The car market is a rough one so you must always be on alert for competition strikes. Honda is one of the brands that is always trying to be ahead of its rivals and to dictate the trends. That is the main reason why they are planning on improving and redesigning most of their flagship models. This project includes changes to Accord, Odyssey, and CR-V. Upgrades will include exterior redesign, the inclusion of new turbocharged engines and going a little more ‘green’ with some of these models.
Fit: The Honda Fit is the first car that will be updated. The new model will com as 2018 MY and will not feature many changes compared to the current one. This is one of the most affordable Honda vehicles so they will not risk with too many improvements because that would increase the price.
Civic: This particular model in its sedan and coupe versions has had an amazing selling year. They were selling so good that even reached Accord numbers. In addition to these models, we just witnessed in the past weeks, the introduction of Honda Civic Si and Honda Civic Type R. Later one being front-wheel drive model with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and more than 300 horsepower. The Si model will come with a 1.5-liter turbo unit that is available on current Civic but with slightly more power. Both will be on sale during 2017 while the hatchback will arrive by the end of this year. What wasn’t disclosed, when, or will it even be a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version in the lineup. The news will reach us soon because we expect hybridization of Civic before 2018.
Accord: The 10th generation of Accord is upon us, and it will come during the next year as 2018 MY. It will be built on exactly the same FWD modular platform as its Civic counterpart. It will be boosted by a couple of turbocharged engines most noticeably being: 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder and also a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4. You didn’t see us mentioning the V6 unit because there will be no V6 option on 2018 Honda Accord. What there will be is a hybrid Accord that will be either standard or a plug-in hybrid depending on which option will less interfere with Clarity PHEV sales.
Clarity PHEV: Clarity is entering its second generation, and it will be sold in California for a price of $60,000. Currently, Clarity offers only hydrogen fuel cell model called FCV, but in 2017 its lineup will be increased with two new models. Clarity EV and Clarity PHEV respectably. Both will have 40 miles of all-electric range while the FCV model is going to have more than 300 miles. At the moment, there is official cooperation going between GM and Honda on fuel-cell technology which will definitely bring technological progress to Clarity lineup.
Sports car: There aren’t auto enthusiasts in the world that didn’t hear rumors about Honda’s sports car. Nothing official came from the Japanese automaker, but if they are willing to listen to people’s voice, their next sports car will be a successor to S2000 model. Even if they bring out something else you shouldn’t stay awake at night for it because it won’t be out before 2024. Honda will certainly wait for improvement and expand the number of their own turbocharged four-cylinder engines that could be used on their next sports car.
HR-V: This vehicle got a completely new edition for this year so you shouldn’t’ expect any major changes for their next model. New HR-V will arrive in 2018 as 2019 model, so no major changes are expected on design or powertrain in order not to increase the price.
CR-V: What Honda has up its sleeve for CR-V is a redesigned edition scheduled to be released next year. Next-gen CR-V will come as 2018 model, and it will share the platform with Civic and Accord. Only engine option will be 1.5-liter turbo while the hybrid version is expected to become available during 2018 or even 2019. This will be the first CR-V to feature third row and seven seats.
Pilot: This year saw the introduction of completely new Pilot so a mid-cycle update shouldn’t be expected before 2018. That year will probably signal the start for Honda’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will replace V6 naturally aspirated unit.
Odyssey: Honda is currently in the process of redesigning its Odyssey minivan. The release is scheduled for the end of this year, and it should be advertised as 2017 model. There are things that haven’t changed, and that is a good thing. 2017 Honda Odyssey will share its platform with Pilot and Acura MDX, it will feature 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. Higher trim models could get nine-speed ZF transmission on this model while the Honda’s 10-speed in-house auto will have to wait for 2018 or even 2019 mid-cycle refreshment.
Source:Motor1.comRidgeline: This year’s model signaled the return of Honda’s pickup. It was well accepted so we shouldn’t really expect new or even improved Ridgeline before 2019. Even then it will only be changed in terms of design without any powertrain alterations.
