Honda Partners With SSE Airtricity
Honda has teamed up with SSE Airtricity in Ireland to offer Honda e customers the installation of a free home charging system.
The Honda e is the Japanese brand's first battery electric car and went on sale in Ireland in November priced from €29,995.
To avail of the offer, customers are asked to check their SEAI grant eligibility and SSE Airtricity will then take care of the rest.
SSE Airtricity is the largest generator and supplier of green energy in Ireland, providing 100% green electricity, natural gas and energy-related services to home and business customers.
John Saunders Sales and Marketing Director for Universal Honda Ltd. said:
“With a greater focus on environmental issues such as climate change we are witnessing our customers looking to seek cleaner mobility and energy choices here in Ireland. The launch of the Honda e represents our commitment to reflecting this change as we transition towards Honda’s 2022 goal, where our entire model range will be electrified. Therefore, we are delighted to be partnering with SSE Airtricity who pride themselves on providing 100% green energy and together we are helping to improve our environment.
Under this partnership all eligible Honda e customers will receive a free home charging system from SSE Airtricity making the transition to owning an electric car as easy as possible. We all have a part to play in securing our futures and choosing how you power your home or car can make that happen”.
Speaking about the new partnership, Will O’Shaughnessy, SSE Airtricity Energy Services Head of Business Developments, said:
“Everyone at SSE Airtricity is excited to work with a prestigious car manufacturer like Honda. SSE Airtricity and Honda share the same goals in achieving our green ambitions and Honda’s commitment to carbon neutral motoring is truly commendable. As Ireland’s largest provider of 100% green energy and energy related services, this partnership is another important milestone in supporting customers and motorists on their journey to a net zero future.”
Honda e (2020) First Drive Review
The new Honda e has arrived in Ireland and goes on sale priced from €29,995 including Government grants and VRT relief. It's the Japanese brand's first battery electric car, based on the Honda Urban EV concept car, which made a dramatic debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017 and has had tongues wagging ever since in anticipation of its cool retro-inspired styling and lounge-like interior.
With a WLTP range of 222 km, it is an all electric city car aimed at the urban dweller. It brings a number of innovations to the Honda brand, including Side Camera Mirror System. We had an opportunity to bring the Honda e for a test drive in Dublin. Here are our opening thoughts on the quirky Honda e.
Styling
The production Honda e retains most of the cool character of the original Honda Urban EV concept. Small in size, the Honda e is from the future and at home on city streets lit by neon lights. It's anything but ordinary. The clues are there as you approach. Traditional side mirrors have been replaced by cameras so the Honda e has 'no ears' per se, just small housing for the cameras protruding from each wing. At the front, there's a closed grille with those dazzling round headlamps deliberately styled to give the Honda e a friendly human face that you will just fall in love with instantly. Charging is via a remote controlled flap on the bonnet that opens to reveal a CCS port for fast charging and AC charging.
Interior
Inside Honda treats us to another glimpse of the future. Many manufacturers are showing us concepts of lounge-like interiors built around screens and more screens but Honda brings one to production in the year 2020. It's an elegant, classy and techy dashboard set-up with full-width LCD touchscreens and wood panelling that would not be out of place in an upmarket furniture store. Neither would the seat upholstery or bench-like seating in the rear. The Side Camera Mirror System means you get more screen action to show you what is going on around the vehicle. The compact cameras on the outside of the vehicle provide live images to two six-inch screens inside the vehicle. This camera technology is a first in the compact segment. Works beautifully we can confirm in daylight, though we haven't experienced it at night time yet. Standard kit too. Go up to the Advance model (from €32,995) and Honda will even up the ante with a Centre Camera Mirror System, which cleverly relays the image from a central rear-facing camera to the rear-view mirror display. It's an interior fitting of an up and coming electric city car. Analogue fans need not apply.
Practicality
The Honda e is a small car but can fit humans in it too and some of their gear. It's five door with four seat interior. Up front it feels roomy but legroom is on the small side in the rear and the boot has a capacity of just 171 litres. It's cool though, right?
Battery, Power and Range
The purpose built EV platform uses a 35.5 kWh battery, with a WLTP range of 222 km. The Honda e has 136 hp, while the Honda e Advance has 154 hp. Fast charging is available through a CCS charging adapter, with the opportunity to add 80% of charge in just 30 minutes. The Type 2 AC connection charges the car to full in 4.1 hours, with a 7.4 kW supply.
On the road
The excitement of setting off in the Honda e on a dull Monday morning in October just a few weeks before Lockdown 2.0! Bizarrely despite all that visible tech the Honda e is as easy as 1 2 3 to drive, or P R N D, considering it's controlled by a simple button gear selector that means you just press a button to put the car in Drive.
