What Do Your Car Gauges Really Indicate?

Whether you’re looking for Honda demo cars for sale or brand new models, you will have a lot of gauges. Modern cars, give us so much feedback on what’s going on it can be hard to keep track of it all. Gone are the days when all we had was a speedo, a rev counter, and oil temperature. Gauges are essential because the information they convey can be very important. Many manufacturers have gotten rid of the graduated style scale used in the past, and instead, we now have a normal and a red zone. Older cars and performance cars may still have other auxiliary gauges that are specific for racing purposes. To keep things simple, let’s take a look at some of the basic gauges.

The Coolant Temperature:

We need coolant to keep our engine temperatures within a safe operating range. When the temperature goes up, it can usually herald the arrival of a more significant problem. The coolant should be a mixture of water and an appropriate additive. This mixture can boil at a temperature above 100 degrees in the sealed pressurised system and not boil away. If the temperature is always high, it could mean a problem, such as a failing coolant pump, a faulty head gasket or a radiator problem. A temperature that’s always low could indicate a broken thermostat. It’s important to understand that the engine temperature should fluctuate naturally, depending upon the atmospheric temperature and the current engine load.

The Oil Pressure:

Almost all vehicles are fitted with some kind of low oil pressure warning light. This is because the loss of oil pressure can indicate some serious problems. The engine oil raises in pressure from 10 psi when idle up to around 80 psi when working at the maximum. This can vary a lot, depending upon the performance, age, and temperature of the engine. Low reading could indicate a failing oil pump, insufficient oil levels, an incorrect grade of oil, worn engine bearings or a clogged oil filter. If the readings are high, it could be a faulty regulator that’s at fault.

The Oil Temperature:

The temperature of the oil and the coolant are linked, but the oil temperature reading gives us a better idea of what’s going on under the bonnet. The normal oil temperature should be sat a little above the coolant temperature at idle, but they should rise as the engine speed and load increases. The normal oil temperature should be in a range of 110 to 130 degrees. Dependant upon whether the coolant and oil temperature gauges spike independently of each other or instead rise up together, the problems could be very different.

At Prestige Honda we have a wide selection of Honda demo cars for sale, including the Honda Jazz Blue. We would like you to book a no obligation test drive with online, and you can try out a Honda for yourself. If you need finance, our rates are very competitive, and the repayments can be tailored to suit your individual circumstances. Our Prestige Honda sale team is standing by to take your call, and they can answer any remaining questions you may have.

What Can You Expect from the New Honda City?

After what seems like a long wait, we now have the 2018 Honda City for sale in Australian showrooms. This car upon casual inspection looks very similar to a model Honda released for the Indian market a few weeks ago, and it features a lot of new equipment. We also have revised specifications, which is reflected in a new pricing structure that is a fair representation of the quality and specifications on offer. Let’s take a closer look at the Honda City so that potential buyers can make the best and most informed decision.

New Equipment Levels:

The 2018 Honda City has received a significant boost in equipment levels over the outgoing model. At the front end, there is a new grille, new headlights with LED daytime running lights and a revised front and rear bumper design. The fresh new look is finished off with some very attractive new alloy wheels designs. Inside the cabin, we have an updated 7” infotainment centre, plus new trims on the air vents, instrument panel, and gearshift housing. The top of the range City VTi-L has leather appointed seats and an upgraded infotainment system with satellite navigation.

Some Colourful Details:

In addition to the colours that are already available, there is a brand new colour for this 2018 City model. The new colour is Cosmic Blue metallic, but fans of Brilliant Sport Blue metallic and Crystal Black pearlescent will be disappointed as they have been discontinued.

The New Pricing Structure:

The price of the entry level City VTi has not changed from the previous model. The five speed manual comes in at $15,990, and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic is priced at $17,990. At the top end of the range, the City VTi-L has increased in price by $200 and is now $21,590, but Honda is keen to point out that there is now $2,000 worth of extra equipment fitted to this model. This represents a tremendous amount of value for a very minor price bump. All the quoted prices listed are before on roads are factored into the equation. The 2018 Honda City is available in showrooms now, and it’s well worth taking a test drive to evaluate its merits firsthand.

If they are looking for a Honda City, Perth drivers should visit us here at Prestige Honda. We have an impressive selection of both used and new cars for sale, including the new Honda City. We would like you to book a test drive with us and try out the Honda driving experience for yourself. If you need vehicle financing, you will find that our rates are very competitive and repayments are tailored to your circumstances. Our sales team is ready and standing by to answer any remaining questions you may have.

A 2017 New Honda Accord V6 Review

The Honda Accord for sale here in Australia is very different from the earlier models. In fact, the Accord has been on sale since 1977, and many Aussies can testify to its reliability and build quality. Now this car is in its 9th generation, and there is an exciting new V6 variant. Let’s take a closer look at what the Accord V6 has to offer.

The Basics:

This latest update is instantly recognisable with a new chrome shrouded LED lighting stack at the front end with driving lights to improve nighttime driving. At the rear, we find more chrome around the tail lights and a boot lip spoiler that indicated what is in store for the driver. The Accord V6L sits at the top of the range and as one would expect it is literally packed with features and equipment, such as: adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, automatic lights, automatic wipers, heated front seats, electric rear window shade, dual zone climate control, keyless entry and engine start, a six speaker stereo system, DVD playback, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and leather seats.

The Interior:

Inside the cabin, there is a satisfying thud as the door closes and the cabin oozes quality. Everything is soft and padded; the steering wheel holds the important controls and a second screen under the infotainment screen control the entertainment and information displayed. The indicator stalk has a button that can operate a passenger side wing mirror mounted camera or the camera automatically comes on when the indicator is used, a nice touch. There is plenty of headroom and legroom making the cabin a comfortable place to enjoy a long cruise. As one would expect from Honda, the Accord V6 has earned a five star ANCAP safety rating, thanks to features such as lane keeping assistance, road departure migration warning, and a collision mitigation braking system.

Under the Bonnet:

Here we can find a smooth 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6 powerplant that generates 206 kW of power and 339 Nm torque. This is paired with a six speed automatic transmission that is operated with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The fuel economy figures are an impressive 9.3L/100km on a combined cycle.

If they are looking for a Honda Accord, Perth based drivers should contact us here at Prestige Honda. We have a large stock of both new and used cars for sale including the new Honda Accord V6. We would like you to join us for a no obligation test drive at your earliest convenience, and you can experience the Honda driving difference firsthand. If you require financing, our rates are very competitive, and the repayments are tailored to your circumstances. Our sales team is ready and standing by to answer any remaining questions you may have.

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.