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Brooklyn Honda Fit- No. 1 for Cars.com $16,000 Subcompact Shootout

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Searching for a Brooklyn Honda? At Plaza Honda, our Brooklyn Honda models are some of the most highly sought-after vehicles in New York City. The Honda Fit is a great vehicle to consider for all Brooklyn Honda customers shopping for a subcompact Honda. The Honda Fit is a popular favorite of the subcompact car category and at Plaza Honda, our inventory is properly filled with the sought-after Honda Fits.

The Fit was recently selected as the No. 1 choice in the Cars.com $16,000 Subcompact Shootout (featuring automotive experts from USA Today and MotorWeek). With freshly renovated models from five competing brands all debuting in the marketplace within the last year or so, there’s probably never been a better time to shop for a Brooklyn Honda subcompact car than right now. Facing off against the Chevy Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris, the Honda Fit remains at the top of the list.

The criteria here were fairly concise: All entries had to have seating for four, four doors, an automatic transmission, EPA highway ratings of above 35 mpg and, as mentioned, a price tag south of $16,000. Needless to say, the Fit delivered all that and more, including a very versatile interior that was called “unbelievably roomy.” The honor is just one of many for the Brooklyn Honda Fit, which also is a 2012 Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a six-time winner of Car and Driver magazine’s “10Best Cars” award and the highest rated vehicle in its segment in the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. It’s high achievements are a big reason that our Brooklyn Honda dealer recommends the Honda Fit for a subcompact vehicle.

“As gas prices and used-car prices continue to rise, a shootout like this acts as a guide for consumers looking to purchase a new subcompact as an alternative to a used vehicle,” said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief of Cars.com. “In addition to confident handling, a solid transmission, great visibility and unmatched practicality, the Honda Fit is just fun to drive and emerged as our clear winner.”

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“And the Winner for Best Family Cars Goes to … the Fit, CR-V, and Odyssey”

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

When searching for the right car for your family, you can never go wrong with Plaza Honda. We don’t mean to boast but three different Plaza Honda products won four different categories in the U.S. News & World Reports 2012 Best Cars for Families Awards. That’s amazing and we are not surprised because Plaza Honda cars are safe and reliable for families.

One of the winners, the Honda Fit was titled the “Best Hatchback” and “Best Subcompact for Families for 2012.” U.S. News & World Reports said that “it’s a great choice because with its ample and flexible interior space, it can tackle nearly anything your family throws at it.” And it’s no secret that the Fit’s “outstanding safety scores” were a contributing factor in its win—Honda’s hatchback is a Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Another one of Honda’s shining stars, the Honda CR-V, was named the Best Affordable Compact SUV for Families. As mentioned in the publication, the new CR-V, “has more standard features, better fuel economy ratings, an updated powertrain and better storage than before,” while “reviewers call the cabin one of the most spacious and comfortable in the class, and are impressed with its large, easy-to-load and easy-to-organize cargo area.”

Lastly, it was the Honda Odyssey that surpassed all rivals to become 2012’s Best Minivan for Families. Not only does the Odyssey stay true to all the traditional benefits normally associated with a minivan, including “a roomy and comfortable cabin with lots of storage space,” but it also “goes the extra mile with clever features, like a second row seat that can expand to accommodate up to three car seats.” The Odyssey is also the proud owner of the highest EPA ratings of any minivan in the U.S., reaching up to 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.

For more information on Plaza Honda’s Fit, CR-V and Odyssey—and the rest of the Honda lineup—visit us at www.plazahonda.com or come in to our showroom. P.S. Don’t leave the family at home!

Posted in CR-V, Fit, Honda, Odyssey | No Comments »

Honda Fit Takes The Crown From The Toyota Prius

Monday, February 7th, 2011

For 19 months straight, the Toyota Prius has been the best-selling vehicle in Japan. But, according to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association, that title now belongs to the Honda Fit.

In January, Honda sold 14,873 Fit compacts in Japan, with Toyota selling just 13,711 Prius hybrids. Japanese car buyers had been taking advantage of government incentives, which were introduced to boost the sales of fuel-efficient cars. But when those incentives expired in September, the remodeled Fit became a serious challenger to the Prius’ supremacy — especially since the new Fit also has a hybrid version.

“I don’t know (if the reason is because) our sales grew or the Prius sales dropped. But I don’t really mind,” said Takanobu Ito, Honda President, speaking at a press event. “Well, it is better to be the No.1, though.”

This has been good news for Honda, which recently reported a drop in profit last quarter due to falling auto demand in Japan in the absence of government aid.

Toyota will soon be fighting back with a new small car to battle the Fit. Last month, Toyota unveiled the redesigned Vitz, which is known as the Yaris here in the U.S. The Vitz is Toyota’s biggest-volume model after the Prius and could pose yet another challenge for Honda.

