Honda has introduced a new model year version of its British-built Civic Type R Euro in Japan. The 2011MY batch will be the last of this model series to make its way to Japan as production of the current generation three-door Civic Type R has been terminated in Europe because its 2.0-litre VTEC engine does not meet the Euro V emissions regulations.

The Japanese automaker had imported 1,850 examples of the Civic Type R Euro from Britain in late 2009. This time, Honda will bring a total of 1,500 units of the 2011MY version of its high-revving hot hatch. The only changes over the previous model year are the addition of a new Crystal Black Pearl color, some trim updates such as the different finish of the fuel cap and a new numbered plaque.

In Japan, prices for the 2011MY Civic Type R Euro start from 3,000,000 Yen [including consumption tax] or about US$37,200.

[View with PicLens]

In: Carscoop

Last week, we told you about some of the new cars and concept models heading to the LA Auto Show in mid-November. Now we have news of Honda’s plans for the motor show. The Japanese automaker said it will host the world premiere of an all-new electric vehicle concept as well as a plug-in hybrid platform showcasing the next-generation of Honda hybrid technology.

“Both the electric vehicle concept and the plug-in hybrid platform along with the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle demonstrate the company’s vision for the future of personal mobility and its continued commitment to developing advanced environmental technologies,” said Honda in a statement.

Unfortunately, Honda did not hand out any photos of the concept model or of the plug-in hybrid platform project.

The Japanese firm added that for time in the LA Show’s history, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takanobu Ito will attend the press conference to showcase the two models.

In: Carscoop

While Acura has confirmed that it will bring the European Honda Accord Tourer to the U.S. as the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon in fall 2010 (the Euro Accord and the TSX are virtually one and the same), it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever see one in a yellowish finish with a Taxi roof sign. But if you’re planning a trip to Germany, you might very well be able to hitch a ride on a Accord Tourer Taxi – that is, if you manage to spot one among all the Mercs.

The Euro-spec model is powered by a 2.2-liter i-DTEC four-cylinder diesel that delivers an output of 150 horsepower and 350Nm or 258 lb-ft of peak torque returning a combined fuel economy of 6.6 lt/100 or 35.7mpg US in the European cycle.

The new Accord Tourer Elegance cab comes equipped with a taximeter case, wireless telephone pre-installation and special brackets for the taxi sign while the station wagon’s standard features include an electric tailgate, cruise control, leather steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, MP3-capable CD player, dual-zone automatic climate control and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The taxi version of the Accord Tourer is available for order now in Germany with pricing set at €20,690 or at today’s exchange rates, US$29,800.

In: Carscoop

Few will disagree with us when we say that the Accord CrossTour is one of the, if not the most, talked about new cars of the year here in the States, but not for the reason(s) that Honda hoped for. In any case, the Japanese automaker released detailed pricing on its liftback-crossover version of the NA Accord that will hit U.S. dealerships on November 20 with prices ranging between $29,670 and $36,220 – not including a $710 destination and handling charge.

The Accord Crosstour is available in two model choices, the EX and EX-L, both of which are powered by a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine delivering 271 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm while achieving an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 18/27 mpg on the front-wheel drive models.

The V6 is linked to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission while optionally, the EX-L is offered with Honda’s all-wheel drive system.

In terms of standard equipment, the EX’s features include dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, cruise control, moonroof, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows, rear privacy glass, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, compass and outside temperature indicator, projector beam headlights with auto-off, fog lights, chrome door handles, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, and more.

The top-of-the line Accord Crosstour EX-L adds leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, leather steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, auto day/night dimming rearview mirror, 18-inch aluminum wheels with 225/60 R18 all-season tires, auto on/off headlights, memory driver-side seats, memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capability, cargo privacy cover, HomeLink transmitter, cargo privacy cover, Kevlar cone speakers, aluminum dome-type front tweeter speakers and a USB audio interface.

[View with PicLens]

1234567►

In: Carscoop

While the Japanese market 2010 CR-V facelift isn’t due to be revealed until September 17, Honda’s European division surprised us today with the unveiling of the domestic market model that’s set to go on sale from January 2010. In addition to the gentle cosmetic facelift, the European-spec CR-V that is built in the UK also benefits from a cleaner and more powerful 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that can now be coupled to a new automatic transmission.

For the 2010 model year, the CR-V’s looks have been slightly refreshed with newly designed front and rear bumpers, a more conventionally styled front grille without the chrome bars and new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels plus color coded bumper on higher grade models.

There are no pictures of the interior as of yet but Honda says that the 2010 CR-V receives upgraded fabrics and plastics inside along with a new audio console design. Furthermore, the company claims to have improved sound deadening around the engine and cabin.

Under the bonnet, the revised SUV gets a updated version of the company’s 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that now produces 150 horsepower and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm, an increase of 10 hp and 10Nm over the previous unit.

This diesel unit can be paired with either a manual transmission or Honda’s new 5-speed automatic gearbox that has been developed in-house.

Honda said that full specs and pricing on the 2010 CR-V will be announced later in the year, but it is possible that we might learn more about the facelifted model at next week’s Frankfurt Show.

[View with PicLens]

In: Carscoop

Following Australia and South Africa, Japan will be the third country outside Europe to receive the British-built Civic Type R 3-door hatchback. The model, which will be called the Civic Type R EURO to distinguish it from the Japanese-market 4-door Civic Type R saloon, will go on sale in Japan from 2010 in limited numbers. The European-spec Type R is powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four that makes 201 HP at 7,800 rpm and 142 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm.

The 3-door Type R can accelerate from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in 6.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 146mph or 235 km/h while returning a combined fuel economy figure of 31mpg UK – that’s 25.8 mpg US or 9.1 lt /100km.

Japan also imported the previous-generation Swindon-built Civic Type-R (EP3 model) in 2001.

Honda’s decision to import the latest Civic Type R from Europe also suggests that the 240HP Mugen Type R concept, teaser photos of which were released in July, will most likely make it into production.

[View with PicLens]

In: Carscoop

Owners of the 2009MY Honda Odyssey minivan need to pay attention as the Japanese firm is recalling 421 vehicles in the States over a problem with the braking system. According to Honda, during assembly, incorrect front brake hoses were installed on these particular cars. The brake hose may come in contact with the caliper bolt and over time a hole may develop allowing the brake fluid to leak and consequently, result in reduced brake system performance. Honda’s dealers will inspect both front brake hoses and replace with the correct brake hoses free of charge.

In: Carscoop