2023 Honda HRV

2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V is a compact crossover SUV that combines practicality, efficiency, and versatility in one stylish package.

The latest iteration of the HR-V builds on the success of previous models and adds a range of new features and upgrades to enhance the driving experience. The HR-V offers a spacious and versatile interior, combined with fuel-efficient performance and a comfortable ride overall. 

The exterior of the 2023 Honda HR-V features a bold and sporty design, with sleek lines, a bold front grille, and aggressive styling that sets it apart from other compact SUVs. The interior of the HR-V is equally well-appointed, with a spacious and well-designed cabin that offers comfortable and supportive seating for up to five passengers. The interior also features a range of convenient features, including a large touchscreen display for the infotainment system, wireless charging, and a premium sound system.

Under the hood, the 2023 Honda HR-V is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four engine that delivers 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The HR-V is also highly fuel efficient, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 8.4L per 100/km in the city and 6.9L per 100/km on the highway.  For now, front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are the standard but all-wheel drive is available as an option on all trims. The HR-V didn’t deliver the quiet athleticism we expect of Hondas, but this new generation corrects that with a chassis inherited from the Civic. 

In terms of safety, the 2023 Honda HR-V offers a range of advanced features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The car also features a range of advanced driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera system.
Overall, the 2023 Honda HR-V is a well-rounded compact crossover SUV that offers a range of advanced features, a stylish and sporty design, and a comfortable and spacious interior. Whether you’re looking for a practical and efficient daily driver or a versatile weekend road trip vehicle, the HR-V is a top choice for drivers who want a car that combines style, technology, and versatility.

 

Sticker Price (MSRP):

  • LX-2WD – $28,730 , $30,811
  • LX -AWD- $31,030 , $33,111 
  • SPORT – 33,930 – $36,011
  • EX-L NAVI – $37,130 , $39,211

Engine: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1996 cm3
Power: 158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Transmission: continuously variable automatic

Suspension: F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes: F/R: 12.3-in vented disc/12.2-in disc
Tires: Hankook Kinergy GT
215/60R-17 96H M+S

Automotive Reviews Crossover
2019 Honda Passport - Cover

2019 Honda Passport – Automotive Review

2019 Honda Passport - Cover

2019 Honda Passport – Automotive Review

Equipped with traveling appendages, I decided to put the Passport to the ultimate test. However, to really test this Passports limits, I figured I would get three friends to accompany me. Four grown size adults on a four-day road trip, let’s see how this goes.

Oddly enough, with a companion having an expired passport, our journey was going to be limited. We decided to head to the interior of beautiful British Columbia, with our stops being Logan Lake, Kamloops, Falkland, and Shuswap Lake as our final destination.

Not to be confused with the Honda Pilot, the Passport sits in that sweet spot between the sub-compact CRV and the Pilot. However inside you would never notice. It’s incredibly spacious; however, there is a big difference, not having that third row of seating.

Scrambling to pack my gear and items, I managed to include everything you can imagine to the very last tee. I brought games, I brought bug spray, and I even brought a roll of duct tape because- you just never know.

This Honda Passport Touring featured a Thule(R) ski-rack for extra storage capacity. While the trunk measured at 1,430 (L) cargo volume; this was more than efficient for our gear, the extra storage made it even more comfortable. We were able to utilize the over 1500 millimeter shoulder room in the rear seats and 1000 millimeter headroom in the front. With seating capacity at five grown adults, the comfortability was entirely optimal.

While we had a three-hour journey ahead of us before our first stop, equipped inside the Honda Passport Touring edition was WiFi capability thanks to HondaLink. Having WiFi is an excellent feature, especially on road trips.

Once we arrived at Logan Lake, we decide to go slightly off the beaten path. Taking a minor detour onto a dirt path demonstrated that the Passport handles it with ease. The tight wheel to body clearance navigates the rocks and body sway particularly well. The overall ride comfort is one of the best in the Honda Lineup. However taking the Passport on any more than dirt mixed with a couple rocks and you might be in for a rough ride due to the low clearance and sway. With a firm suspension I was pleasantly surprised by the control throughout nevertheless.

