Honda Accord is the Fashion Force in China

A very impressive Honda Accord sedan, seen in the great city of Chongqing by reader Colin, thank you for the picture! The good Honda is dressed up as a vehicle belonging to the ‘Fashion Force’ which is apparently considered something very cool. The Fashion Force Honda Accord comes with Fashion Force badges and speedy five-spoke black alloys; all set & ready for a crack down on fashion related crime…

The Honda Accord was made by the Guangzhou-Honda joint venture, the new Honda Accord was launched on the China car market in September. A few other special Accords we met in country: matte black, purple fifth-generation, third generation Honda Accord Coupe, and the China-only 1 Million Anniversary Edition.

Source;
http://www.carnewschina.com/2013/11/26/honda-accord-is-the-fashion-force-in-china/

Honda launches R&D centre in China to tailor cars for local drivers

(Reuters) - Honda Motor Co Ltd (7267.T) has opened a new research and development centre in China, the latest move by a Japanese carmaker to go local to capture more consumers in the world's biggest auto market.

The establishment of Honda Motor China Technology Co in the southern city of Guangzhou is designed to strengthen R&D, parts procurement and production functions in China, Honda said in a statement on Tuesday.

Japanese carmakers have been trying to catch up with global rivals such as Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) and General Motors Co (GM.N) in localising production in China to track consumers' needs as well as cut costs.


Honda said on Monday that its October China sales more than tripled from a year earlier. The sharp rise was partly due to the low comparison base from last year when sales were hit by a flare-up in anti-Japanese sentiment following a territorial dispute.

The company has previously said that of the 12 new car models to be introduced to China during the 2013-2015 period, five will be China-exclusive models, including two developed locally.

In August, Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) began construction of a new R&D facility in China, with its local partner FAW Group. The division will hire more than 1,000 people and promote the development of local brands.

Rival Nissan Motor Corp (7201.T) has launched its fifth global design centre in Beijing.
So far, much of the localisation of auto parts by Japan's carmakers has been limited to firms supplying electrical and interior parts that are considered less vital to car safety.

(Reporting by Samuel Shen and Kazunori Takada; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)


Source;
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/11/05/uk-honda-china-idUKBRE9A406120131105

The Honda Jade is the Civic Wagon You’ve Always Wanted (Not for North America)

At the Shanghai Auto Show Honda unveiled a Jade MPV, thinking it was an ugly looking concept (it was snot green, after all) I passed it by. Never judge a book by its appearances apparently as the Honda Jade is now running down Dongfeng-Honda’s production lines, it uses the platform from the Honda Civic as well as the Civic’s drive train, furthermore it has six seats.

The Jade is up against the Mazda 5, another six seater MPV which seats its occupants in rows of three and has sliding doors and is obviously aimed at home users whilst the bigger Honda Oddysey will be aimed at those business users. Pricing hasn’t been announced but it is thought the base model will be from around 150,000RMB and rising, possibly to as high as 220,000RMB for the top spec model. Oddly base models come with a 5 speed auto as used elsewhere in the Honda line up but the top spec models use CVT gearboxes.

As a dad that is currently looking at new seven seat vehicles for a 2014 purchase I cant bring myself to sit in any MPV’s from the likes of Ford or Kia, they all just seem too ‘white collar, mid 30′s, growing a beer belly‘, but this Jade seems like its a mixture of wagon and people hauler, plus its Civic based so it probably drives half decently. Guess I’ll have to give this a real look at early next year!
Pictures from autohome.com.cn

Source;
http://www.chinacartimes.com/2013/07/the-honda-jade-is-the-civic-wagon-youve-always-wanted/

Honda targets Acura output in China by 2016

Deal with Guangzhou likely to build compact SUV

(Reuters) -- Japan's Honda Motor Co. is planning to produce Acura cars in China with a local partner starting in 2016 to tap growing demand for luxury vehicles in the world's biggest auto market.

Honda said Thursday it has agreed with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. to jointly produce Acura cars in China. It did not provide other details including the anticipated size of production capacity or which models it plans to manufacture where.