As well as Single Pedal Control, the Honda e also has two drive modes; Normal, for a quiet refined drive around town and Sport, for increased responsiveness.
Silence is the language of the Honda e. It's light and nippy and oh so modern. We felt a bit small on the motorway but could still keep up with the best of them. In typical urban driving it's that perfect slice of zero tailpipe emissions future motoring with instant acceleration and responsiveness. Buy the Honda e and that's 'now' motoring, but we expect more will join as Honda Ireland expects to sell their full allocation of 150 little e badged Hondas in 2021.
We had limited time to test the Honda e's consumption and efficiency but early indications are that it uses electricity cleverly. If buyers can charge every night at home you will set off each day on your commute with close to 170 km.
Pricing & Equipment
An enhanced suite of safety features sees the addition of three new safety technologies to the Honda e including Collision Mitigation Throttle Control, preventing sudden acceleration in either reverse or drive upon starting the car when there is an obstacle in the way; Low Speed Brake Function, which applies emergency braking while driving at low speed, and Lead Car Departure Notification System which notifies the driver when the car in front has started moving.
Another new feature is Honda Parking Pilot, which provides further driver support by monitoring for parking spaces and highlighting on the HMI screens a suitable position to begin assisted parking.
In Ireland the Honda e (from €29,995) comes as standard with Honda Sensing suite of safety features, 16" alloys, climate control with rear vent, automatic wipers, electric windows front and rear, heated front seats, parking sensors, rear view parking camera, ambient lighting, and panoramic glass roof.
Honda e Advance (from €32,995) adds an increased motor output, Centre Camera Mirror System, a more powerful audio system, heated windscreen and steering wheel, and the smart Honda Parking Pilot driver aid.
Honda in Ireland has chosen to sell the new Honda e from a number of urban Honda dealers nationwide, including Des Darcy Honda and Clonskeagh Motors Honda in Dublin, Kevin O’Leary Honda in Cork, and Sheils Honda in Limerick and Galway.
Rivals
The new Honda e will compete against other compact electric vehicles like the Peugeot e-208 and the MINI Electric.
Summary
The new Honda e hits the compact EV market at the premium end. Honda has many valid reasons for not using a larger capacity battery for more range but it will be tough for the Honda e in a market that fetishises range - the more of it the better seemingly and I might be saying the same thing after spending a week with the car.
The Honda e may not win the range race but what it does have is street cred that makes it serious eye candy for early adopters. If you're after a budget small car, the Honda e is evidently not for you. But the premium build, technology-laden Honda e is undeniably cool, adventurous and desirable.
A trendsetter we can fully get behind and look forward to delving deeper into the technology and practicality of living with a Honda e when we take it on an extended test drive in January 2021. Watch this space!
Caroline Kidd
Honda e Arrives In Ireland!
The all-electric Honda e will go on sale in Ireland from November 2020, priced from €29,995 including SEAI grants and VRT relief.
The quirky electric city car was first revealed as a concept back in 2017 to great reception at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Now the production model of Honda's first battery electric vehicle is ready to hit Irish roads. It is a car made for urban driving and built on a dedicated EV platform. The advanced electric drivetrain employs proven Honda electrification technologies, with fast-charge capability to meet the demands of everyday commuting. The new Honda e uses a high capacity 35.5 kWh battery putting out 136 hp, providing a range of 222 km. Fast charging is available through a CCS charging adpater with the opportunity to add 80% of charge in just 30 minutes.
A unique thermal management system optimises battery range in high and low temperatures, allowing the car to maintain optimal range capability and enabling more frequent rapid DC charges.
Honda says that the all-new EV-specific platform has been engineered to deliver "fun and effortless electric performance with exceptional driving characteristics in urban environments". A powerful electric motor, compact proportions, 4.3 m turning radius, 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity are said to all combine to give the car a sporty and dynamic character. The result is a quiet, smooth and rewarding drive with instant acceleration to help navigate busy streets with ease. As well as Single Pedal Control, the Honda e also has two drive modes; Normal, and Sport, which increases responsiveness and heightens the dynamic appeal of the car.
The new Honda e brings unique features to the compact electric vehicle class including pop-out door handles and a Side Camera Mirror System. Inside contemporary materials are used to create a relaxing and modern lounge-like space enhanced by sofa style fabric and other tactile materials.
Five high-resolution colour screens span the entire width of the car’s interior, with the Side Camera Mirror Systems screens ergonomically placed at either end of the dashboard to ensure a natural feel and vision for the driver.
The Honda Parking Pilot debuts in Ireland on the Honda e to assist the driver in locating an appropriate space and then manoeuvring the car into it. In addition to this feature, the Honda SENSING suite has also been enhanced with three new functions - Lead Car Departure Notification System, Collision Mitigation Throttle Control and Low Speed Brake Function.
