Daihatsu slightly upgrades Copen in Japan

Killed in Europe, the Copen will now be only available in Japan. Dressed with a new grill and front bumper, the Copen is also featuring a slightly modified interior with a new selection of steering wheels as well as leather seats.

The new Copen is now available across Daihatsu dealerships in Japan and is sold between 1.7 to 2.9 million Yen.

New special edition of Mitsuoka Himiko

Mitsuoka has released a special edition of Himiko, which is based on Mazda's MX-5. The soft-top model gest a two-tone scolour scheme, similar to the Himiko Classic HT equipped with a hardtop.

The Himiko is available with MX-5's 2.0 liter engine producing 170 hp when coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox and 162 hp when combined to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Production will be limited to 20 examples with prices starting from ¥4,880,000 in Japan.

Source: Mitsuoka

What we know about next-gen Honda Civic

My next car is going to be the new Civic, 4-door and made in Japan, which is expected to be introduced in 2011-2012.

So, what we already know, based on information from 2010 Mid-Year CEO's speech, is that the hybrid version of the Civic will be equipped with a high-output and compact lithium-ion battery, which will be supplied by Blue Energy, a joint venture company between GS Yuasa and Honda.

A new plug-in hybrid system for mid-size to larger vehicles is currently under development. Vehicles equipped with this new system are scheduled to go on sale in 2012 in Japan and the U.S. and therefore, it is very likely to see also a plug-in Civic.

In terms of petrol engines, Honda will continue advancing technologies to improve the performance and fuel economy of internal combustion engines. Honda will begin renewing its engine and transmission lineup starting in 2012 to further improve its fuel economy.