A Beijing-based Honda spokeswoman said one Acura model that is likely to be produced in China is a new compact SUV that is not offered in the brand's product lineup today. The new model is likely to be based on a "concept" model -- the Acura SUV-X -- that it showed off at the Shanghai auto show in April, she said.
Honda's chief executive, Takanobu Ito, said at the Shanghai auto show that the Tokyo-based automaker planned to produce Acura cars in China within the next three years.

Guangzhou, China's sixth-largest carmaker ranked by sales, assembles Honda vehicles in China through a joint venture with the Japanese automaker.

Honda's move comes as a slew of global premium auto brands pile into China. One key factor for global automakers to ensure that an upscale brand succeeds in China is local production. Because of high tariffs charged on cars brought into China from overseas, it is difficult to generate volume unless a carmaker produces upscale cars locally in the country.

Audi AG, Mercedes-Benz and BMW all produce models in China with local partners.

General Motors has recently begun producing Cadillac cars in China. Among Japanese automakers, Nissan Motor Co. is building a factory in the eastern city of Dalian to produce some models for its upscale Infiniti brand.

Luxury vehicle demand in China is likely to reach 2.7 million cars a year by 2020, a level that would allow China to displace the United States as the world's biggest premium car market.


Source;
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130718/GLOBAL03/130719863/honda-targets-acura-output-in-china-by-2016#axzz2ZOkvVecg

Video – Watch the Honda Crider in action

Recently, Honda Crider was launched in the growing Chinese market to bridge the gap between the Civic and Accord. The car is set to satisfy the potential upper middle class segment in China. Here is a promotional video of the mid-size sedan.

From the outside, chrome-laden grill complements the glittering headlights, which altogether gives Crider a very interesting gleeful face. The bold lines on the hood further construct the flashy aura of the car. The side profile of Crider carries elegant design theme with nice dual-tone alloy wheels and curvaceous C-pillar. The rear end gets a thick chrome rail and big taillights that would bode well with the Chinese customers.

Interiors are typical Honda-ish in fashion with quality materials and decent fit and finish. The dashboard carries cues from both the Civic and Accord to make it interesting as well as functional.

Elegant Accord touches like glossy plastics and brushed aluminium combines beautifully with the funky Civic steering wheel and gear selector knob. Metallic trim and big information display gives Crider a modernistic verve.

The Crider is propelled by a 1.8-litre petrol engine that uses Honda’s world famous i-VTEC to give a decent 137bhp and 172Nm of torque. Overall, the Crider measures 4,650mm long, 1,750mm wide and 1,505mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 2,650mm.

Produced by Guangqi-Honda JV, Crider starts at 114,800Yuan (approx. INR 11.31 lakhs) and will lock horns with likes of Citroen C4L, VW Sagitar and the upcoming Hyundai Mistra. It looks like the Crider, with Honda’s rock-solid reliability and performance traits, has got all the bases covered.


Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2013/06/honda-crider-promo-video-84473

Honda Reveals Dragon-Inspired Crider Sedan

Back in April, during the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, Honda unveiled the Concept C, a sedan developed to fight the Chinese-market Volkswagen Sagitar. That's an older Bora that Fred Flintsone would drive to the quarry.

Now, the Japanese automaker took the wraps off the production model, which will be sold under the Crider name. Slotted between the Civic and the Accord, the Crider is actually a niche sedan through which Honda is trying to gain some success on the ever-growing Chinese market. In fact, the Crider is actually the company’s first vehicle developed in China for the Chinese market.

Moving on the vehicle’s styling, Honda claims the Crider features “a dynamic exterior design inspired by an image of a dragon”. Right! Our say is that unless you can get a dragon tail as an option, the sedan sports a familiar Honda design which manages to offer a decent amount of modern-day attractiveness.

Powered by a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine rated at 139 HP and 172 Nm, which can be mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission, the Crider is said to offer “spacious and comfortable cabin space, plentiful equipment”. Estimated fuel efficiency is 6.7l/100km with the 5-speed automatic transmission and 6.5l/100km with the manual gearbox.

On sale as we speak, the Honda Crider can be acquired starting from CNY114,800 (about $18.700 at current exchange rates).

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-reveals-dragon-inspired-crider-sedan-62049.html

Honda’s ‘China Dream’

 By Cong Mu

A model introduces the Jade concept car revealed by Guangqi Honda at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. Photo: CFP

In a bid to win back lost territories in the Chinese market, Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co announced plans on June 14 to introduce 12 new models to China by 2015.