Honda e spearheads the Honda brand’s ‘Electric Vision’ strategy for the European region, representing a commitment to a more sustainable model range. It will see all of Honda’s mainstream models in Europe electrified by 2022, three years ahead of the previously announced 2025 goal, demonstrating the confidence Honda has in its electric and hybrid powertrain technology.
This accelerated plan will see six electrified models launched over the next 36 months, including the Honda e, all-new hybrid-only Jazz, a stylish SUV and an additional battery electric vehicle. Honda's new ‘e: Technology’ branding will unify all its electrified products under the same global name. Ahead of its European 2022 electrification goal, Honda will expand the application of its e:HEV dual-motor hybrid system to the entire line-up of Honda vehicles in Europe, starting with the next-generation Jazz, available in Ireland later this year.
In Ireland, buyers can already sample hybrid technology in the new Honda CR-V Hybrid, tested by Changing Lanes back in 2019.
Honda in Ireland has chosen to sell the new Honda e from a number of urban Honda dealers nationwide, including Des Darcy Honda and Clonskeagh Motors Honda in Dublin, Kevin O’Leary Honda in Cork, and Sheils Honda in Limerick and Galway.
John Saunders, Sales and Marketing Director of Universal Honda Ltd., said:
“We are very excited at Honda to be welcoming the urban city-car, the all new Honda e, into our model line-up. The all-electric Honda e is part of a wider transition to newer technologies and is the next step on our vision to electrify all our mainstream models sold in Europe by 2022. Later in the year we will be also be welcoming the Honda Jazz Hybrid to sit alongside the already launched CR-V Hybrid. We firmly believe this is the perfect car for urban living, offering fun and effortless electric performance, whilst also producing zero emissions."
Read our first drive review of the new all electric Honda e here.
Mark Lidstone's Honda NSX
Now we turn to Canada to meet Mark Lidstone and his Honda NSX. The NSX is an icon, imagine having one in your garage?
The NSX, Honda's mid-engined, rear wheel drive supercar, debuted as a concept at the Chicago Auto Show back in 1989. In North America, it was marketed as the Acura NSX - Acura is a spin off of Honda to market luxury high end vehicles. But this side of the Atlantic, it will always be known as the Honda NSX.
The first generation NSX was low slung and super light with the world's first all-aluminium monocoque, titanium connecting rods and a high-revving VTEC V6 engine putting out 270 hp.
In the early stages of development, the R&D team spent a month testing the prototype at Honda's Suzuka Circuit in Japan. In February 1989, around the same time as the NS-X Concept model's debut in Chicago, legendary F1 driver Ayrton Senna was in Japan to test the new Honda F1 car. The engineering team asked Senna if he would evaluate the NSX prototype. Even though the production NSX targeted levels of rigidity equalling Porsche and Ferrari, Senna felt it could be better.
"I'm not sure I can really give you appropriate advice on a mass-production car," Senna told the team, "but I feel it's a little fragile."
Based on Senna's input and over eight months of continuous effort to improve the body design including testing at Germany's Nürburgring, engineers increased the car's rigidity by 50 percent.
There's a little bit of history about the Honda NSX. But what about an owner's perspective? In this interview Mark Lidstone gives us some insight into what makes the NSX so special!
1. Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?
My name is Mark Lidstone. I live in Port Moody, British Columbia just outside Vancouver. I am married and have 2 wonderful daughters. I have worked in the automotive industry for 18 years with Honda, Tesla and Mercedes-Benz.
2. What car do you drive?
A 1992 Grand Prix White (GPW) Honda NSX.
3. Why did you buy this car?
I bought this car to fulfil a commitment I made myself when I was 9 years old and first saw one on the cover of a car magazine at the grocery store. Many years later, I was fortunate enough to be in a position to buy one and began my search. After 6 years of looking, I found mine in Memphis, Tennessee, and bought it unseen literally 6 minutes after the ad was posted.
4. What do you like about it?
The purity of the driving experience. Manual steering, naturally aspirated engine, dynamics set up by Ayrton Senna…it is a special event every time I have occasion to drive it.
5. Is there anything you would change about it?
I did not fit very well in this car so I ended up purchasing a piece of foam and customizing a new seat cushion that I installed in the factory leather seat cover. It dropped me about 1.5 inches, which was just enough to keep my head from touching the roof. Aside from that, perhaps a larger gas tank so I don’t have to stop so often!
6. What's in the glovebox?
1 Microfiber cloth, insurance/ownership papers, a hidden USB outlet I installed and ran to the upgraded stereo to keep the interior looking clean, and lastly, my fancy leather driving gloves.
