A Fresh Look at the New Honda HRV and Comparisons

The small crossover segment is an interesting niche that is growing as buyer discover its charms. Those stepping up from hatchbacks and those becoming disillusioned with larger SUVs can find a new place to hang out in crossovers. Car manufacturers have noticed this trend, and a myriad of crossover vehicles has appeared in recent years to meet the demand. The Honda HRV for sale in Australia is the Japanese brand’s attempt to win the market share here. The HRV is an excellent vehicle, let’s take a closer look at how it compares to its competition.

The Basic Crossover Specifications:

The Honda HRV and most other crossovers in this segment come in a front wheel drive format. It’s typical to have automatic transmissions paired with petrol engines on cars, such as the: Honda HRV, Mitsubishi ASX XLS, Toyota C-HR Koba and Mazda CX-3. Specific models that exist outside this format with all wheel drive tend to be regarded as small SUV vehicles.

Pricing:

The cheapest car available of those mentioned above is the Mitsubishi ASX XLS at $31,500. This is representative of the fact that the Mitsubishi is a very old design compared to its rivals. Both the Mazda CX-3 and the Toyota C-HR come in at $33,290 with similar specs, but the C-HR is hard to get hold of due to stocking issues. The Honda HRV is the most expensive of this selection at $33,340, and it has some interesting equipment onboard.

Standard Equipment Levels:

At the base level all of these crossovers, feature: climate control, cruise control, a touchscreen, push button engine start, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, rain sensing wipers, leather seats, automatic headlights and alloy wheels. All of these models do have a rear view camera, but only the Honda HRV has a multiview mode unit.

Differing Equipment Levels:

Blind spot monitoring: Available on the Mazda and Toyota, but the Honda HRV has Lanewatch, which is a passenger side blind spot camera.

Front Parking Sensors: Only the Honda HRV and Toyota C-HR have this.

Heated Front Seats: All the models feature heated front seats except the Mazda CX-3.

Lane Assist: This features on all the models mentioned except for the Mitsubishi.

LED Headlights: This is featured on all the crossovers, except for the Mitsubishi.

Low Speed Autonomous Braking (AEB): Every car here apart from the Mitsubishi has this feature.

Sunroof: The Honda HRV and Mazda CX-3 both have sunroofs, the Mitsubishi has a fixed glass roof, and the Toyota doesn’t have one.

Alloy Wheels: All the models here have 18” alloy wheels except for the Honda HRV which features 17” alloys.

If they are searching for a new Honda HRV, Perth drivers should visit us. Here at Prestige Honda, we have a large selection of new and demo cars for sale, including the new Honda HRV. We would like to invite you to join us at your earliest convenience for a no obligation test drive. If you need vehicle financing, we offer competitive rates, and the repayments will be tailored to your specific requirements. Our sales team is here and standing by to answer any remaining questions you may have.

News from Your Local Honda Dealership: Perth Residents Will See More Alternative Powered Cars

When they visit their local Honda dealership, Perth residents may notice that most cars still use traditional fuels. It is a sad fact, but alternative powered vehicles are simply not as popular in Australia as many people would like them to be. In this country, we are currently in the throes of a torrid love affair with SUVs that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. It is hoped that future vehicles will be able to pry drivers out of their more traditionally powered cars with easy to use features and other benefits. Honda is leading the way in this endeavor with some recent developments.

New Vehicle Drivetrain Launches:

The recent 2017 New York Motor Show saw a host of new cars launched, including some new offering from Honda. We saw the full debut for the Honda Clarity Electric and the Plug-in Hybrid. The two new offerings join the new hydrogen fuel cell variant that is currently only available in Japan and California. A statement from Honda has estimated sales of 75,000 Clarity vehicles in the US over the next four years. To put this into some kind of context, 98,886 US Prius sales were made in 2016 alone. So, it appears that Honda is anticipating a slower and more gradual market penetration for their alternatively powered cars. Honda has stated that by 2030 they expect their Honda dealers to generate two thirds of their sales from cars with electric drivetrains.

The Honda Clarity Electric:

This is the purely electrically powered version with an electric motor that generates 120 kW of power and 300Nm of torque. There is a 25.5kWh battery pack, giving the Clarity Electric a range of 129km. It takes three hours to reach a full charge using a specialised 240v port, but there is also DC fast charging that charges the battery up to 80% in under 30 minutes.