With better technologies and more localized production, the new models belong to Honda's mid-term strategies for China. Announced last year, they included the launch of three hybrid passenger vehicle models, before the company revealed its Crider and Jade models at the Shanghai Auto Show in April.

"Starting from this year, Honda will accelerate the introduction of the most advanced technologies in environmental protection, safety, and comfort to China, while continuing with further localization of research and development (R&D), production and sourcing in the country," said Seiji Kuraishi, president of Honda Motor (China) Investment.

Honda's Chinese joint ventures, Wuhan-based Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co and Guangzhou-based Guangqi Honda Automobile Co, will roll out six new models respectively by the end of 2015, the company said.

Dongfeng Honda has scheduled the sale of Jade, a mid-range passenger car targeting the younger generation of consumers, to open to the Chinese market in September, and expects the vehicle to lead the JV market after its top-selling model in the country, Dongfeng Honda CR-V, said Chen Binbo, executive vice president of Dongfeng Honda.

Dongfeng Honda sold 69,399 units of CR-Vs in China during the first five months of the year, down 1 percent year-on-year, according to statistics from Honda Motor (China).

Overall, the Japanese automaker's JVs sold 255,540 units of passenger vehicles in China from January to May, dropping by 2.6 percent year-on-year.

"The Japanese carmakers' sales in China are mainly affected by the general political relations between China and Japan. If bilateral relations do not improve, sales won't grow any faster, no matter how many new models Honda plans to introduce to China," Zeng Zhiling, director of LMC Automotive Asia Pacific Forecasting in Shanghai, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The dispute over Diaoyu Islands in the South China Sea has sparked large-scale anti-Japanese protests across China since September of last year, hurting sales of Japanese products in China.

US competitors, such as Ford Motor Co, meanwhile, have taken advantage of the situation to boost sales in China, Zeng noted.

At the end of last year, Ford announced plans to introduce 15 new models to China by 2015, with the release of eight new models in 2013 alone, reported news portal sohu.com.

Earth Dreams platform

Despite lackluster sales in China, the Japanese car company refuses to give up on its dreams.

Honda has also announced a new powertrain technology platform for China, and, not coincidentally, it named it the Earth Dreams Technology platform.

The new platform emphasizes both the pleasure of driving and environmental protection, offering five new direct-injection engines with capacities ranging from 1.5 liters to 3.5 liters, Honda said.

It also includes two new continuous variable transmission (CVT) systems that suit small and mid-sized cars as well as two sets of hybrid electric powertrains for small and medium vehicles respectively, it said.

Based on existing models, the combination of its new 1.5-liter engine and rapid-response CVT for small cars can boost fuel efficiency by 10 percent and accelerate performance by 15 percent, said Honda.

The company said the new engines and CVTs will be first applied to the new Accord (its 9th generation in China), which is slated for release into the market by Guangqi Honda in September.

Honda also said that it plans to localize the R&D and production of its electric hybrid models in China in the next three years, and expects to locally source key components, such as batteries and electric motors.

"I don't believe it (that Honda will truly localize its R&D in China). It may move laboratories to China, but Honda will still have the Japanese controlling them … It's possible for Honda to localize production, but it is unlikely to see any transfer of technological knowledge to Chinese partners," said Zeng.

Honda Motor (China)'s public relations department said that the company was not yet ready to reveal the details of its localization plans for China, when contacted by the Global Times on Tuesday.

Later this month, Guangqi Honda will debut a new model, Crider, most of which has been designed and developed in China and with the Chinese customer in mind, said Honda Motor (China)'s Deputy General Manager Takahiro Hachigo, who was previously behind the development of the CR-V in China.

Meanwhile, Jade, developed in Japan and based on the low slung and spacious global model Concept S, was designed mainly for the Chinese mass market, according to Hachigo.

Luxury appeal

Apart from designing for the quickly-emerging Chinese middle-class, Honda has also been coveting the booming luxury vehicle sector in the world's largest car market, though, according to the US consulting firm McKinsey & Co, it is the Germans who control about 80 percent of the Chinese premium-auto market.