7. Favourite memory of the car?
I have two…the first was in 2016 when I sent it down to an NSX specialist in Arizona for a complete engine rebuild and some other less major enhancements. After months apart I flew down to collect it and drove back to Vancouver through San Francisco. In all it was about 10 days and 3600 km. I took the long way back through some amazing parts of Northern California and the Pacific North West.
The second just happened last week when I got to take my daughter Audrey for her first drive. Honda had the foresight to install a threaded anchor location for a tether bolt behind the passenger seat so I can now properly install her seat and bring her for rides (provided mom signs off!)
8. Three words to describe your car?
Responsive. Beautiful. Timeless.
9. What do you think about the new NSX and Honda's products and position in the market right now?
I have yet to drive the new NSX but did fly to the Detroit Auto Show with some friends when it had its North American release. I must have spent all day staring and being told by various Honda reps to move along and give someone else a chance. I understand the need to innovate and am impressed by the engineering that has gone into it however I guess I consider myself more of a purist. Colin Chapman said “simplify, then add lightness…” but the world in general has gone the other way, not just Honda. Crash structures, hybrids, EVs, pedestrian safety…as the products have evolved due to changing priorities, it does seem like less attention is being given to simple driver enjoyment. The new NSX is certainly a fast car from what I have seen but I do not think it would speak in quite the same way.
I will always be a big supporter of Honda and its products although the styling these days seems to have gone a bit bonkers. They still make great cars that excel at their duties but not what I would consider too desirable, save of course, the new NSX. It’s good to see them return to F1 as an engine supplier and I have always been a fan of their various motorsport endeavours. The next big revolution will be EVs and Honda has not been investing heavily in that so long term I am concerned however it still remains to be seen if EVs will be the way forward.
10. What kind of reaction does the NSX get?
Always positive. It seems like everyone loves an NSX! Most people react to it the way I did before I owned one. I am a big fan of seeing the reaction it causes on the road since there are so few out here. It is such a beautiful machine and deserves to be shown off and enjoyed by all.
Thanks to Mark for taking part in this interview!
You can follow Mark and his adventures with the NSX over on Instagram.
Honda Civic (2020) Review
If you are interested in finding out more about the Honda Civic 2020 range, check out our Irish road test review of this Civic Diesel model. In 2020 Honda revamped the popular Civic with some exterior styling enhancements and improvements to the infotainment system and materials used in the cabin.
Did someone tell you diesel was dead? Well Honda Ireland certainly doesn’t think so. The brand cheekily launched their new Honda Civic Diesel to the media in 2018 with the tagline ‘Never Say (Die)sel'. And after driving the new Honda Civic Diesel, I can say that it’s no surprise that Honda are confident that this car has plenty more mileage left in it!
In 2017 Honda launched the new tenth generation Civic to widespread acclaim, with the car collecting the Continental Tyres 2018 Irish Compact Car of the Year Award. The new Civic was launched with two new petrol engines: Civic 1.0-litre and Civic 1.5-litre, which are good engines, but we were promised a diesel at a later date. Civic Diesel has now been on sale in Ireland since 2018.
The Honda Civic Saloon joined the range in 2018 boasting an even more elegant design, large boot and comfortable cabin. The brand also sells the raucous Honda Civic Type R in Ireland with an inspiring 320 hp.
Manual and CVT automatic gearboxes are available, while Honda has since added the option of a 9-speed dual clutch automatic transmission to the diesel range.
Does the Honda Civic Diesel make a good family hatchback?
The Honda Civic does a lot of things right. Honda has toned down the styling to make it more palatable. But it’s still very sporty and avantgarde for the compact segment. The Civic is genuinely spacious inside and buyers get a lot of ‘bang for their buck’. The boot is 478 litres, one of the biggest in the class, and the rear foot wells are large also. Up front it feels like a larger car too when compared to many rivals.
Inside new Civic, Honda has toned down the confusing dash layout and screens of the previous model. Instead they have opted for a more ordinary and conventional appearance. It's all the better for it. The material quality and build is very good, though a Volkswagen Golf is more premium feeling.
Pricing and equipment for new Civic
In Ireland the Civic range kicks off at €24,250 for a 1.0-litre petrol hatchback, while the Civic Diesel range kicks off at €26,425. The Saloon is pitched higher in the range, with pricing starting from €27,385. Standard equipment includes 16” alloys, Bluetooth, parking sensors, and automatic air conditioning. Impressively, the Honda Sensing suite of safety equipment comes as standard including traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning and collision mitigation braking system.
My test car was a 1.6 i-DTEC Smart Plus hatchback retailing at €28,895. It's not the cheap option for sure but there's more equipment including 17" alloys, Honda Connect infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual zone climate control, rear parking camera, privacy glass, fog lights, driver lumbar support, auto wipers and leather steering wheel.