After spending the night lakeside, we quickly made our way toward Kamloops. Powering the drivetrain is a 3.5-litre V6 engine. The acceleration is smooth and quick. The Passport registers a 0-100 at 6.8 seconds. Accompanied with a nine-speed transmission the shifting is fast and seamless. There are also steering wheel paddles to offer that manual shift feel. With the 280 horsepower we made excellent time on our journey- not to insinuate that I was speeding. Once our brief stop at Kamloops was complete, we were off towards the small town of Falkland. Driving aids like the blind spot detection and lane-keeping assist were quite the assets on our trek. The multiple drivability technology was important when driving through some fog on the highways were visibility is limited. The adaptive cruise control worked well on lengthy straightaways in combination with blind-spot detection in limited visibility weather.

In Falkland, we optimized our fishing reels and only managed to catch a cold. Wasting 7 hours of casting and reeling, the scenery of the mountains was a nice consultation. We needed to fuel up for our second time here, which I must say wasn’t the most impressive fuel efficiency. At 11L/100km the Honda Passport is deemed average in comparison to its mid-size crossover competitors. At long last we reached our final destination of Shuswap.

While in Shuswap, we got to utilize the boat that we had been towing throughout the trip. Oh, did I not mention that we were pulling a small boat and trailer? Yes, that’s because with the towing rating at 5,000lbs our boat was weightless enough I barely would notice it.

We had a great trip, and we recommend the Honda Passport for those looking for that middle ground of size, comfortability, and utility. Equipped with a plethora of features and extras, the Passport is suitable for any family getaway. 

Key Features:

  • V6 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC®
    • 280 hp @ 6000 rpm and 262 lb-ft torque @ 4700 rpm
    • City 12.5 L/100KM
    • Highway 9.85 L/100KM
  • Available Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4®) AWD System
  • Ground Clearance (2WD/AWD,) 7.5 in / 8.1 in
  • Towing Capacity (2WD/AWD) 3500 lbs / 5000lbs
  • Seating Capacity 5
    • Headroom (front/rear) 40.1 in / 40.1 in
    • Legroom (front/rear) 40.9 in / 39.6 in
  • Cargo Volume
    • behind 2nd-row 41.2 cu ft
    • behind 1st-row 77.9 cu ft
  • Apple CarPlay™/ Android Auto™
  • Available AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot
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Automotive Reviews SUV
2018 Honda Civic Type R - Exterior

2018 Honda Civic Type R – Review

2018 Honda Civic Type R - Exterior

2018 Honda Civic Type R – Review

In the automotive industry, they rarely make fun cars anymore. The markets are understandably catered to family vehicles, fuel efficiency, or luxury. The Honda Civic Type R isn’t going to necessarily fit any of those needs. The Civic Type R is just one of those fun cars.

This radical Civic looks like it received a Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift makeover. Honda has fulfilled a successful front-drive formula. This is evident when the Civic Type R smashed the front-wheel-drive production-car lap record at the esteemed Nürburgring. Impressively this upgraded Civic lapped the 12.9 mile course in 7:43.80; the next closest came 3.39 seconds behind (Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S).  Credit not only goes to the tremendous power infused into the Type R, but the complete tuning into the suspension and frame. The over the top styling may be a little to in your face that some might love or hate, the drivability is unquestionable.

A running joke amongst Honda Civic drivers is the VTECH® system. For many years Civic drivers have comically thanked there VTECH® for the improved efficiency of their four stroke engine as well as the ability to reach 100km/hr after a couple minutes. Well, this Honda Civic Type R is no joke. Propelled by a direct injected, 16 valve VTECH®, 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing a whopping 306 horsepower and 295LB-ft of torque this Civic is something drivers can actually brag about. The transmission is a short-throw manual six-speed with rev-match control. Feeding the front wheels without losing traction through its limited-slip differential. The rev-match control enhances the manual experience by automatically optimizing the engine revs to match the desired gear for smooth transitions. Three drive modes (Comfort, Sport, R+) will adjust these settings, the adaptive damper system, alter steering and tune the throttle response.

