A Brief Review of the 2017 Honda Civic Hatch

The 2017 new Honda Civic hatch is now available, and for those that don’t enjoy the sedan variant, this is just the ticket. On a practical level, the hatch allows easier navigation into the boot space for storing larger items. However, this is not the only trick up the sleeve of the Civic hatch, and there is a lot to cover in this brief review.

Interesting Changes:

The Civic hatchback has always been a popular car since its release here in 2007. However, stylistically it has been all over the place trying to find its own unique niche. The older models were built in isolation in the UK and then exported worldwide. This new incarnation is being built in Thailand alongside the sedan version. Somehow, this seems to work better from the looks alone, and the range now feels like a cohesive lineup. Another point worth mentioning is that the cost is lower in real terms than the previous model. Although there is no longer a base model manual available, a significant amount of equipment has been added to the base car.

Under the Bonnet:

The Civic hatch has a different engine on the two cheapest models, the VTi and the VTi-S when compared to the higher specification VTi-L, RS, and VTi-LX models. The base powerplant is a 1.8 litre, four cylinder naturally aspirated engine that generates 104 kW of power and 174 Nm of torque. The higher specified models feature the Honda EarthDream engine, which is a1.5 litre, four cylinder turbocharged affair that generates 127kW of power and 220 Nm of torque. All of these Civic models are front wheel drive only, and they are equipped with continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic gearboxes. Sadly, there are manual variants in the lineup, but they are not available here in Australia. Those seeking a purer manual experience will have to wait for the Honda Civic Type R hot hatch when it arrives on these shores.

Pricing:

There is a five model range to choose from, the base model VTi is $22,390 and goes up to the VTi-LX flagship model at $33,590 (all prices don’t include on road costs). The second from top model is the RS, and this is the only specification that has a different cost of $500 extra for the hatch version. This additional price is for features, such as twin central exhaust tips, black front spoilers, black rear lower spoilers, piano black side skirts and a 12 speaker stereo system with added sub woofer.

If they are looking for a Honda Civic hatch, Perth based drivers should contact us here at Prestige Honda. We hold a large stock of both new and used cars available, including the new Honda Civic hatch 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, our rates are very competitive, and the repayments will be tailored to your unique circumstances. Our sales team members are standing by to advise you on the latest Honda Civic hatch price and to answer any additional questions you have.

3 Things to Expect from the New Honda City

The 2018 new Honda City has been with us for a little while now, and it’s time to have another look at this exciting little car. When a car is initially released, it can be hard not to get caught up in the hype and miss some of the finer details. Let’s take a closer look at this latest Honda City, with three things that you can expect to find.

1. The Basics and Pricing:

For those new to the City, this is a light sedan car that has had an extensive facelift for this latest release. It looks quite similar to the car that has been released for the Indian market. The prices start from $15,990 for the entry level 5 speed manual VTi model, this rises to $17,990 if you want the continuously variable transmission (CVT). At the top of the range, is the City VTi-L, which has an additional $2,000 of worth of equipment for $21,590. All quoted prices don’t include on road costs.

2. Examining the Specifications:

The start of the show for many drivers will be the new updated 7” infotainment system that has satellite navigation on the flagship model. However, even more exciting equipment is available as standard, such as a new grille, updated headlights with integrated LED running lights, a revised front bumper, a new rear bumper and fresh new alloy wheels. In the cabin, you will find new trims, around: the instrument panel, gearshift, and the air vents. The City CTi-L also has leather appointed seats fitted as standard.

3. Evaluating the New Overall Look:

With the fresh new grille, revised front and rear bumpers the updated look definitely has a style all of its own. The alloy wheels look particularly nice in the wheel arches adding an extra touch of class. To add to the aesthetic appeal, Honda has added a brand new colour to the available palette, that they have named Cosmic Blue metallic. Sadly, it has been confirmed that both Crystal Black pearlescent and Brilliant Sport Blue metallic have been discontinued.

If they are looking for a Honda City, Peth drivers should contact us here at Prestige Honda. We offer a large stock of both new and used cars available, including the Honda city for sale. We would like to invite you to join us for a no obligation test drive, and you can experience the Honda driving difference firsthand. If you need financing, our rates are competitive, and the repayments are tailored to suit your circumstances. Our sales team members are standing by to advise you on the latest Honda City price and to answer any remaining questions you have.

Honda Service Advice: Rotating Tyres

A regular Honda service is a great way to ensure that your Honda car is working perfectly. However, there are many tasks that you can do yourself that will improve the performance of your car. Many of these jobs, such as maintaining fluid levels and tyre pressures are detailed in your owner's manual. One task that many people are curious about is tyre rotation, and it seems that some people are unsure about the practice. Let’s take a close look at this issue and try to clear up any misconceptions.

Why You Should Rotate Your Tyres:

Rotating tyres can help you to stay safe and save money, but it’s important to know a few things before you get the jack out. There are many different specifications of tyres available, and some of them are very specialised. Some of these tyres should not be rotated. If you’re in any doubt do a bit of research online about your tyre, and you can learn everything you would ever need. Rotating tyres keeps the wear even improving grip for safety and extending the life of the tyre.