What's the new Honda Civic Diesel like to drive?
The Honda Civic Diesel is also one of the best diesel hatchbacks to drive and very efficient. Over a few days of driving my fuel consumption was 5.3 litres per 100 km and motor tax is just €180 per year. The diesel engine suits the Civic perfectly. There is great flexibility in the engine allowing for very smooth driving, while it has plenty of power to make the most of the Civic's agile handling and sporty steering. The Civic Diesel is refined on the move and not at all laboursome to drive, even with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
At Changing Lanes we have been a fan of the new Civic since we first drove it at the European press launch in February 2017. Since then we've been able to sample a variety of models across the Civic range. This compact car always impresses for its strong build and quality, and fun to drive qualities. Yet put a diesel in it, and you have one of the best iterations of this car yet. The Civic's sporty looks are not for everyone but don't let it put you off. This is still one of the best hatchbacks on the market.
The new Honda Civic Diesel is not the cheapest diesel family hatchback you can buy, but on the whole in terms of space, equipment and safety features, it is good value. This is a fuel sipping hatchback that’s also great fun to drive. The Honda Civic Diesel has miles more life in it. It’s a fantastic diesel hatchback.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC Smart Plus
Price: €28,895 (Range from €24,250)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel
Power: 120hp
Torque: 300Nm
0-100km/h: 10.1 seconds
Top speed: 201km/h
Claimed Economy: 3.5l/100km
CO2 emissions: 93g/km
Motor tax: €180 per year
Honda CR-V Hybrid Review
Caroline drives the new Honda CR-V Hybrid!
Honda has electrified their new CR-V range with the addition of the new Honda CR-V Hybrid. Based on the new generation of the popular family SUV, the new CR-V Hybrid uses a petrol electric hybrid powertrain to deliver fuel consumption as low as 5.3l/100km and CO2 emissions of just 120g.
Priced from €38,000, the 2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid carries a premium over the new CR-V 1.5 VTEC petrol (from €33,500) but comes with a sophisticated hybrid powertrain and automatic transmission. Available with five seats only, the CR-V Hybrid is a large family SUV with plenty of kerb appeal. The evolution between the styling of this new CR-V and the previous generation has been quite gentle, but there are broader and more muscular wheel arches, sharper contours on the bonnet and rear quarters, as well as the latest Honda headlight signature. LED lights and 18” alloy wheels come as standard.
If you don’t immediately fall in love with the CR-V on the outside, you certainly will once you sit inside. The Honda CR-V has a fabulous build quality and the interior is immaculately finished with plenty of soft touch materials, metallic trim and wood-effect inserts in the dashboard and doors. On all but the entry model, there is a stylish looking 7” touchscreen set in the dash with the Honda Connect infotainment system. It’s one of the best interiors in the business and large and comfortable too for a family on the move. The automatic transmission adds to the ease of use also. Headroom is excellent in the rear as are the passenger footwells and a flat floor means its not too bad for the middle passenger either. The boot is large too at 497 litres.
Driving the 2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The 2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid uses a 2.0-litre petrol electric hybrid powertrain with 184hp and 175Nm of torque available in both the front wheel drive and four wheel drive model. The CR-V Hybrid puts its power to the road using a CVT automatic gearbox. The CR-V Hybrid is driven by Honda’s unique i-MMD technology, which intelligently and automatically switches between three driving modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive – to optimise both performance and efficiency.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class and features Honda’s Active Shutter Grille system to improve fuel efficiency. The hybrid system is operated via buttons rather than a traditional gear lever – Drive, Park, Neutral and Reverse. There is also a Sport mode button for a more responsive throttle input. A short range EV mode can be selected when in town and it gives about 2 km of pure electric drive, depending on battery charge and driving conditions.
The new CR-V Hybrid is a dream to drive, with a very natural and smooth hybrid drive. It’s not the kind of SUV you want to throw into bends but the steering has still got decent feel and it's easy to place on the road. It's comfortable on the move and there's not too much transmission whine so it's a quiet and refined drive. It’s very quiet, well-insulated and refined. Over a week of driving my fuel consumption averaged at 6.5l/100km, and the car would make an excellent choice for urban families who need a large SUV for short, frequent trips.
What are my options?
Honda Ireland is selling the new CR-V Hybrid in four grades: Comfort, Lifestyle, Elegance and Executive. Standard equipment includes 18” alloys, keyless entry and start, emergency call, Honda Sensing suite of safety equipment including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist system, driver lumbar support, climate control, and LED headlights.
Lifestyle models (€40,500) add equipment including rain sensing wipers, electrically folding side mirrors, leather steering wheel, dual automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera and Honda Connect with 7” touchscreen.
