Signalling a new era for the Honda brand in Europe, almost every model in the range will be new or refreshed in 2015, with many being unveiled in production guise for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show early next month. Performance cars for road and track, family cars and a fuel cell concept previewing Honda’s third generation production fuel cell vehicle will all feature in Geneva.
We will see the global premiere of the Honda Civic Type R production car. The ‘race car for the road’ will be the most extreme Type R ever built, with blistering performance and thrilling dynamics that set new standards in the segment. A world-first application of Honda’s new 2.0 litre VTEC Turbo engine, aggressive function-led styling and pioneering new chassis technologies combine to deliver one of the most immersive and rewarding driving experiences available in any sector.
For fans keenly anticipating the launch of Honda’s latest hot hatch icon, a dedicated Type R microsite went live on January 28. Here fans can explore and share Type R content, in order to gain access to exclusive snapshots of the performance hatchback ahead of its debut in Geneva: Visit the website at www.redline.global or view the Type R teaser film at Hot from its global debut in Detroit, the much-anticipated production Honda NSX will make its global debut as a Honda in Switzerland, 25 years after the original. The hybrid supercar has been specifically created to deliver a ‘New Sports eXperience’, challenging conventional beliefs about the supercar segment.Production models of Honda’s all-new European HR-V and Jazz will debut ahead of their market launches later in 2015.
The all-new HR-V blends the styling of a coupé with the toughness, space, and utility of an SUV in a sporty, characterful, and versatile compact crossover. Re-entering the segment that Honda pioneered with the original HR-V in 1998, the new 2015 model features eye-catching exterior styling, fun-to-drive performance, class-leading fuel economy, and unmatched interior spaciousness.
With a sophisticated new look and an upgraded interior, the third-generation Jazz also makes its debut in Geneva. This car has been redesigned from the ground up, building on the strong reputation of its predecessors and featuring a brand new 1.3 litre petrol engine.
Looking to the future
The Honda FCV Concept demonstrates the exterior and interior styling evolution of the next-generation zero emissions Honda fuel cell vehicle.
The FCV Concept is intended to provide significant gains in packaging, interior space, cost reduction, and real-world performance, including an anticipated driving range of close to 500km and a refuelling time of three to five minutes. The FCV Concept previews the direction for Honda’s third generation production fuel cell vehicle which will go on sale in early 2016.
And finally, the 2015 McLaren-Honda Formula 1 racecar will also be on show at Geneva ahead of its competitive debut at the season opener in Melbourne, Australia on March 15. The new partnership aims to create a legacy to surpass that of the original, when four Constructors’ World Championships were won in four years between 1988 and 1991.