How Often Should the Tyre be Rotated?

The usual rule is to rotate the tyres every 10,000 kms or when you notice some uneven wear. Tyre rotation can be carried out by your Honda service centre during a scheduled service, and they can also check the wheel alignment. For those with a penchant for doing it yourself, all you will need is a jack, a socket set and some time. There are different methods depending upon various factors, such as front wheel drive vs. rear wheel drive, full sized spares, and different tyre sizes, to name a few.

Other Methods for Reducing Tyre Wear:

All of the tyres should be inflated as per the recommendations from the manufacturer. It also helps to have the wheel aligned regularly on a scheduled annual service. This is also a great time to get your tyres rotated professionally if you don’t want to get your hands dirty. If a persistent problem regarding tyre wear emerges, it could be an underlying problem, such as a suspension alignment issue or a damaged tie rod or ball joint. This should be checked out to avoid further problems and improve safety by preserving the tyre tread.

If they are looking for a local Honda service centre, Perth drivers should contact us here at Prestige Honda. Our technicians are trained to work on Honda cars and only ever use genuine Honda parts. Perth motorists can enjoy a high level of professional care that will ensure that their cars are conforming to Honda factory standards. Regular servicing reduces the chances of a breakdown, increases the lifespan of the car and helps to maintain the value. For further information, visit our website or give us a call and we will be happy to answer any remaining queries you may have.

How Does Honda Finance Determine Affordability for Repayment of a Loan?

When they consider any car manufacturer or Honda finance, Perth customers may not be aware of the decision making process. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration to establish affordability. In this article, we will look at how a car financing company would determine whether a client could afford the repayments on a car loan.

The Issue of Budgeting:

Realistic budgeting is necessary to establish whether a client could actually afford car payments. Many people already have a personal budget in mind when they look into car loans and as admirable as this is, it is no guarantee of success. The issue that needs to be understood is that the car financing company has its own methods for calculating affordability and that may not mesh with your budgeting calculations.

Financing Company Calculations:

The lender has serviceability calculations to take into consideration, along with standard living expenses that are based on the Henderson Poverty Index (HPI). A set expense for living standards is deducted from your net income (after tax deductions). This is based on several factors, such as the number of children and your marital status. It may be the case that you are a very frugal person with a minimum of expenses. However, the adherence to the HPI standard doesn’t really take this into account, and some people don’t qualify for a loan as a result.

Is There any Wiggle Room?

It may be the case that you have a working partner that can mitigate your living expenses. In this instance, some lenders would request that the partner applies as a co-borrower on the loan to satisfy the requirements of the HPI expenses. This can become complicated as each lender may work with expense calculations differently.

What is Your Real Income?

This is another sticking point. A family may be receiving family tax benefits, and different lenders would treat this income in different ways. How much of this additional income is available for repayments and affordability purposes can vary. Other forms of income will also be affected, including pensions, rental incomes, dividends from shares and superannuation drawdowns. However, neither Youth or Newstart Allowances are accepted as a form of income for the vast majority of lenders. Always ask plenty of questions and loan protection insurance is recommended.

If they are looking for Honda car loans, Perth based drivers should contact us here at Prestige Honda. We have a diverse 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. We also offer Honda car finance at competitive rates with repayments that are tailored to your specific needs. Our sales team is standing by to offer additional advice on Honda finance details and to answer any other questions you may have.

3 Signs of Troublesome Car Dealerships: Avoid them by Choosing Honda Car Specials

When you go into a dealership to take advantage of a Honda special offer you can be pretty sure that you will have a positive experience. However, this is not the case with every car dealership that you might encounter. Some car dealers operate with business practices and policies that should be avoided at all costs. Luckily, there are three signs to look out for that will let you know that you need to steer clear.

1. Predatory Sales Personnel

Everyone needs to make a living, but no-one really wants to deal with a pushy salesperson. In an ideal world, you should be able to browse the cars in the dealership, and after some time a salesperson may ask you if you need any help. However, if the salespeople are pacing around outside the dealership and harassing you, it’s a bad sign. If they are going to be this pushy when first encountered, what will they be like when paperwork needs signing?

2. A Change in Sales Personnel

In this scenario, you may be dealing with one salesperson, who then disappears and is replaced with someone else. This is a sure sign that you’re dealing with something called a turnover house. This is a method of selling, which involves the dealership throwing new people at you to confuse you and wear you down to sign a sales agreement. Avoid this practice at all costs and leave immediately if this happens to you.

3. The Authoritative Salesperson

You may be in the dealership looking at cars and encounter a salesperson that starts giving you an order, such as “wait over there” or “follow me into my office.” The may also leave you alone for long periods of time because they have to consult the boss. You may be surprised to learn that this kind of salesperson is usually very successful in sales. Many people after putting so much time into a transaction feel invested in the outcome, and this makes them compliant in the sales process. You could just leave or alternatively play them at their own game and act in an unpredictable manner. Always be the one in control, you have the power, you are the customer, and they want your money.

