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Honda shows off 2015 Euro-market Jazz

The 2015 Honda Jazz is here, wearing much the same look we caught on the Jazz "concept" at the Paris Motor Show last year. No, make that exactly the same look as the "concept," save for the fog lights on the pictured model. A move to the same global B-segment platform as the Honda HR-V makes the new Jazz lighter and stiffer than before, and pays all kinds of benefits for the subcompact. Prime among them is interior space - Honda says it's class-leading - the new hatch being 95 millimeters longer. The fuel tank is underneath the front seats, leaving the rear bench free for the installation of Honda's Magic Seat system. Three potential cargo bay arrangements are called "Utility," "Tall," and "Long," achieved by rearranging the positions of the rear seatbacks and bolsters. The Honda Connect infotainment system uses a seven-inch touchscreen, hooks up to the Internet, and transmits real-time news and Internet radio. Following a trend of buyer-installable navigation working through the factory screen, integrated Garmin Nav is an option, and other apps can be downloaded from the Honda App Center. Ride quality and interior comfort get a boost thanks to the 30-mm longer wheelbase and suspension re-engineered with better, lighter parts and new dampers, as well as geometry more inclined to the dynamic. The lighter platform bones let Honda load up on soundproofing, creating a quieter cabin. A 1.3-liter VTEC gasoline engine sits underhoood, offering 101 horsepower, with a new six-speed transmission for a semi-automatic CVT for shifting. Driver safety systems make an appearance here, too, include Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist, and High-beam Support. Some of those features will only be available in Europe, naturally, but we'll obviously get a lot of goodies on our Fit, too. The press release below has the particulars. ALL-NEW HONDA JAZZ REDEFINES B-SEGMENT WITH ADDED SPACE, VERSATILITY, REFINEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY - Third generation Jazz based on Honda's global B-segment platform - New 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine from Earth Dreams Technology series - Extra interior space, made versatile with Magic Seats® system - Bold, fresh exterior and refined cabin - New Honda Connect infotainment system - Advanced Driver Assist Systems enhance safety 24.02.2015 -- Arriving in Europe in summer 2015, the third-generation Jazz features bold yet sophisticated exterior and interior design, with unrivalled interior space and versatility.

Honda Civic Type R on track to smash 'Ring record, eclipse NSX

Honda has made some serious performance machinery over the course of its history, but few products have been as hotly anticipated as the upcoming new Civic Type R. Following a deep and proud history of Type R Hondas, the latest Japanese hot hatch is continuing its long striptease at the Paris Motor Show this week. But before it does, Honda has released this video clip featuring project leader Suehiro Hasshi - and he has some bold claims to make.
For one, he says it'll be the best Type R yet - and that's quite a statement considering some of its predecessors, including the almighty NSX Type R. Hasshi-san also reiterates Honda's aim of snatching the front-drive lap record at the Nürburgring away from the likes of Renault and Seat, and reports that the Honda team is on track to chew every bit it's biting off. In short, the new Civic Type R ought to be sensational.

No S660 for US, but Honda wants sporty cars

Honda, best known lately for being a mainstream player rather than the brand that brought us the CRX Si, NSX, Integra Type-R, and S2000, apparently wants to builds sporty cars for the US again. With that in mind (or not), Honda has ruled out bringing the tiny, sporty S660 roadster across the Pacific. "I wouldn't put my chips on [the S660]," American Honda Executive Vice President John Mendel told Automotive News. At nearly 11.1 feet long, the S660 slots in between the 12.8-foot Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 8.8-foot Smart ForTwo. Yet Mendel says the tiny two-seater wouldn't work here. "When the practicalities of the market come in, and the car only so big, that might not be the best car for the US market," Mendel said. "It might be better for India or China or somewhere else." Honda is considering its options here in the US, though. As AN reports, after his takeover earlier this year, new CEO Takahiro Hachigo promised more sporting models, like the new, US-bound, 300-horsepower Civic Type R. And while it's no secret that Honda has filed patent drawings for a mid-engine model, Mendel offered little to indicate that it'd become a reality. Calling the project from Honda's Silicon Valley research and design facility a "design study," Mendel wouldn't answer AN when it asked whether this new model was successor to the S2000 or a more attainable, lower-powered NSX. He did, however, say his company was getting pressure from dealers over the lack of verve in the company's lineup. "They want anything in the sports car world," Mendel told AN. "They're going, 'Gimme a sports car.' They want a retractable hardtop; they want a high-horsepower $20,000 sports car. Because that's the nature of what they do." There you are, Honda. Your dealers want it, which means your consumers are probably are asking for it, and your CEO wants it, too. Make something happen.