McKinsey said earlier this month that its recent study of both Chinese and German luxury car customers showed that "in China, advanced power trains are much more important for attracting high-end buyers than they are in Germany. Fuel efficiency also looms larger for affluent consumers hesitant to step up to premium cars."

"Price matters more in China, particularly for people interested in but less able to afford luxury cars, so there may well be a major market for lower-priced premium models," it noted.

Thus, Acura, the luxury car division of Honda, introduced two new premium models to the market at a Shenzhen car show on June 8.

The latest full-size sedan Acura RLX is a flagship model representing the design and technical trends of the future and has a price tag of 858,000 yuan ($139,938) per unit, said Chen Yue, vice director of Acura's China operation.

Meanwhile, Acura RDX-3.0L, directed at the aspiring affluent consumer, is a mid-range sports utility vehicle and is priced at 439,000 yuan per unit, said Chen.

Designed for China, and compared with its previous models, the RDX-3.0L has a smaller engine volume and a dropped price to increase its attractiveness, marking Acura's willingness to cater to Chinese consumers, it said.

Source;
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/790580.shtml#.UcRTrtimUUM

Spied – Honda Jade MPV spotted completely undisguised in China

The production version of the Honda Jade, a compact MPV that made its debut at Auto Shanghai 2013 as a near-production concept, has been spied in China and that without any camouflage.

The Honda Jade was previewed by the Honda Concept S, unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show last year. The car is based on the platform of the third generation Honda Stream which is again a compact MPV.

The production version that was spotted stays completely true to the car that debuted at the Auto Shanghai.  The compact MUV has balanced proportions and a low slung appearance.

The China specific car will be manufactured by the Dongfeng-Honda JV. The Jade measures 4,645mm long, 1,775mm wide, 1,500mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,760mm. Honda says the production version will be 99% similar to the concept. And that’s apparent from the spyshots.

The car will offer two engine options – a 1.8-litre engine producing 140bhp or a 2.0-litre engine pumping out 170bhp. There is also a possible hybrid variant that could join the lineup in the following years.
Even though the Jade is touted to be a China only model, it makes sense for Honda to replace the aging Stream with the Jade in international markets.
The predicted starting price stands at 150,000 Yuan (around Rs. 13.63 lakhs).

Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2013/05/honda-jade-mpv-spotted-completely-undisguised-in-china-78154

Honda CEO Ito believes Chinese market not ripe for hybrid cars yet

By  John Hofilena

This year’s Shanghai auto show display spaces were filled with numerous models of hybrid and electric cars – which maybe is a sign that the global auto market is moving in that general direction. It may also be a loud signal to China to consider greener automobile solutions, what with the massive clouds of smog that covered the cities these past few months. But Honda Motor Co. CEO Takanobu Ito believes that the Chinese market might not be quite into hybrid cars yet. 


Of the four new concept and production cars displayed by the Japanese carmaker at the Shanghai auto show on Saturday, none were hybrids or electric. Honda put out three hybrid vehicles available to the Chinese market last year – the CR-Z, Insight and Fit Hybrid – but the automaker revealed that it only sold 542 hybrid units in China in the whole of 2012. “Overall, we have high hopes for hybrid technology. In terms of how important it is to the Chinese market we are slowly releasing products and looking at how they do,” Mr. Ito said in Shanghai on Saturday. “But we think there are still more Chinese consumers who want to simply buy a car that fits their needs rather than buy a hybrid. By needs I mean a good-quality car with an affordable price that doesn’t break down. At present, we think these take higher priority.” The current atmosphere regarding hybrids could eventually change, Ito allowed. He said that the hybrid mentality needs a push from the Chinese government, by incorporating higher fuel-economy standards and the government’s overall backing for a green-car industry. Honda is even making plans to produce hybrid components and parts in the country in 2014.

Ito admitted that hybrid car technology would cost a bit more no matter what, and at this point this is something that Chinese consumers are not yet willing to pay. If, like in Japan, the Chinese government gives incentives and subsidies towards green car purchases, the mentality could start changing in that direction. Ito pledged that Honda will continue to offer hybrid vehicles to the Chinese market, and gradually grow its list of available models more and more, if the Chinese government makes good on enacting policies that would make hybrids the more attractive option for Chinese car buyers.