The styling is an acquired taste that I’m still trying to swallow. There are some aspects I absolutely love, and others that I feel like are too much. I’ll start with the interior. First thing you notice is the unique bucket seats, double stitched in red suede allowing you to become one with the car and providing a stable and comfortable setting. Accompanying the red theme scattered throughout is the solid aluminum additions to the shift knob, and pedals. A particular personal serial number plate is also located next to the gearshift, allowing proud Civic owners to belong to the limited edition club. Moving to the exterior, you will notice the winged spoiler and body kit. While the functional winged additions provided major credit for the aerodynamics behind the record setting lap time, the demeanor of this Civic seems too overdone. Triple center exhaust, badging and 20” aluminum-alloy wheels are all excellent features that capture the spirit of a performance Honda.

When a daily commuter vehicle can set a track record as well as get you to work on time, which is nothing short of incredible. You will first notice the tremendous acceleration and smooth grip handling. Do yourself a favor and flip the toggle to R+ in order to truly drive this car how it was intended. When the gauge turns an aggressive red, a more advanced rev matching kicks in for effortless shifting. The handling is equally impressive. Tight gripping around the hardest corners is tremendous and comfortable. The low profile tires and stance however, isn’t desirable on the rougher terrains and major bumps. Honda had also slapped on some Brembo® high-performance four piston calipers with heart stopping technology are made for stopping on a dime. In test results the Type R substantially stopped 15 feet less than its Golf and Focus RS rival.

Finally Honda Civic fans can rejoice with an actual factory modified Civic they can brag about.

Key Features:

  • Starting $41,090
  • 2.0-litre, Direct injection, 16 valve VTECH®, turbocharged 4-cyclinder
  • 306 Horsepower and 295lb.ft Torque
  • 6/100km City and 8.3/100km Highway
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Automotive Reviews
2018 Honda Odyssey

2018 Honda Odyssey – Review

2018 Honda Odyssey

2018 Honda Odyssey – Review

The 2018 Honda Odyssey van is equipped to take you and your family on their next big adventure, including the tools required for all the messes that might happen along the way.

My first impression of this vehicle starts with the stylish hood that sweeps down towards the grille. The headlights are angled up and back giving the profile a sculpted look.  Not only does it provide an exclusive appearance, but also adds increased visibility for third-row passengers.

Very nice interior, everything laid out nicely. So many bells and whistles you almost would want to run through a checklist before driving. Eight passengers seating with a total passenger volume of 4887 litres, and all those passengers get thirsty, so Honda put in 15 cup holders. The third row is a one-motion 60/40 split Magic seat that can accommodate three passengers and still leave 1087 litres of cargo volume. The second row is a three-mode seating with fold down center console.

Driver and front passenger seats are captain’s chairs that are very comfortable. My tester included a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, channel selector, cruise control, and hands-free telephone button. The instrument panel is easier to read, thanks to little tweaks by the engineers. Satellite-linked Navigation screen with trilingual voice recognition, 3D map, and FM traffic is also available that uses GPS technology and a 60GB hard drive based operating system that provides the driver with turn by turn voice guidance to their chosen destination. The screen also is used for the backup camera that offers three different views, Normal view, wide angle, and top down. Both side sliding doors open automatically via the key fob or a switch on the dash. A 550 watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/Windows Media audio playback and 11 speakers including a subwoofer is standard the EX-L. 

