Honda at Geneva: powerful line-up underpinned by advanced technology
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Honda’s exceptionally strong model line-up, reflected both in critical acclaim and burgeoning sales, is fully represented at the 2004 Geneva Salon.
Revised Jazz and Stream, the recently enhanced Civic models and a cross-section of Accord saloons and Tourers including the new diesel, join the HR-V and CR-V to emphasise the strength-in-depth currently enjoyed by the Honda range.
Two core values at the very heart of Honda’s philosophy provide the themes for the stand design. First there is the advanced technology that underpins so much of the product strategy. It’s exemplified by Honda’s i-CTDi engine that powers the Accord and delivers new benchmark standards in diesel technology.
There’s also the sophistication of Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), Honda’s petrol-electric drivetrain offering exceptional economy through its ability to recapture energy through regenerative braking. The system appears in the Civic IMA on the stand, but it is also represented in the stunning IMAS concept car which combines environment friendly
performance with sports car excitement, its light weight, extremely low drag coefficient and high power to weight ratio aim to capture the freedom of movement and invigorating
experience personified by a racing bike. Silver bodywork emphasises the underlying technology of these models.
Advanced technology is complemented by the sporty characteristics of the brand as a second theme and what better way to illustrate them than the BAR Formula 1 car that is on show. It’s joined by a racing NSX-R and Honda S2000 which were entered into last year’s International ADAC 24 hours at the Nuerburgring, Germany, to demonstrate the racing potential of the two cars. The three cars are finished in GP white to provide a visually impressive focus.
Located alongside are Honda’s road-going sports cars finished in vivid red paintwork – the Civic Type-R, Honda S2000 and NSX.
The focal point of this section is the dramatic HSC concept car first revealed at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. Its sensuous curves and mid-engine layout, hint at the exhilaration drive which will be accessible to all and not just the skilled driver. As announced earlier this year by the President and CEO of Honda, Mr Takeo Fukui, the HSC concept will serve as the basis for the next generation NSX.
The ‘sporty’ theme continues with two design studies created by Honda’s Accessories Division. The Civic 5 door and Accord Tourer Diesel have been enhanced both externally and internally to deliver two visually-arresting Study Models, the Civic variant prominently displayed to provide the centrepiece of the Honda stand.
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