The Elegance model (€43,500) has leather upholstery, front heated seats, active cornering lights and ambient lighting.
The Executive model (€49,500) has an opening panoramic glass roof, head-up display, heated steering wheel, electric tailgate and rear heated seats.
Prices quoted here are for front wheel drive models and include Government grants and reductions for hybrids. All wheel drive (AWD) models are available from €43,500.
The model I was driving was a fully loaded CR-V Hybrid Executive AWD with a list price of €49,500.
Hybrid power seems to be a rather natural fit for the new CR-V. The refinement and efficiency of the hybrid powertrain is impressive.
We liked the new Honda CR-V when we tested it last year with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol. However, while the new CR-V Hybrid is more expensive to buy it feels like a better investment for the efficiency and refinement it offers. The new CR-V Hybrid retains all of the CR-V's natural attributes: that is it's a big, comfortable family SUV with an excellent, almost premium feeling cabin. They hybrid powertrain feels like a natural fit for the CR-V and it's easily one of the best SUVs you can buy right now.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Honda CR-V Hybrid Executive AWD
Price: €49,500 (Range from €38,000)
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol electric hybrid
Power: 180 hp
Torque: 175 Nm
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Fuel economy: 5.5 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 126 g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year
If you are looking for a hybrid SUV you might also like this review of the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Honda CR-V Review
Caroline drives the 2018 Honda CR-V.
Following on from the arrival of the award-winning Honda Civic in 2017, Honda Ireland has recently welcomed the new Honda CR-V. Honda’s large family SUV first emerged back in the 1990s but with the explosion of SUVs in recent years, it’s just as relevant today as the Civic, if not more.
When this new generation of the car was revealed last year, the Honda CR-V grabbed headlines because Honda confirmed no more diesel for this model in this part of the world - it was to be the first CR-V to be exclusively powered by petrol and for the first time as a petrol electric hybrid.
The CR-V Hybrid will arrive in Ireland in early 2019, but 1.5-litre petrol launch models are already in Honda dealers. A few years ago one might balk at the idea of a petrol engine in a big bruiser like the CR-V, but with Honda’s skill in making great engines and a general shift in public consciousness, this CR-V looks well primed for the future.
What's new with the 2018 Honda CR-V?
Benchmarked against premium-brand products, Honda says that the new CR-V delivers improved ride quality, steering response, body control and refinement. The new CR-V is built on the same platform as the new Honda Civic and the slightly larger exterior proportions, longer wheelbase and wider stance give it a significantly larger interior over its predecessor. There’s also a wider, deeper boot with a longer load bay.
On the outside the styling has evolved again but the 2018 Honda CR-V retains a familiar silhouette and imposing physical presence. The wheelbase is longer and there are larger wheels and dual exhaust tailpipes for a sporty stance. LED headlamps come as standard and aerodynamics have also been improved using Honda's Active Shutter Grille system.
Inside, it’s immediately apparent that the CR-V has gone upmarket. The quality and build is rock solid but it’s the material quality and design that really elevates the 2018 Honda CR-V. It’s a sleek design with slick features like the screen integrated neatly into the centre stack. A soft touch panel sweeps across the width of the cabin and the wood effect trim is a very nice addition adding some contemporary coolness to the cabin.
Will it make a good family car?
Standard models are five seat but for the first time there is a seven seat option on petrol AWD models (from €40,300). The longer wheelbase means that there is more space inside and the CR-V is definitely one of the more spacious family SUVs of its ilk, with a good wide bench in the rear, large footwells and loads of headroom. In five seat models, there is a boot of 561 litres (472 litres in seven seat models). There are plenty of practical bins and spaces around the cabin to accommodate family life too.
The new CR-V is available in four trims in Ireland: Comfort, Lifestyle, Elegance and Executive. Standard equipment includes the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, 17″ alloys, climate control, auto lights, 5″ monitor audio with DAB digital radio and Bluetooth, and automatic high beam. The Lifestyle model on test added Honda Connect with 7″ touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 18″ alloys, parking sensors and a rear view camera.
Smooth, petrol power for the 2018 Honda CR-V
At launch the Honda CR-V comes to Ireland with a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo petrol engine with 173hp (manual) or 193hp (automatic). In February 2019, a hybrid version will arrive. The 1.5-litre 'Lifestyle' five seat model on test has a list price of €35,500.
The new Honda CR-V has a lighter and more rigid chassis with the wider body stance and longer wheelbase improving stability. On the road the 2018 Honda CR-V is a star performer with great comfort for all on board, while also delivering considerable prowess when the roads get twisty. For a large SUV, it's smooth to drive and neat to manouvre - it's not laboursome to drive, even with a manual gearbox.