The i-MID or intelligent Multi-information Display can display your incoming text messages while the vehicle is in park and also read out too you while driving. I had one driving home late one night, and it said “your dinner is in the garbage, have a nice day,”  I think that must have been a glitch. The available rear entertainment system features a huge 16.2-inch screen that includes two wireless headsets with personal surround sound. The Honda Odyssey also features an in-car vacuum system called the HondaVac. It comes complete with a replaceable filter, canister bag, nozzle accessories, and a hose that can reach the front seats. So mothers everywhere can not only drive the family to weekend activities but once there can do the vacuuming. I feel an email coming on.

Safety is paramount with mini-van owners; the Odyssey has a blind spot information system with cross traffic monitor, vehicle stability assist, side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce neck injury in the event of a rear collision. There are also five lower anchors and tethers for children. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring system is also standard. An available lane departure warning system that utilizes onboard cameras to determine if you’re drifting too far out of your lane without using your turn signal.

The engine is a 3.5 litre, 24 valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V6 that produces 280 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The engines variable cylinder management system allows the engine to run on three, four or six cylinders depending on the requirements. All models receive a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combination makes the drive that much more comfortable and enjoyable.

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Automotive Reviews
2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior

2017 Honda Ridgeline – Review

2017 Honda Ridgeline Exterior

2017 Honda Ridgeline – Review

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline Touring edition is so versatile; it is like having a Swiss army knife that you can drive.

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline Touring edition is so versatile; it is like having a Swiss army knife that you can drive. Open the tailgate down or swing it open sideways and you have access to a durable steel reinforced composite box that is dent and corrosion resistant. Push a button, and the hatch pops up to reveal an in bed trunk. Now if I could only figure out where they put the toothpick?

Looks:

I had the pleasure of driving the Touring model, which included a truck bed audio system, great for tailgate parties or just singing in the rain. The Ridgeline’s new molded design is not only aerodynamic but stylish, and the swept back headlights blend seamlessly into the front fenders.

In the Cab:

There is seating for five, with lots of leg room in the back. The front seats are heated and are fully adjustable. The navigation system with its 8” touch screen is well positioned and is easy to reach and with the steering wheel mounted controls and voice recognition commands you should have no problem getting where you want to go.

Safety First:

The Ridgeline has many safety features including: side curtain airbags, front active head restraints, vehicle stability control, four-wheel anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, front and rear parking sensors, backup camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot alert, rear cross traffic alert and road departure warnings.

Power:

A 3.5 Litre V6 engine with 280 horses and 262 ft-lbs of torque power this truck. It also features variable valve timing and lifts electronic control (VTEC) technology as well as a dual-stage intake manifold. These systems work together to maximize torque and increase horsepower as your speed increases. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with grade logic control that locks in a lower gear when traveling down a hill. There is also an ECON button to help stretch your fuel budget a little further.

Pump Frequency:

Fuel economy numbers are impressive. 12.8/9.5 litres / 100 km (city/highway)

Warranty support:

  • Three years/ 60,000 km standard
  • Five years/ 100,000 km powertrain
  • Three years/ unlimited roadside assistance
  • Eight year/ 130,000 km emissions warranty

Roadworthy:

Honda did nearly everything right with the Ridgeline. Car like traits are immediately noticeable, and the vehicle’s slightly heavy feel is mixed with considerable overall refinement. Performance is strong and confident, if not exactly blistering. The response is quick, easy and seamless from the engine and automatic transmission. The seats are firm and very supportive, and a large speedometer is easy to read.

The Ridgeline Baja Race truck made its debut this year. Strong finish considering a soccer mom was driving with three kids in the back screaming “are we there yet.”

Drivers can expect a smooth ride on good roads and a satisfying experience on rougher pavement. The Ridgeline stays reasonably flat in curves, but it’s not quite as surefooted as some SUVs on narrow twisty roads. It seems a little uncertain through some demanding turns.

Verdict:

Honda first introduced the Ridgeline to us in 2005 and had since improved, made changes, and listened to its customers on all aspects of this truck. Although not the first to offer this combination of an SUV and a pickup, they certainly stuck with it and cut out their own niche market

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Automotive Reviews