With a top speed of 90mph and a range of 70 miles, this all electric version has a lithium-ion battery for storage and an electric motor adapted from the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell car. Under test conditions, The Fit EV proved itself capable of a 100 mile range but this figure was reduced to allow for urban driving styles. The driving range can be extended by opting for a different driving mode: econ, normal and sport with a 17% difference between each. In sport mode, the Fit EV has an acceleration performance similar to that of a small car with a 2 litre engine – not bad when you consider the pollution your saving!

Recharging takes 12 hours on a 120v outlet and a mere 6 hours with a 240v supply.

With 5 seats and five spoke aluminium wheels as well as a few tweaks to the exterior to bring it bang up to date this is a very stylish looking car! Even the key fob itself is an all singing all dancing affair – you can check the status of the battery, initiate charging and activate the climate control all from your little hand held fob!

Although this is the very best in the Honda electric cars to date, they do not intend to rest on their laurels and are continuing to work on making ever greater improvements in performance – currently working on a hybrid that re-charges in as little a 1 hour. Keep a look out for this one!

Japanese production has increased for the first time in four years and has set an all-time record in Asia and China for September and production is up throughout the world since December 2009. There are a range of other encouraging statistics for the manufacturer which can be viewed at the press release here, but it’s certainly good news for Honda and perhaps the car industry as a whole.

Vehicles aren’t manufactured inside a bubble; there needs to be a demand for them and if people are requiring enough cars to set a sales record in the Asian and Chinese regions, Honda must be doing something right or perhaps this is a sign of some form of recovery in the region’s motoring industries.

A major aim for Honda with this 2013 release is to protect the sale price of the Civic, while improving both its looks and performance. The equipment and interior finish of the vehicle look set to overhauled, with the exterior taking inspiration from the popular CR-Z model. Under the bonnet, there will be more similarities with the CR-Z, namely a hybrid engine featuring the same powertrain; a 1.5 litre petrol engine that delivers 124 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque. Also available will be a new low emission three-cylinder engine.

The design is believed to be a hybrid model, consisting of elements of both the S2000 and the original Honda Beat, a mini-car that was around at the start of the nineties. There have been hints for some time from the company that an alternative to their only current sporty model, the CR-Z are in the pipeline, although it seems unlikely that this particular model will surface any time before 2014. Even the next generation of Toyota sports cars, including a new small coupe are set to beat this new concept to launch, as they are due in early 2013.

Honda are said to have submitted some interesting patent applications, with the use of aluminium likely in upcoming models – a far cry from your used Honda Civic or Jazz. The new model is being referred to as the mini-FT-86 in Japan and is likely to be a mid-engine, rear wheel drive, two-door hatchback.

Mugen performance parts and accessories will now be available through a select band of eight Honda dealerships throughout the country. Following a limited run of Civic Type R Mugens, the Japanese motorsport firm is slowly beginning to take off on these shores. The range of new parts that will now be on offer include forged aluminium wheels, brake upgrades, quick-shift gearbox kits and sports suspension, while a range of body styling kits will also be available.

The dealerships across the country that will stock the Mugen parts are strategically spread out, with Inchcape catering for the South East and Two Mills the North West. Parts and accessories for other Honda models are expected to be introduced gradually over the forthcoming year.

Honda claim that better fuel efficiency and increased internal space will also become features that will set the new Odyssey apart from used Honda models currently available on the pre-owned market. Many of the changes have been brought about through increased interaction with customers during the development phase. Owners were keen to take away the boxy look and give it better handling and a sportier feel, points that Honda have been quick to act on.

The change in aesthetics has been achieved largely through a more slanted windshield and a slightly tapered rear roof line, while the 2011 Odyssey is made to look more like an SUV as it is wider and lower to the ground. If the changes are implemented well, your used Honda Odyssey could be due for a trade in.

The encouraging news means that Honda sales were up 28% over the period – a sizeable increase. The company’s recovery is largely attributed to a recovery in the major US and Japanese markets, although expansion in developing markets such as China also played a major part.

While used Honda cars still prove popular, there is clearly an increasing demand for the new Accord, Civic and Jazz and this is reflected in Honda’s prediction that annual profits for the year will be up as much as ten percent. This forecast is mirrored by other Japanese car makers, who had also struggled the previous year due to the financial crisis.

There are three driving modes which allows for the driver to adapt the setting of the car to their needs so whether they need to drive economically or switch to then drive in heavy traffic they can do so with ease.

The prices of the Honda CR-Z are as follows-:

CR-Z S £16,999
CR-Z Sport £17,999
CR-Z GT £19,999

All models come with Climate Control, Six Speaker CD player and an engine start button. The S grades have heated door mirrors, rear dimming mirror, electric window and daytime running lights.

The Sports model offers alloy pedals, ambient lighting, cruise control, boot mounted subwoofer and many other superb features that will have Honda fanatics excited.

Honda Civic Mugen 200″ title=”Honda-Civic-Type-R-Mugen-production-Front-Angle-588×527″ width=”150″ height=”150″ class=”alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-665″ />The Mugen 200 will also feature 19 inch ‘Lightning’ alloys, Mugen badges and a unique Mugen number plate, as well as Honda’s latest 201PS i-VTEC engine, which means it’ll have quite a lot of kick for a small car.

As its name implies, the Honda Civic Mugen 200 will be limited to just 200 cars and will be available in April. Orders will be taken for the car from Honda dealerships in March, which is when the price will be announced too.

Though it surely won’t be cheap, this model will doubtlessly be fought over by small car and Honda Civic enthusiasts. Maybe Honda will be nice to us and let us review one.

Owners of small SUVs had reason to feel smug this winter. As Britain shivered beneath a blanket of snow, suddenly they had a good reason for using a 4×4 for the school run. True the school in question was normally closed, but they could certainly get there.

Honda has tweaked various areas to make it ever so slightly better than the model we’ve come to know, and in some cases love. There is improved suspension, better insulation and new 17 inch wheels all designed to improve ride comfort.

The crown of best small SUV car is likely to be keenly fought this year, with a plethora of new contenders on the scene. With these updates the new Honda can hope to mix it with the best.

Most importantly, the car has been built in Honda’s plant in Swindon, which makes it British (kind of).