Honda Announces New Vision XS-1 Crossover Concept for Delhi Auto Expo

Honda has trying to be active in the Indian market and will continue to do so at the upcoming India Expo Mart in Greater Greater Noida, Delhi (from February 5 to 11), where it will host the world premiere of a new concept model named the Vision XS-1.

The Japanese carmaker offered very little in the way of information on the Vision XS-1, simply stating that it's a new crossover model that features "sporty styling and outstanding utility space based on Honda's unique packaging technologies".

Joining the mystery concept model will be some of Honda's most recent conceptual and production cars including the Mobilio and Jazz that will receive their local premiere, the NSX Concept, Accord Hybrid, City, Brio, Amaze and CR-V.

Story References: Honda via Worldcarfans

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Consumer Reports Prods Around 2015 Honda Fit in Detroit

The old Honda Fit/Jazz was one of ConsumerReports’ favorite city cars for its blend of interior space and reliability, but it was always let down by bland looks and a cut-rate scratchy interior. Now, they’ve had a look around the redesigned 2015 model-year Fit and their first report is a very positive one.

They say the most obvious differences are in the looks departments, as both the exterior and interior show a lot of progress. Inside, it now has soft-touch plastics atop the dash, and while many European superminis have had this for over a decade, it’s nice that Honda finally decided that it was the way to go too….

Noteworthy is the redesigned 1.5-liter engine too. It puts out 130 hp (132 PS) and boasts efficiency gains at the same time, plus there’s a six-speed manual gearbox on offer to make the most of that power in a fun way.  The CVT is aimed at maximizing efficiency, but you must really hate rowing your own if you go for that option…

Check out the CR video posted after the virtual jump.

By Andrei Nedelea

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Honda Reveals New US-Spec 2015 Fit in Detroit, will be Made in Mexico

Honda just pulled the veils off their all-new 2015 Fit, and not only did they fall with ease around its distinctly tapered flanks, but they revealed the exact same car we saw back in July of 2013 when the Jazz debuted in Japan. However, that car will be built much closer to its home market, whereas the Fit will roll off the brand new production line in Celaya, Mexico (at a planned rate of 200,000 per year).

Slightly shorter, but with a longer wheelbase, the new Fit promises improved handling, maneuverability and interior space at the same time, plus the added aesthetic benefit of having the wheels closer to the corners of the body.

Despite looking much more modern than the outgoing model, it’s definitely still recognizable as a Fit, and in black it looks properly mean – that could not have been said before, regardless of the color you had it in…

The interior is a direct carryover, with the obligatory swap from right- to left-hand drive. Tech features now available include a multi-angle rear view camera, a moonroof, heated front seats, LaneWatch and the industry-standard seven-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Bluetooth connectivity and soft touch plastics to cover them all (at least on the top of the dash). One last option that is worth mentioning, since it is a first for the model, are the new leather seats.

The only engine offered at first is the 1.5-liter 130 hp i-VTEC unit (13 hp more than before) which can either be paired to a “slick-shifting” six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission that comes with paddle shifters – it returns a claimed 36 mpg US (42 mpg UK or 6.5 l/100km) on average.

Safety-wise, it’s “anticipated to earn top safety scores from NHTSA and IIHS, including a NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating with a GOOD rating in all IIHS test modes, including the rigorous small overlap barrier test,” according to the automaker.

The official US launch is set to take place this spring and is bound to come with more details and news on the other powertrains, including the hybrid which comes with a (unique) seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

By Andrei Nedelea

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KBB Reveals its Resale Value Winners for the 2014MY, Only One German Model in the List

The Kelley Blue Book (KBB) 2014 Best Resale Value Awards have named their victors in the 22 individual sections, as well as the best brand and best luxury brand distinctions.

It ranks 2014 model-year (MY) the vehicles based on their second-hand performance, after the initial five-year time span of ownership – for the 2013MY, the overall winner was the Toyota's FJ Cruiser.

This year, its twelfth one, it was Toyota and Lexus that won the brand awards, and the top was strangely lacking in German brands (only the Audi A5 Coupe made it in the list)– it was dominated by Japanese and American names.