If you’re on the lookout for Honda car offers, come and visit us here at Prestige Honda. We have a large selection of both new and used cars for sale, including some amazing Honda car specials. Book a no obligation test drive and join us to experience the Honda driving experience firsthand. If you need financing, we have competitive rates and repayments to suit your circumstances. Our sales team is standing by to answer any remaining questions that you may have.

4 Honda Service Centre Tips for Driving in Fog

Driving in fog is a very dangerous activity that causes many accidents every year. Sadly, many drivers don’t respect foggy conditions enough, and this can get them into trouble very quickly. This kind of driving can be made safer, by applying common sense and taking some extra car. Here are four top tips for driving your car through fog.

1. Respect the Road Conditions:

It is essential to respect the current road conditions and adapt your driving style to meet them. There will be less time to react, other cars and hazards can appear seemingly out of nowhere. Whenever you see a vehicle in front of you, always maintain a bare minimum of a two second gap. This will give you extra time to react, allow you to travel at a constant speed and reduce the need for dangerous lane changes.

2. Use the Correct Lighting:

Many drivers, use high beam headlights to illuminate their way in foggy conditions. This is a mistake, the light actually reflects off the water droplets in the fog, and your visibility will be even worse. A normal low beam setting will be more effective, or you can use fog lights if your car has them. When fog lights are used, they will help you to see more of the road, and because they are mounted lower, they will not penetrate the fog. Always turn off fog lights when road conditions return to normal as it’s an offence to use them in clear weather conditions.

3. Pull Over if Necessary:

If the fog has become really bad and you’re driving at a slow crawl, it may be time to pull over and take a break. Driving in fog can fray your nerves and lead to tiredness and coupled with slower reaction times this is very dangerous. Fog banks move all the time if you can pull over for a break and a coffee for an hour the road conditions may improve. Always ensure that you pull over in a designated area and don’t create additional road hazards by stopping at the side of the road.

4. Keep Your Vision Clear:

The fog is made from water particles in the air; it will accumulate on your windscreen and hamper your vision. This can be very distracting, so use your windscreen wipers to intermittently clear your windscreen. This will also clear any spray and dirt that is thrown up onto your windscreen by other vehicles.

If they are considering a Honda service, Perth drivers should contact us here at Prestige Honda. Our technicians provide a high quality Honda car service, and we only ever use genuine Honda parts. At our Honda service centre, we can ensure that your car will be operating within the manufacturer tolerances. A car that is regularly serviced will maintain its value better, be less likely to break down and be more fuel efficient. Our sales advisors are standing by to answer any further questions you may have.

Kid Proofing Honda Preowned Cars

Honda preowned cars are a great way to get a quality car without breaking the bank. Even though you can save a lot of money, you will still want to protect your significant investment. As anyone knows, adding kids to any situation can complicate things significantly, and this is also true with car ownership. Making a car kid proof and keeping things clean and tidy can seem like an uphill struggle. Let’s take a closer look at this issue and some ideas on how to kid proof your car.

Get a Car With Plenty of Space:

This cannot be emphasised enough, kids use up a lot of space, and they have a lot of paraphernalia to transport. We’re not just talking about toys here, items such as prams, pushchairs, changing bags, portable cots and sports equipment take up a lot of space. If you’re planning on having a family soon, put the boot size and cabin space at the top of your list of car buying priorities. Another key factor is the configuration and flexibility of the seating area. Is it easy to make extra room when you need it most? Finally, ensure that your car has plenty of cubbies and storage areas in the cabin for items such as toys, electronics, wet wipes, and snacks.

Always Consider More Glass:

Kids can get car sick on even shorter journeys, and a lot of car designs don’t help. Engineers tend to use more steel than glass wherever possible to reduce costs and weight in their designs. This can turn rear seating areas into literal black holes with no point of reference for the passengers. When we can see the horizon or a similar point of reference, it makes the journey easier and less stressful.

Provide Entertainment:

An entertainment system is a vital part of the modern car journey with kids. Let’s face it, most children simply don’t get the concept of an amazing view, and they need something to hold their attention. This can be easily achieved by loading up a cheap tablet with some favourite shows and apps. Always provide some headphones for them to use to preserve your sanity from listening to Disney movies on a constant loop. These kinds of mobile devices have all but killed off the trend of providing screens for rear seat passenger that car manufacturers provided. In order to help with this current trend for using your own devices, many cars now have USB ports for charging purposes, and they may even be located in the rear for easier access.

If you’re in the market for either new or prestige used cars, contact us here at Prestige Honda. We have an excellent selection of Honda second hand cars and brand new models. We invite you to book a no obligation test drive with us and try out a Honda driving experience firsthand. If you require financing, we offer competitive rates and repayments that can be tailored to your circumstances. Our sales team is looking forward to answering any additional questions that you may have.