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Posts Tagged ‘2009 Honda’

The 2009 Honda Fit is redesigned, gaining size and power in the process. It remains Honda’s smallest car, despite adding 2 inches in wheelbase and 4 inches in overall length vs. the 2007-08 Fit. Base and Sport models return, both powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 117 hp, an increase of 8 hp.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic is optional; Sport models with automatic add steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Sport models also get subtle aerodynamic body add-ons, upgraded trim, and 16-inch alloy wheels in place of the base model’s 15-inch steel wheels, which supplant the 14s used previously.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system (new for 2009), front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Newly available are a navigation system and a USB port for digital music players.

The 2009 Honda Element gets freshened styling and some new features. This box-like compact SUV seats four and has rear-hinged rear side doors that don’t open independently of the front doors. The only engine is a 166-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that teams with a manual or automatic transmission.

Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb. Element comes in LX, EX, and sport-themed SC trim levels, and all are available with front-wheel drive. LX and EX also offer all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.

The rear seat divides into two 30-lb sections that swing up or remove. SCs have a lowered sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, specific front styling, and unique trim. Newly available on Element EX and SC are a voice-activated navigation system and rearview camera (automatic transmission only).

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid gets slightly freshened exterior styling and some new features. This gas/electric hybrid compact car comes as a 4-door sedan. It combines a 1.3-liter gas engine and an electric motor for 110 hp. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources.

Most of the time, however, the gas engine shuts off at a stop and restarts again when the driver releases his or her foot from the brake pedal. It requires no plug-in charging. This sole transmission is a continuously variable automatic (CVT).

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system with voice activation is available. Newly offered for 2009 are a wireless cell-phone link and leather upholstery.

The 2009 Honda Civic Coupe gets slightly freshened exterior styling. In addition to a 2-door coupe, these compact cars also come as 4-door sedans and gas/electric hybrids (see separate reports). DX, LX, EX, EX-L, and sporty Si trims are offered. All except the Si have a 140-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Si versions have a 197-hp 2.0-liter engine. The 140-hp Civics come with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Si only comes with a 6-speed manual. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.

EX-L models have leather upholstery with heated front seats. A navigation system with voice activation is available on EX, EX-L, and Si. Newly offered on EX, EX-L, and Si is a wireless cell-phone link.

The 2009 Honda CR-V is largely unchanged. This five-passenger compact SUV is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Trim levels include LX, EX, and top-line EX-L with leather upholstery.

All have a 166-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.

A power driver seat and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard on EX-L. A navigation system is also available on EX-L. Versions so equipped are priced as separate models.

Cheap-as-chips replacement for the venerable CG125 offers the same kind dependable utilitarian transport but with a dash of style. The CBF125 has flown out of showrooms since its introduction in January – so much so that dealers complain of not being able to get hold of them quickly enough – and we’re not surprised. It’s a Honda, it’s good looking, it’s cheaper to run than catching a bus, it may be the only transport you need and it costs just a shade over £2000 on the road. It’s even been described as fun. The only question seems to be: Why doesn’t everyone have one?

The CBF’s 124.7cc four-speed fuel injected single is squarely aimed at delivering fuel economy rather that thrills. With a top speed of around 65mph, it’s up to motorway use but you might not want to make a habit of it. Honda claim 11bhp, one more than its closest rival, Yamaha’s YBR125. In reality there’s nothing between the two in performance. In an MCN test neither could pass the other flat out.

Handling and brakes (drum rear and single disc front) are the right side of competent. For half-hour rides it’s as comfortable as almost any bike but on longer trips your backside will pay a price for the cheap and cheerful twin rear shocks, especially on the motorway. In town you may be reminded of a rocking horse when switching between braking and accelerating in stop-start traffic.

At this price something has to give. So perhaps it’s not surprising, if disappointing, that the finish on the exhaust doesn’t seem fit to last. An MCN test bike was showing rust after a few weeks of winter use. We have also heard from readers unsatisfied with the longevity of that matt black finish. Plastics are flimsy, with easily broken grommets. If the CBF has inherited anything from the CG125, reliability shouldn’t be an issue.

The CBF is all about providing only what you need for the cheapest possible price. In equipment terms that means numbers around the edge of the speedometer dial indicating what gear you should be in instead of a rev counter. You do get a fuel gauge, though. If you start with a brimmed tank, you’ll have about a third left by the time it says half.

In Top Trumps this is where the CBF would be unrivalled. Unless perhaps the other player had a YBR125 card. The CBF started the year at £1795 but has now gone up to £2020, just £49 less than the YBR. The CBF comes with fairing while the YBR is naked; but the YBR has a rack, arguably more important on this kind of bike, and the CBF doesn’t. Fuel economy figures don’t help. Honda claims 134mpg for the CBF but it managed an actual 87.5mpg in MCN tests while the YBR returned 87.3. In the end superior styling makes the CBF seem like a better overall package per dollar while both bikes offer economy levels to put public transport to shame.