Source;
http://japandailypress.com/honda-ceo-ito-believes-chinese-market-not-ripe-for-hybrid-cars-yet-2327527

Shanghai 2013: Honda Jade

This is the Honda Jade, the production version of Beijing 2013′s Honda Concept S MPV. This one’s to be sold by Dongfeng Honda, and will hit Chinese showrooms in September.

Honda says the Honda Jade was inspired by its namesake, a jade stone. It explains the green colour of the Auto Shanghai 2013 display car as well, though in reality I’m not sure how many will take up this particular shade at the showrooms.

Like the Honda Crider, the Honda Jade was designed for the Chinese market but unlike the fussy-looking Crider, I can totally imagine the Honda Jade design being used for the next-generation Honda Stream. It looks more ‘global car.’

What do you think of the next generation Honda Stream looking something like this Honda Jade?

Source;
http://paultan.org/2013/04/20/shanghai-2013-honda-jade-is-a-people-mover-for-china/

Honda Concept M introduced at 2013 Auto Shanghai

An MPV for Chinese market

Honda has officially revealed in Shanghai today the Concept M, following an announcement made about two weeks ago.

It represents a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) developed specifically for the local Chinese market. It was designed by the Automobile R&D Center of Honda R&D in Japan and gives us a clue about an upcoming model which will be launched in China soon.

Honda promises to bring a "new-value vehicle that offers the attributes of a passenger car while adding new value through the realization of a comfortable and spacious cabin". It has one of the busiest designs ever seen on an MPV, especially when looking at the front and rear fascias.

Since this is just a concept, we expect the production version to look significantly toned down, but not necessarily in a good way judging by the looks of the Crider which is essentially a production version of the quite appealing Concept C.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113042056786/honda-concept-m-introduced-at-2013-auto-shanghai-video

Acura Concept SUV-X arrives in Shanghai

Production model due in three years 

Acura is previewing a new crossover with the Concept SUV-X exhibited at 2013 Auto Shanghai starting today.

The Japanese marque announced at the beginning of the month a new concept for the Chinese auto show and we assumed it was a crossover.

We were right as the Concept SUV-X is a small SUV which was designed specifically for the local market. It represents Acura's first ever concept to be unveiled outside of North America.

It has been confirmed a production version will go on sale in China in approximately three years from now.

The concept is being characterized as offering "emotional and sharp styling and driving performance" along with "environmental performance" and the utility you normally get in an SUV.

Unfortunately, Acura did not release any details about what powers the Concept SUV-X but most likely some form of hybrid tech is included.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113042056790/acura-concept-suv-x-arrives-in-shanghai-video

Honda and Acura bringing two concepts to 2013 Auto Shanghai

For Chinese market

Honda and Acura have announced two new concepts which will be revealed at 2013 Auto Shanghai on April 20.

Both concepts represent a preview of an upcoming production model which will be offered in China in the future. Honda's concept hints at a new MPV which could be the Chinese variant of the 2014 Odyssey shown in New York last month, while Acura's concept we assume is an entry-level compact crossover.

Both concepts adopt a sporty design with a sloping roofline, roof-mounted spoiler, muscular wheel arches and large alloys. However, based on recent experience, Honda's models tend to lose their looks from concept to production phase.

Full Honda/Acura lineup info for 2013 Auto Shanghai 

Beijing, China, April 8, 2013 - Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. today announced that Honda and Acura will exhibit the world premiere of two concept models at the Auto Shanghai 2013 (the 15th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, press day: April 20, public days: April 23 – 29). These two concept models are scheduled to be introduced to the Chinese market in the future.

Overview of Honda Exhibit
Honda will have a joint booth with Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. and Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. and the theme of the booth will be Honda's brand slogan in China ? "" ? which means to “initiate new actions to create new things and carve out the future.” Honda will exhibit the world premiere of the concept model as well as a full lineup of Guangqi Honda and Dongfeng Honda including their all-new models.

Automobiles

World premiere concept model:
Honda's concept model that shows the direction of an all-new model Honda will be introducing to the Chinese market in the future

All-new models of Guangqi Honda and Dongfeng Honda:
Honda will display models substantially identical to the mass-production version of the Concept C (a concept car of a middle-class sedan developed exclusively for the Chinese market) and Concept S (a global concept car of a new-value mover developed primarily for Chinese market). These two concept models were first introduced at the Beijing Motor Show last year and their mass-production models are scheduled to be introduced to the market this year.