The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid:

This will be the volume seller in the range. It features a 1.5 litre four cylinder engine that acts as a generator but can be used to power the wheels if required. This is paired with an electric motor that generates 135 kW of power and 315 Nm of torque. The 17 kWh battery pack takes two and a half hours to charge using a special 240v socket. Thanks to the hybrid nature, the overall range is 530 km, and if you go purely electric, the range drops to 68 km.

If they are looking for Honda dealers, Perth WA based drivers should contact us. Here at Prestige Honda, we have a large selection of both new and used cars for sale. We would like to invite you to join us for a no obligation test drive at your earliest convenience. If you require vehicle financing, you will find that our rates are very competitive and repayments can be tailored to your specific needs. Our sales team is here and standing by for your call, and they will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.

Tweaks to the 2016 Honda Accord Australia Range

As the new 2016 Honda Accord Australia lineup is revealed, it has showcased that the brand has reintroduced the VTi entry level variant. This is thought to be a ploy to bring the range back within the reach of buyers with a tight budget.

The New VTi Honda Accord for Sale:

The VTi variant is available from $32,990, which is $11,000 less than the VTi-L. Both models share an engine and other mechanical details, so it is clear that the VTi offers drivers a real bargain. The expanded 2016 Honda Accord Australia range has seen a facelift, as all variants now feature the “solid wing face” front grille which was first seen on the new Honda Civic.

The VTi is powered by a four cylinder DOHC 2.4 litre engine which delivers 129 kW of power and offers fuel economy of 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres on a combined cycle. This relatively frugal consumption is only 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres more than the heavier, higher spec VTi-L.

New Gear and Gadgets:

The equipment list throughout the new Honda Accord 2016 Australia range has also been revised. The connectivity systems have been upgraded with “Advanced Display Audio” systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range.

The 2016 variants also feature new driver assistance technology which includes a new Honda Sensing package. This package features LaneWatch and a multi angle reverse camera. There is also Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation and Collision Mitigation Braking.

Aesthetic Changes:

In addition to the redesigned grille, the range also has a number of other aesthetic changes. These include revised bumpers at the front and rear, redesigned headlights, LED foglights and new wheels on the VTi and V6L variants. Honda has also introduced a new color to the Accord range. The models are now available in Brilliant Sport Blue in addition to the five other metallic and pearlescent shades.

The Updated Range:

According to Stephen Collins, Honda Australia Director, the Accord retains a “very loyal” customer base in the Australian marketplace. He says that the updated range provides buyers with an even more extensive features list as standard. This is offered to buyers at a “very competitive” entry level point, so it should further increase the appeal of the Accord. He said that the combination of improved connectivity, new technology features, and upgraded styling would appeal to a greater range of customers within the prestige sedan segment.  The updated Accord range is now available in dealerships in three variants; the VTi priced from $32,990, mid range VTi-L for $43,990 and V6 top of the line V6L from $52,590.

If you would like further details for the 2016 Honda Accord Australia range, visit us. Prestige Honda has a wide selection of brand new and quality pre owned Honda models including the new Honda Accord for sale. Our sales team are here and ready to answer any queries you may have or arrange your test drive. We can also assist with competitive insurance deals and exclusive finance offers.

The Cheapest New Cars in Australia

If you are looking for a new car while on a modest budget, there is plenty of choice. From the new Honda Jazz 2016 range through to the Holden Spark, most dealerships have a budget model available. However, choosing the best can be more challenging. So here are a few of the best yet cheapest new cars available in Australia.

The New Honda Jazz 2016:

The Jazz range starts at $14,990 which is impressive when you consider the standard features. The base model new Honda Jazz 2016 has a four cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with manual five speed transmission.

Standard equipment includes cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, hill start assist, rear view camera, 7.0 inch touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free and Honda Magic Seats.

The Honda Jazz is supplied with a three year warranty, lifetime capped service plan and five star ANCAP safety rating.

The Holden Spark:

The Spark is a replacement for the Barina Spark, but it also offers a more comprehensive standard equipment list. The Holden Spark is available from $13,990 and features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible 7.0 inch touchscreen.

