Next-gen Honda Civic (2HC) rendered

The next-gen Honda Civic 4-door, codenamed 2HC, has been caught almost undisguised (earlier post), and this photoshop work gives an even better idea of what to expect. Still very disappointing...

Some more photos of upcoming Suzuki Solio (YK8)

[Source: スズキプラザ松原＊plaza_club]

Honda reveals near production prototype BRIO for Asian markets

Honda has revealed in Thailand a near production prototype of its new small-sized vehicle for Asian markets. It's called BRIO and it is expected to go on sale in Thailand and India in 2011.

Honda will develop unique production versions for Thailand and India to reflect different customer needs in those markets. The Thai model is scheduled to be introduced in March 2011, achieving a fuel economy of around 5ℓ/100km. The starting price will be approximately 400,000 baht.

Despite its small dimensions (length 3,610mm x width 1,680mm x height 1,475 mm), efficient packaging has ensured enough cabin space.

I have to admit that I like it and perhaps Honda should consider bringing it in Europe as well.

Honda refreshes Jazz and adds CVT in Europe

Honda, not only will start selling the Jazz Hybrid in February, but has announced also some minor changes for the 2011 range.

First of all, there is a slightly changed face on the front and some tweaks in the interior, including the addition of chrome rings defining the air vents, instruments and climate controls across the dashboard and a new darker dashboard material. Leather upholstery is also now available as an option.

Mechanically, suspension improvements promise refined ride and improved handling, while Honda says that the Jazz benefits from improvements to the steering feel at higher speeds. Last but perhaps the most important change is the comeback of the CVT gearbox! That was due to overwhelming customer demand and therefore, the i-SHIFT is history. The CVT transmission is a standard feature on the Hybrid while it is available as an option on 1.4L petrol models.

New Subaru Trezia to replace Justy in Europe

Ikuo Mori, President & CEO, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., announced today that the new Trezia (earlier post) will be sold also in Europe, replacing the Justy which is a rebadged Daihatsu Sirion (aka Boon ブーン). The sales target and date were not revealed.

Advantage GT-R Concept (2001) scale model

I just placed a pre-order for an Advantage GT-R Concept scale model by IIADO (アイアイアド), which should be released by the end of March 2011! This concept was revealed at Tokyo Motor Show back in 2001.

NISMO GT-R LM Road Car scale model by HPI

The latest addition to my next big order (earlier post), arriving at the end of February, is a NISMO GT-R LM Road Car (1996) scale model by HPI. The actual car is a street legal version of the R33s racing in 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was built by NISMO in order to meet the homologation regulations. Oh, and it's certainly among the most expensive 1/43 scale models I've got... as it costs 10,880 ¥ and thus, I had to remove the Nissan Skyline (HR31) No.23 1987 Inter Tec model from the order...

Plantronics Discovery 975 review

Well, this is an unusual post, as it is about a bluetooth headset, but I believe that it's always useful to mention products that are really good. During the last couple of months, I have tried two different bluetooth headset types, including the Sony Ericsson VH700 with Noise Shield and the Hi-Fi Wireless Headset MW600 which features FM radio.

The first one was decent enough, but I just could not hear with the bloody thing. I seriously had an issue with it and it may be partly Xperia X10 Mini's fault, as there a lot of complaints about the volume from users around the globe. After that, I decided to have a go with the MW600 which comes with in-ear headphones and as a result, I could hear! But, there were a lot of glitches with it, as very frequently it was refusing to work. I had it replaced and the second one was far better, as it would only stack in the event of an unanswered call. 

So, as I was fed up with my last MW600, I refused to have it replaced again and thus, I grabbed my money back and followed a friend's advice about buying a Plantronics headset. I chose the Discovery 975, as it's easier to fit it than the Voyager PRO+, but I was a bit skeptical as to whether it would stay there firmly or not.

It is a rather expensive headset, although it comes with a number of high-tech features, such as AudioIQ² technology, WindSmart technology, a carrying case  that not only protects the headset, but also recharges it, and Multipoint technology allowing pairing with a second device. You can check out Discovery 975's detailed spec by visiting Plantronics' website (English / Japanese 日本語).

Verdict? Simply the best headset I have ever used doing exactly what it says on the tin! I can hear exceptionally good, they can hear me as if I am not using a headset, it fits perfectly, I haven't noticed any glitches at all and we are talking about serious quality. The indicator also flashes in the case of a missed call, a feature which I find very handy. It's definitely worth every penny.