Other mass-production models:
Guangqi Honda: Accord, Odyssey, City, Crosstour, Fit, CR-Z, Fit Hybrid, Li Nian S1
Dongfeng Honda: CR-V, Civic, Spirior, Elysion, Insight, CIIMO

Motorcycles
RC212V (MotoGP Champion machine), GOLDWING, VFR1200F

Outboard engines
BF90, BF150, BF250

Overview of Acura Exhibit
Acura will exhibit the world premiere of the global concept model. In addition, the Chinese version of the all-new RLX, Acura's next generation flagship model, will be introduced for the first time in China.

Concept models:
New concept model (world premiere)
All-new NSX Concept (China premiere)

Mass-production models:

RLX (China premiere), RDX, MDX, ZDX, ILX, TL

 

Scheduled Time for Press Announcement:

Acura:	10:00 - 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013 (local time)
Honda:	10:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013 (local time)

Takanobu Ito, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is scheduled to present the world premiere of the concept models.

 

Source;

http://www.worldcarfans.com/113040856243/honda-and-acura-bringing-two-concepts-to-2013-auto-shanghai/lowphotos#1

Production version of Honda Concept C revealed through patent leak in China

Not for North America....

The Honda Concept C which was showcased at last year’s Beijing Auto Show previewed an all-new sedan which would slot in between the Honda Civic and the Honda Accord.

The Concept C-based sedan would cater to a new narrow segment that is emerging strongly in the Chinese market. It is to be noted that Hyundai is also developing a sedan for China which will be sandwiched between the Elantra and the Sonata, while the hot-selling VW Sagitar has shown what is possible in this segment.

The production version of the new Honda is basically a watered down version of the Concept C. The prominent chrome element in the front fascia invades the headlamp units. The Honda logo has been given the pride of place on the grill.

The profile is taken directly from the Concept C. The window line terminates in a razor sharp plastic cladding in the C-pillar, giving the sedan a sleek look. A pair of parallel character lines liven things up further.

Coming to the rear, the edgy taillight units get stretched towards the rear fender and there is a chrome strip that runs throughout the width of the car. A smart black recess in the rear bumper reduces the visual bulk.

Reports suggest that the sedan could get 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines with 5-speed manual or automatic transmission options. The car will be made in China by the Guangzhou-Honda joint venture.

There is strong possibility for the new sedan to make its global premiere at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show which commences on April 20th. Exports from China to other Asian markets is also a possibility in the future.

Source;

http://indianautosblog.com/2013/03/honda-concept-c-production-model-patent-leak-69827

Spied – Honda Concept C testing in China; mini Accord in the making?

The Honda Concept C was shown by the Japanese car maker at the 2012 Beijing Auto Expo. Less than a year later, here are the first ever pictures of the production version undergoing testing, somewhere in China.

This executive sedan is scheduled to be unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, set to commence on April 20 for the press. That is the good news.

The bad news is that, for now, the Concept C would be made exclusively for the Chinese market. In China, the Concept C will be positioned below the Honda Accord as well.

Honda will consider making the Concept C locally through its Guangzhou-Honda joint venture. While it is a China specific model, Carnewschina.com reports that Honda is considering exporting the Concept C to other Asian markets as well, plans of which are not finalized yet.

Options of a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual/automatic gearbox would power the sedan.

You may remember one of our articles a while back, about the new China specific Hyundai sedan that would slot between the Elantra and the Sonata. So it looks like the Honda will find a perfect competitor in the upcoming Hyundai.

Prices for the Concept C could start at 130,000 CNY (INR 11.4 lakhs) and go up to 170,000 CNY (INR 14.9 lakhs).

In India, the Honda Civic which is struggling with double digit sales would be offered only till the stocks last. The Accord is not doing all that well either. The lack of a diesel engine has proved to be a disaster for Honda in all the segments, low and high.

Do you think Honda should introduce the Concept C in India only once they have their diesel engine in place, or do you think they can still pull it off with the petrol only model (like the new CR-V)?

Source;

http://indianautosblog.com/2013/03/spied-honda-concept-c-testing-in-china-65486