The base model LS has a four cylinder, 1.4 litre petrol engine paired with manual five speed transmission. The model has steering mounted controls, remote central locking and hill start assist. It has a five star ANCAP safety rating, but rear view camera and cruise control are only available as optional extras. 

The Mazda 2:

The hatch and sedan variants of the Mazda 2 Neo are available from $14,990. The model features a petrol 1.5 litre four cylinder engine with a manual six speed transmission. This base model lacks a touchscreen and the MZD Connect on higher spec variants, but it does have USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Other standard equipment includes hill launch assist, rear parking sensors, cruise control and CD Player.

The Mazda 2 Neo is supplied with capped price servicing, three year warranty, and five star ANCAP safety rating.

The Kia Picanto:

The Picanto has only just been launched here, and it is priced from $14,990. The model has a four cylinder 1.25 litre petrol engine and automatic four speed transmission specification only.

Standard equipment on the Kia includes Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel controls, and rear parking sensors. The model was awarded a five star ANCAP safety rating and is supplied with seven year warranty, seven years of roadside assistance and a seven year capped price service plan.

The Hyundai Accent:

Both the hatch and sedan Accent are available from $14,990. The base model Active has a four cylinder 1.4 litre petrol engine and manual six speed transmission. This model has a 5.0 inch touchscreen with Google Now and Siri Eyes Free voice command, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. It also has a five star ANCAP safety rating, capped price service plan, and five year warranty.

If you would like to know more about the new Honda Jazz 2016 for sale, Australia drivers should speak to us. At Prestige Honda, we have a full range of quality pre-owned and new models including the new Honda Jazz 2016 range. Our sales team are here to answer any queries you may have or to arrange your test drive.

4 Steps to Remove the Hassle From Buying at Honda Car Dealerships

With many reputable Honda car dealerships, Perth drivers will find the team will aim to make the car buying process as smooth as possible. However, even if you are dealing with the best salespeople, often it can still be very stressful. From making all the minor vehicle decisions to arranging your finance and insurance, the hassle can take the shine off your new car. Fortunately, these four steps can help to simplify the process and make it hassle free.

Devise Your Budget Beforehand:

Most drivers make the potentially costly mistake of visiting Honda showrooms without any idea of how much they want to spend. Inevitably, they will fall in love with a particular model and have to make some tough financial choices to make it all work. However, you can avoid this stress and potential heartbreak by devising your budget beforehand. When you walk into the dealership with a figure already in mind, you will immediately need to be more realistic about your vehicle choices. This will allow you to concentrate your buying efforts only on the most appropriate models.

Research Model Options:

When visiting Honda dealerships, Perth drivers will find a full range of models from hatchbacks to SUVs. Therefore, it is important to decide what kind of model you are looking to buy. Are you looking for a serious off-roader for weekend adventures? Or do you need an economical hatch for the weekday commute? How much space do you need? Will you be regularly carrying cargo? While it is a good idea to compare two models, these should both fit the bill. If you end up trying to decide between an Odyssey and a Jazz, you’ve obviously not done your research first.

Don’t Forget About Dealer Costs:

While you may have seen an ad for a new model at a great price, you need to check the small print to see if this price is on the road or does not include costs. In most cases, you will need to consider registration, tax and other dealer costs. However, remember that optional extras are optional. You will need to consider whether you want this included in your vehicle package.

Don’t Get Tied into a Finance Deal:

While it is a good idea to get some quotes, it is worth considering that many dealerships can offer some excellent finance deals. Many drivers make the potentially costly mistake of assuming that their bank or broker can offer the best deal and sign on the dotted line. Although this may seem to be the best option to make the buying process smoother, your stress levels will jump through the roof if you find out you could have bought the car for less money each month.

If you are looking to buy a new or used Honda and are looking for reputable Honda car dealerships, Perth drivers should visit us. We have a massive selection of brand new and quality pre-owned Honda models. The Prestige Honda team are on hand to answer any queries, schedule your test drive or assist in arranging your finance.

Will Australia Ever See a Honda Civic Type-R?

The new Honda Civic Sedan 2016 will be arriving this quarter, and it will be shortly followed by the hatch. There may even be a turbo petrol, and a diesel variant available and there are whispers of a hybrid engine. However, sadly there will be no Honda Civic Type-R this year and perhaps not at all. There are several reasons for this decision, and we will look at why Honda have chosen this course of action here.

