Improved Honda Insight comes in Europe

When the Insight was under development, expectations were high and I was really considering it as my next car. I was really excited about it and I had downloaded all the spy shots, renderings and possible info I could find at the time. When I visited my local Honda dealer though, I was hugely disappointed, up to the point that I didn't even had a test drive.

And I am not the only one disappointed from the final result. How many have you seen on the streets? Hm, that's exactly my point… Honda got the message and tried to improve the car a little bit with suspension changes in order to improve the ride and comfort. Changes include adjustment of the recoil rate of the springs, change of the rear camber angles, alteration of the V-shape rear suspension brace and adjustments of the mounts.

Some minor changes can be found also in the interior with new colours and some plastics being improved. Also, two new exterior colours have been added, Dynamic Blue Pearl and Carnelian Red Pearl.

Are those changes enough? I am afraid not…

Toyota teases with more Vitz / Yaris images

OK, we have seen the actual car, we know that it will be introduced on December 22 in Japan, how much it will cost (earlier post) and the fact that it is going to be Japan's most fuel efficient car (earlier post). Back in October, Toyota launched a flash microsite with some teasing images (earlier post) and now, more have been added. If you want to visit the microsite, just click here.

Honda CR-Z to get turbocharged engine

According to British Autocar, Honda is going to provide the CR-Z, as well as a number of other models, with an all-new turbocharged R4 engine. The new engine, under development at Honda’s Tochigi R&D centre, is also planned  for the Jazz, Civic and Accord, forming an integral part of Honda's downsizing program. 

The engine, which will feature Honda’s VTEC-i fully variable camshaft timing system, is likely to come with two power outputs. A standard 160 hp and a highly tuned 200 hp version, with the latter one replacing the 2.0L VTEC engine in the Civic Type R.  A CR-Z Type R is also likely to hit the markets late next year.

[Source: Autocar]