The 1.5-litre petrol suits the short hops in and out of town while also settling down for a hushed cruise on the motorway. The engine has plenty of power, though diesel fans will miss the immediate shove of torque from low down in the rev range - the petrol engine builds its speed in a different way. Still it's very pleasant to drive around town.
Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 7.1l/100km, while the CR-V 1.5 qualifies for motor tax of €390 per year.
Would you buy it?
The 2018 Honda CR-V is a formidable family car with a spacious interior and high quality finish that make it highly desirable. While this time the CR-V launches with no diesel option, the 1.5-litre petrol makes particularly good sense for drivers that will spend a lot of time in suburbia. Next year's CR-V Hybrid promises to offer even more efficiency. A seven seat option for the first time should boost the CR-V's fortunes even more.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Honda CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo Lifestyle
Price: €35,500 (Range from €33,500)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol
Power: 173 hp
Torque: 220 Nm
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 210 km/h
Economy: 6.3l/100km
CO2 emissions: 143 g/km
Motor tax: €390 per year
Honda Civic Saloon Review
Caroline drives the Honda Civic Sedan.
Many Honda enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that a saloon version of Honda’s well-known compact car has now arrived in Ireland. Based on the tenth generation of the Civic that launched in Ireland in 2017, the Civic Sedan, as it is officially known, goes on sale here priced from €24,750.
That’s just a €1000 premium over the equivalent hatchback and the four door Civic Sedan is arguably a ‘grander’ alternative to the Civic Hatchback, with more physical presence from that carefully designed elongated rear end. In fact, the size and shape of this vehicle surely makes it a worthy successor to the Accord, which is no longer sold here.
Mature elegance in the Honda Civic Sedan
Thankfully, the Civic’s fantastic recipe of quality, refinement and driving fun has not been diluted in the saloon version. When you sit into the Civic Sedan you are met with the same mature looking dashboard design. From the driver’s seat, the Civic gives the impression of being behind the wheel of a larger machine. It’s very spacious in the rear with two large footwells and the boot in the saloon comes in at 519 litres, which is 41 litres more than the Civic Hatchback.
In Ireland, the Civic Sedan comes in three trims: Smart, Smart Plus and Premium. The Honda Sensing suite of safety equipment comes as standard including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition. The popular Smart Plus model (from €27,250) gets features such as 17” alloys, Honda Connect with 7” touchscreen, rear parking camera, parking sensors, dual zone air conditioning, and leather steering wheel.
The Premium model on test (from €31,150) had a blind spot monitor, keyless entry and start, full leather interior, heated front seats, sunroof and premium audio system with 10 speakers.
What engine options are available?
The Honda Civic Sedan is available in Ireland with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 126hp or the 1.6-litre diesel with 120hp. A six speed manual gearbox comes as standard, while there is also the option of an automatic gearbox.
My test car was the 1.6-litre diesel and it is a very efficient unit with motor tax of just €180 per year and my fuel consumption over a week of driving was 5.2 litres.
On the road in the Honda Civic Sedan
The diesel engine also happens to suit the Civic Sedan very well. There’s loads of flexibility and power and the engine is refined and never gets too raucous. As we've noted in previous variants of the new Civic, the ride and handling of this generation is superb, with the car being both comfortable and fun to drive. The steering is direct and nicely weighted and the Civic goes around corners with aplomb.
The Honda Civic Sedan, especially in diesel form as it is tested here, is very easy to recommend. In Sedan form, the Civic gains an air of grandeur with the presence and style of a larger car. Once inside, it's the quality, space and refinement of the Civic Sedan that seals the deal. I have no problem saying that the Honda Civic is still one of the best cars launched in Ireland in the last 18 months!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Honda Civic Sedan 1.6 i-DTEC Premium
Price: €32,950 (Sedan range from €24,750)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel
Power: 120 hp
Torque: 300 Nm
0-100km/h: 10 seconds
Top speed: 201 km/h
Economy: 3.4l/100km
CO2 emissions: 91 g/km
Motor tax: €180 per year
Katie Taylor Announced As New Honda Brand Ambassador
Katie Taylor has joined the Honda brand as a brand ambassador for Universal Honda Ltd. and Castle Garage Honda in Bray Co. Wicklow.
The Olympic Gold boxing medallist - who is currently the IBF & WBA World Boxing Champion - collected her new Honda Civic hatchback at Marlfield House, Gorey, Co. Wexford at the launch of the new Honda Civic Four Door Sedan.
Speaking of the new partnership, Katie said: “I'm delighted to be partnering with Honda and really looking forward to getting out on the road in the new Civic!"