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A little friendly competition is healthy! If you’re undecided between what vehicle is best for you – a Honda Fit or Toyota Prius – it doesn’t have to be a competition! Both Honda and Toyota are members of our Plaza Auto Mall family! That’s great news, because our extremely knowledgeable sales team are educated on both makes and models. So if you’re looking to purchase a 2011 Honda or 2011 Toyota in Brooklyn, either way we’ve got what you’re looking for and want to make YOU the newest member to our Plaza family.
Call us today (800) 554-2425

Tags: Fit, Honda, Honda Fit, Hybrid Vehicles, Prius, Toyota Prius
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Honda Prepares To Enter EV Market

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Honda Fit EV image by Honda in the News

The recent Los Angeles Auto Show saw Honda introducing two more important pieces of its Electric Mobility Network—a comprehensive approach to reducing CO2 emissions through innovative products, energy-management and energy-production technologies—in the shape of the Honda Fit EV and a new platform for use in a coming mid-size plug-in hybrid.

Building on the strong foundation of its popular Fit hatchback, Honda has designed its new EV to be both highly efficient and highly fun to drive. The secret is the automaker’s advanced lithium-ion battery pack and a high-density coaxial electric motor. This powertrain is expected to give the Fit EV a top speed of 90 mph and a 100-mile all-electric driving range. Significantly, the car can help drivers maximize that range with an array of useful technology. This includes a three-mode electric drive system—adapted from the setup found on the Honda CR-Z sport hybrid—that optimizes the vehicle’s operation for Econ, Normal and Sport modes. Also on hand will be a number of interactive “coaching” systems that provide real-time information about the car’s fuel-efficiency performance, which will teach drivers how to get the most out of the Fit EV’s electric motor.

Charging times will range from less than 6 hours with a 240-volt outlet to less than 12 hours with a standard 120-volt outlet.

Honda’s new plug-in hybrid platform, destined to sit beneath a new mid-size sedan, puts the spotlight on Honda’s next-generation two-motor hybrid system. Combining a 6 kW lithium-ion battery, a 120 kW electric motor and a high-efficiency 2.0-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine, this platform offers three different transportation solutions. Drivers will be able to realize 10-15 miles of all-electric city driving, at speeds of up to 62 mph; operate the vehicle as a gasoline-electric hybrid like the Honda Insight; and enjoy high-speed, high-efficiency cruising by having the i-VTEC engine alone power the car’s front wheels.

Both the Fit EV and Honda’s mid-size plug-in sedan are expected to go on sale in the U.S. in 2012.

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Honda is planning to introduce a lot of new, great technology to their vehicles in the next two years. Stay tuned to Plaza Honda in Brooklyn for more up-to-the-minute announcements. Can’t wait to get your hands on a Fit? Lease a Brand New 2011 Honda in Brooklyn at Plaza Honda and get in on the fun of driving the Honda Fit now! By the time your lease is up, the new EV will be available! Give us a call today at (800) 554-2425 for more information on leasing the 2011 Honda Fit, take a visit to our showroom and get a personal tour of this vehicle, and test drive with one of our specialists!

Tags: 2012 Honda Fit, CR-Z, eco-friendly, Fit, Honda, Honda Fit, Honda Fit EV, Honda Hybrid, hybrid
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World Debut of Honda Fit EV Concept Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrid Platform

Friday, November 26th, 2010

By Honda | Media News Room

Honda today unveiled the all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle and the platform for a midsize plug-in hybrid vehicle. Both vehicles are integral to the Honda Electric Mobility Network, the company’s comprehensive approach to reducing CO2 emissions through innovative products, energy-management and energy-production technologies.

The Fit EV Concept hints strongly at the direction and styling for Honda’s upcoming production Fit EV all-electric vehicle, which will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012. The all-new plug-in hybrid platform showcases Honda’s next-generation, two-motor hybrid technology set to debut in 2012.

“Honda’s long history with electromotive technologies has enabled us to understand customer requirements,” said Takanobu Ito, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO. “In Honda’s view, an electric vehicle must offer great utility and be fun to drive. Fit EV’s urban commuting capability will be a perfect addition to the full-function mobility of the plug-in hybrid and FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle.”

Honda Fit EV

The Fit EV is designed to meet the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter and utilizes the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback. When the Fit EV production model is introduced, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.

The high-density motor, derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds. The Fit EV will have a top speed of 90 mph.

The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4* city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA’s adjustment factor). Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal, and Sport to instantly and seamlessly change the driving experience to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. While in Econ mode, practical driving range can increase by as much as 17 percent, compared to driving in Normal mode, and up to 25 percent compared to driving in Sport mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, generating performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

In addition to the 3-mode E-Drive system, the Fit EV will include several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximizing battery range.

