and next-generation connectivity.
"We design vehicles to fit the lives of our customers and, for so many Canadians today, that means having something fun and agile for downtown driving combined with the space and comfort for any road trip to get away from it all," said Gardner. "With this Urban SUV Concept, we have the best of both worlds."
At just 4300 mm long (about 230 mm shorter than the Honda CR-V), the Urban SUV Concept is the ideal size for navigating both crowded city streets and winding, open roads. It showcases clean and sophisticated styling, a strong stance and dynamic character lines and includes hidden rear door handles that give the SUV a coupe-like presence.
When it joins the Honda lineup in 2014, the Urban SUV Concept will feature Honda's fuel-efficient Earth Dreams Technology powertrains and Honda's configurable Magic Seat setup that can provide a host of passenger and cargo options, including a fold-flat mode for maximum cargo capacity. The all-new model will also feature next-generation telematics and a modern interior.
Priced and positioned below the CR-V within the Honda light-truck lineup, the Urban SUV Concept will deliver a tremendous new value equation for Canadian consumers in the growing small-SUV segment.
The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid
The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan is the next installment in a family that is quickly running out of room in the awards cabinet. Coming to Canada in the spring of 2013 for market viability testing, the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will provide the athleticism and craftsmanship of the all-new Accord, charged with a remarkable dose of hybrid efficiency and electric torque.
"The Accord sets the standard for all family sedans and our 2014 model is no different," said Gardner. "This plug-in version will take the all-new, award-winning Accord and add next levels of innovation, engineering and efficiency."
The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid is powered by Honda's first two-motor hybrid system and uses Honda's new Earth Dreams 2.0 litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, teamed with a powerful 124-kilowatt (kW) electric motor. Electric driving is supported by a 6.7 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, and total system output is 196 horsepower.
True to Honda's innovation and engineering pedigree, the 2014 Accord PHEV also puts more control in the driver's hands with the ability to choose two additional driving modes to manage battery capacity and tailor the capabilities of the plug-in Accord to individual driving needs. For the energy-conscious consumer, the 2014 Accord PHEV will provide premium technology, exceptional cabin space and the ability to run in an all-electric mode for 20 – 28 km. Based on Environment Canada approved 2 cycle test method, the Accord Plug-in hybrid is expected to achieve a fuel economy rating of 1.6 litre equivalent per 100 km. This is anticipated to be the best in class for any plug-in hybrid vehicle.