Availability is Limited

The Honda Type-R is made in the UK which adds a host of logistical problems for exporting it to Australia and Asia. Combined with this, demand in both the UK and the rest of Europe is very high. Essentially, Honda has hungry customers right on their doorstep, so of course like any sensible business they go for most efficient and profitable sales. The production of the car is high enough to meet the current demand, but there is another reason why Honda cannot simply increase production.

A Short Production Cycle

The current version of the Honda Type-R is the 9th generation model. This model has been designated as a short production cycle car that will only be made for a limited period. As such, raising the number of Type-R cars that may need to be made is a problem. Couple this with the necessary lead in time for building and shipping a vehicle to the other side of the world and the problem becomes obvious. There simply isn’t enough time for Honda to get the Type-R to Australia before the next generation car arrives. If Honda did go this route, the mk9 Civic Type-R would be available for sale for six months at most. The 10th generation Type-R is waiting in the wings, it may be arriving in Europe at the end of 2016, but early 2017 seems far more likely.

Never Say Never

At the moment, Honda has stated that the next Honda Type-R will not be available in Australia. Now, this may seem like a cruel move to taunt petrolheads, but let’s bear in mind that the NSX will arrive here later this year, ahead of the US! Honda Australia boss Steven Collins has stated clearly that the focus at the moment is firmly on the NSX and the next generation of Honda hybrid vehicles. However, he has gone on record as stating that he is confident that Australia will get the mk10 Civic Type-R, possibly as early as 2018. It is also rumoured that this next Type-R will feature the new VTEC turbocharged petrol engines that caused such enthusiasm at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2013.

If you’re looking for a Honda Civic sedan 2016, contact us here at Prestige Honda. We have an extensive stock of both new and used Honda cars for sale. We can also arrange a test drive for you at your earliest convenience. For more information, get in touch with our sales team, they can advise you on the latest Honda Civic Sedan 2016 price. They will also be available to answer any further questions regarding the purchasing, insuring and servicing of Honda cars.

Five Bad Reasons to Stick With Your Current Insurance Provider

When looking for the best car insurance, Perth drivers often make the costly mistake of assuming that their current provider will offer the best deals. However, when it comes to new car insurance, sticking with your current provider could be a really bad idea and here are five bad reasons you may tell yourself to avoid changing.

You’ve Used the Company for Years:

These days insurance companies rarely reward loyalty and will typically allow only new customers access to the best car insurance. Perth drivers may assume that their renewal quote is the best the company can offer, but you could be paying way too much. It is easy to check on this by simply obtaining a couple of quotes from other companies. You can then compare the quotes with your renewal offer from your current provider. You are likely to find that the new car insurance company offers you the better deal.

You’re Given Safe Driving Rebates:

While a cheque or coupon arriving in the post is a nice surprise, don’t make the assumption that this reflects that your insurer is giving you a fair deal. The chances are that any rebate is only a portion of what you have been overcharged by your current company. When it comes to checking the competitiveness of car insurance, Perth drivers should assess the costs against other deals. Even if you factor in the rebate, you are still likely to be paying too much. 

You Get Free Roadside Assistance:

These days most insurers offer roadside assistance as part of their package. “Free” roadside assistance is not free; it is simply factored into the cost. Additionally, you may find that the assistance package included is fairly basic. While an independent package may cost a little more, it is likely to include more benefits. Check what is included in your assistance package, to allow you to compare like for like.

Changing Insurers is a Hassle:

While certain kinds of insurance policies can make it tricky to change providers, home and vehicle insurance is quite easy to change nowadays. Vehicle insurance can be obtained online or with a quick phone call. This ease of use means that you can shop for car insurance at any time of the day or night. To gain access to the best car insurance, Perth drivers can shop around at brokers, dealers and even banks in only a few minutes. You may find that spending ten or twenty minutes could save you hundreds of dollars.

You Don’t Want to Choose an Unknown Company:

While there are a number of smaller insurance providers offering good packages, you can still get a great deal with familiar names. For example, Honda dealerships can offer competitive quotes for your vehicle insurance and offer the reassurance of an established global brand.

If you are in search of the best car insurance, Perth drivers should speak to us at (08) 9317 5700. We not only offer a fantastic selection of new and pre-owned Honda models but can provide competitive quotes for your vehicle.