John Saunders, Director of Sales and Marketing for Universal Honda Ltd., said: “We are absolutely delighted to bring Katie on board as a Honda Ambassador. Katie is one of Ireland's most successful athletes ever. With a record breaking amateur career behind her, including multiple world titles and of course Olympic GOLD, she continues her dominance in the professional world. We are really delighted and honoured to welcome Katie, and we wish her all the very best in her next title defence in October".
Derek Bradshaw, Dealer Principal of Castle Garage Bray Co. Wicklow said: “We at Castle Garage are truly honoured to have this association with Katie, one of Ireland’s all-time great sporting heroes. Not only a phenomenal sportswoman but a fantastic role model too. The fact that she is also a local Bray girl makes this association very special for us. We really do hope she enjoys driving her new Honda Civic and wish her continued success in the future."
Honda Civic Type R Review
Caroline drives the Honda Civic Type R.
Honda’s Type R badge is legendary, appearing on the brand’s sportiest, most high performance models for over 25 years. After the 2017 launch of the new Honda Civic hatchback, we didn’t have long to wait for the new Honda Civic Type R.
Newly engineered from the ground-up, the new Civic Type R was developed in parallel with the standard Civic hatchback with what Honda claims to be mutual benefits to the dynamics and refinement of both.
It's true that the Honda Civic Type R is working from a good base because in standard form the Honda Civic is a car that's really impressed me in the last year for its space and fun to drive quality.
But the Honda Civic Type R has to be something special. With pricing starting from €51,750, the Type R occupies the same territory as the 350hp Ford Focus RS and 310hp Volkswagen Golf R.
The new Honda Civic Type R is lighter and more rigid with a lower centre of gravity. It uses a front wheel drive layout and the same 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo as the previous generation. Except the engine has been reworked to now produce 320hp (up from 310hp).
What's the Honda Civic Type R like to drive?
The Honda Civic Type R is quick - 0 to 100km is 5.8 seconds - but it makes for a scintillating drive that the numbers can only tell half the story of. In terms of performance it is nothing short of sublime and it has been engineered to put the power to the road with minimal fuss, just glorious noise from the 2.0-litre turbo.
Dual-Pinion Variable-Ratio Electric Power Steering is new to this generation of the Civic Type R. It uses a similar system to the standard Civic, but optimises the variable ratio to deliver a more direct and secure feel at high speed. No matter what the speed, the Civic Type R shows incredible grip and poise through corners with tactile steering that's quick and deft, and the smooth and precise six speed manual gearbox is deeply satisfying too.
There’s also a helical limited slip differential for greater traction during hard cornering. The front wheels are equipped with a high performance Brembo brake package, developed specifically for the car.
Honda has used an advanced Dual-Axis Strut Front Suspension system to reduce torque steer and enhance 'on-the-limit' cornering and steering feel. At the rear, the Type R’s new multi-link suspension enhances ride comfort as well as high speed stability.
New driving modes to enhance driving pleasure
Honda has introduced three driving modes: Comfort, Sport and +R. Each selection tailors the adaptive dampers, steering force, gear shift feeling and throttle response. The Comfort mode is where the suspension is at its most compliant for daily use and I had no issue with ride comfort in this car. Sport mode livens up the throttle response and stiffens things up.
But +R is a real revelation not to be missed. Even on a back road, press this button and you will feel like turning up at the gates of Mondello Park. It turns the car into a super stiff, eager, roaring hot hatch that will touch even the coldest of hearts! Truly sublime.
Does that wing do anything?
On the outside, Honda for sure has thrown all the bits at new Civic Type R: huge, grin-inducing, aerodynamic rear wing, brake cooling vents, 20" alloys, lightweight aluminium vented bonnet, and centre mounted triple outlet exhaust. The interior features plenty of red trim to increase the heart rate and the sports seats are really comfortable and supportive.
Like the rest of the Civic range, the new Honda Civic Type R features the Honda SENSING suite of safety technologies including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assistance and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
Buyers can also add a GT Pack for an extra €2,200. This pack adds carbon fibre effect sport garnish with red trim, Blind Spot Information including Cross Traffic Monitor, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, Honda CONNECT with Garmin Navigation, wireless charging pad, 542-watt 12-speaker audio system and LED front fog lights.
The new Honda Civic Type R is not discrete: it's old-school, 'look at my massive wing', immature and exciting. But Honda has addressed any refinement or comfort issues from the previous generation and the Civic Type R can be remarkably well-behaved too for daily use...
Yet even at low speeds this is a car that can thrill and excite. It's clear that the Civic Type R has been engineered for excellence - on the road and on the track. A true car for enthusiasts.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Honda Civic Type R GT Pack
Price: €53,950 (Available from €51,750)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 320hp
Torque: 400Nm
0-100km/h: 5.8 seconds
Top speed: 272km/h
Claimed Economy: 7.7/100km
CO2 emissions: 176g/km
Motor tax: €750 per year