A special meter display advises the driver when to shut off air conditioning and other accessories to conserve battery power.

To help the driver manage the electric vehicle ownership experience, the Fit EV will have a standard connectivity system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone and personal computer, or the Honda-exclusive interactive remote, while away from the vehicle. The pocket-friendly, interactive remote provides connectivity to the vehicle without the need for an internet connection or mobile phone signal. Through the connectivity system, drivers will be able to remotely view the vehicle’s state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning, even while connected to the grid, to reduce the drain on the battery at start-up. The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimize utility rates, and provides 24-hour roadside assistance, along with a public charging station locator. The Fit EV will come equipped with a standard Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System™ that includes a public charging-station locator capability.

The Fit EV is designed to be easy and convenient to charge. Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.The Fit EV Concept displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior color and distinctive five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. The Concept has unique LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper, clear LED taillights and EV decals. Inside, the Fit EV Concept is outfitted in an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces.

Displayed alongside the Fit EV Concept at the show is a prototype Honda charging stand. To begin charging, the driver swipes a card in front of the screen and then connects the charger to the vehicle. The Honda charging stand provides a glimpse at the future of an electric-charging infrastructure that is easy to use and intuitive for consumers.

Honda Plug-in Hybrid

Honda also unveiled a plug-in hybrid platform, which showcases Honda’s next-generation two-motor hybrid system. Integrated into a mid-size sedan platform, the plug-in hybrid is designed to be compatible with daily driving habits, allowing for short, frequent trips in all-electric mode, while providing long-distance driving capability when needed. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. The all-electric mode achieves a range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.

The vehicle can also run in a gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the platform features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). An onboard generator adds to the battery powering the electric motor.

For more efficient high-speed cruising, the vehicle can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels.

Advanced Technology Demonstration Program

Honda will launch an Advanced Technology Demonstration Program this year to provide real-world testing of its new vehicles, as well as research into customer behavior and usability, public charging infrastructure planning and sustainability initiatives. Partners in the program will include Stanford University, City of Torrance, Calif. and Google, Inc.

Honda Electric Mobility Network and Energy Management

Together with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, the Fit EV and the future plug-in hybrid vehicle are a part of the company’s comprehensive approach to reducing CO2 emissions. Honda is unique in its efforts to create both environmentally-responsible products and the renewable energy solutions to power them. Honda is currently producing and marketing thin-film solar panels in Japan, and an installation is planned at Honda Performance Development in Southern California in early 2011. Honda is also using innovative ways to produce and distribute energy through sustainable methods, such as using solar power to produce hydrogen fuel from water. Additionally, Honda is developing home energy-management systems that utilize micro-cogeneration technology and solar cell modules to power and heat homes as well as charge electric vehicles. The Honda Electric Mobility Network joins clean vehicle technology, renewable energy production and energy management solutions for the benefit of customers and society.

Honda Environmental Leadership

The Fit EV and a plug-in hybrid sedan will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012, joining Honda’s diverse lineup of environmentally-responsible vehicles, which include the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, the Civic GX compressed natural gas-powered sedan (U.S. only) and four distinct gasoline-electric hybrid models: Civic Hybrid; CR-Z sport hybrid; Insight hybrid and Fit Hybrid (Japan and Europe only).

Honda was recently named America’s “Greenest Automaker” for the fifth consecutive time by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The award is earned by the company with the lowest combined smog-forming and greenhouse-gas emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet.

Honda has led the UCS rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since the first UCS study in 2000, marking a decade of Honda leadership in reduced vehicle emissions. Honda earned the recognition this year with an industry-best score based on model year 2008 data, the latest available for analysis.

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Honda Accord And Fit Are Among The “10 Best Cars”

Friday, November 26th, 2010

by Honda in the News

Car and Driver magazine has named the 2011 Honda Accord and the 2011 Honda Fit among their annual list of “10Best Cars.”

This is by no means the first time the Accord has won this coveted honor. Now in its eighth generation, this marks the 25^th time in 29 years that it has made the list. As for the Honda Fit, it has been honored with “10Best” status in each of the five years that it has been on sale in the United States.

“The Car and Driver ‘10Best’ awards are among the most coveted awards in the industry,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “These awards recognize the company’s ongoing emphasis on performance, quality and safety, and Honda is honored to have its vehicles regarded so highly over the years.”

The Accord and the Fit aren’t the only Honda models to win this prestigious and highly competitive award. See the chart below to see Honda’s Car and Driver “10Best” award history.

Honda Model	10Best Award Model Year
Accord	2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1994,1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983
Civic	1996, 1991,1990, 1989, 1988
CRX	1988, 1985
Fit	2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
Prelude	1998, 1997, 1996, 1995,1994,1993, 1992, 1986, 1985, 1984
S2000	2004, 2002, 2001, 2000