Models from the ranges of the Lexus and Toyota brands also managed to snap up 18 of the 22 specific model sections, the rest being filled in by the likes of Honda, Jeep and Chevrolet (with the Camaro V6 and Corvette), Dodge and Subaru.

Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for KBB said: “While both Toyota and Lexus continue to deliver incredible resale value, we also are impressed with the strides made by Chevrolet, which tops domestic automakers with five combined awards, and Subaru with its Impreza making its way back to the top spot in its segment.”

According to KBB, an average 2014 model-year vehicle only will retain about 39.7 percent of its original value after a five-year ownership period. What this mean is that a new car priced $50,000 today will only be worth somewhere close to $19,850 after five years. However, some models retain their value better than others.

The complete list of all categories can be found by scrolling down to the gallery below.

By Andrei Nedelea

Correction: In our original post, we erroneously noted that no German car made it in the list. As pointed out by our readers, one did and that was the Audi A5 in the luxury car segment.

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Mugen Goes Extra Wild with New Vezel Concept at Tokyo Auto Salon

Honda's in-house tuner Mugen brought not one, but two modified versions of the new Vezel small SUV to the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon that kicked off on Friday. The first one is the production tune that we've already seen and which is offered for sale (third photo in the gallery) in Japan, while the second model is wearing a conceptualized aero kit.

It's essentially a far more aggressively styled add-on package to the production outfit that widens the Vezel through the use of large extensions with contrast paint that attach to the wings, allowing the fitment of bigger 20-inch alloy wheels and tires.

It also includes a matching front apron, a new rear apron with different exhaust outlets, a honeycomb grille, and a roof wing that clips on the existing spoiler.

The only changes under the body are a lowered sports suspension, a complete exhaust system and more potent brakes.

The new Vezel in regular trim will be sold in Europe as well as North America and other markets around the globe.

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Google Teams with Audi, GM, Honda, Hyundai and NVIDIA to Bring Android Platform to Cars

Audi and Google have confirmed earlier reports about their collaboration to bring Android to vehicles, but the agreement also includes GM, Honda, Hyundai and NVIDIA. Reunited under the name Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), the six companies announced at CES 2014 that they will join their forces to bring the Android platform to cars starting this year.

The open development model and common platform will allow automakers to bring new technology to their customers and create new opportunities for developers.

“The worlds of consumer and automotive technologies have never been more closely aligned, and this alliance will only pave the way for faster innovation,” said Ricky Hudi, Head of Electrics/Electronics Development at Audi AG. “Working toward a common ecosystems benefits driver safety above all,” he added.

“The expansion of the Android platform into automotive will allow our industry partners to more easily integrate mobile technology into cars and offer drivers a familiar, seamless experience so they can focus on the road,” said Sundar Pichai, SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps at Google.

OAA’s founding members say they share a vision for the connected car and that the introduction of the Android platform to cars “will help extend people’s mobile experience seamlessly to another platform they already know and love.”

The first cars with Android integration are expected to launch at the end of 2014, but each automaker has its own timeframe. OAA says other automotive technology companies are welcome to join as well.

By Dan Mihalascu

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2001 Acura NSX-T with a Mere 3,000 Miles will Make You Drool

Even if the Acura NSX (sold as a Honda outside of North America and Hong Kong) remained in production for a solid 15 years, we're rapidly approaching the 10 year mark since the last cars rolled off the assembly line at the end of 2005, so it's getting harder and harder to find unmolested and low mileage examples.

The odometer on this yellow 2001 NSX-T we discovered on eBay (it's listed as a 1991, but we double-checked the VIN and it's a 2001) shows a mere 3,081 miles (4,957 kilometers).

From the pictures, the car looks almost like it left the factory in the beginning of the previous decade, and the only changes made to the targa-top model from its two previous owners are the HRE alloy wheels and a high performance sound system with a custom-built speaker mounted behind the seats.

The 'Buy it Now' price for Acura's most famous sports model on eBay is $73,900 (equal to €54,300).

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