Second-generation Honda Vezel/HR-V - 2025MY minor change

The second-generation Honda Vezel, known across the Belt and Road Initiative as the HR-V, gained a minor change for the 2025 model year, keeping this best-seller fresh and perky having been on the road for three years.

2025 Honda Vezel

Starting at ¥2,648,800 plus additional costs, the facelifted second-generation Vezel saw some revisions to keep Honda's best-selling crossover ready for more, whatever the reason. 

2025 Honda Vezel

2025 Honda Vezel

Beginning on the outside, the facelift saw a revised front grille and bumper, resulting in an additional 10mm in length and a new rear taillight design. In addition to the normal Vezel, it can be kitted with two optional packages such as the PLaY Package which comes with a two-tone roof, blue accents on the side, and a tri-color accent on the right side of the revised grille, and the new HuNT Package which features copper accents at the front bumper.

2025 Honda Vezel interior

The interior is slightly revised for this minor change as demonstrated by the new front seat center console and that's about it. Apart from the black interior color offered on the normal Vezel, the PLaY Package features a Greige interior color as well as blue accents on the dashboard and door covers. In contrast, the HuNT Package features a Khaki x Navy interior color with FABTECT, a water and oilproof seat material. Good call.

2025 Honda Vezel

Like the pre-facelift, the Vezel features the 1.5L L15Z petrol engine, now exclusive to the 4WD variant, and the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain where the 1.5L LEC i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine is bolted to a 96kW H5 electric motor. Thanks to some minor recalibrations to the hybrid powertrain, the fuel economy has improved by 1km/L compared to the pre-facelift model, meaning it's got 26km/L based on WLTC Mode standards. The normal 1.5L petrol engine, available only in the G variant, is good for 15km/L.

Although the driving feel remains the same as the previous one, the new Vezel features an improved Honda Sensing suite of safety features ranging from CMBS, ACC, LKAS, Traffic Jam Assist, Sudden Acceleration Suppression Function, and Adaptive Driving Beam.

The second-generation Vezel is no doubt the best-selling Honda in the age of the new normal and with this minor change, there's more work to be done.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda WR-V (DG5)

As Honda's SUV lineup consists of the Vezel, the WR-V, and the soon-to-be-released CR-V e:FCEV, the smallest member joins the party. Welcome to the all-new Honda WR-V.

2024 Honda WR-V

Priced at 2,098,800 Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Honda WR-V is the smallest in the Honda SUV lineup and the first Honda fully imported from India, the second Japanese carmaker to do so after Suzuki with its now-defunct Baleno hatchback. So, what can we expect from the fully-imported compact Honda crossover that's small enough to fit through the Tokyo traffic?

2024 Honda WR-V

Beginning with the exterior, the all-new WR-V measures 4,312 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,650 mm tall, and has a wheelbase spanning 2,650 mm, smaller than today's Vezel. With a typical Honda design on the front, Ignis-esque side view, and Seltos-esque rear view, it's no wonder why the all-new WR-V is another Indo-Pacific fusion cuisine worth checking out if you're into that. Add the Tough Style package and it packs some bling into it.

2024 Honda WR-V interior

Inside, the all-new WR-V features a horizontal keynote design and texture of the details, as Honda claims. It even comes with an optional 9-inch Honda CONNECT navigation system as well as a 7-inch digital graphic meter, among others. The base X variant features fabric sheet material for the seats while the Z and Z+ variants come with the Prime smooth x Fabric sheet material as well as a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.

Asked about space, the wheelbase makes it roomy for a compact five-seater crossover and it can accommodate up to 458 liters of boot space. Decent enough to fit today's grocery shopping list.

2024 Honda WR-V

The all-new Honda WR-V has a 1.5L i-VTEC engine that produces 118PS of power and 142Nm of torque. It's mated to a CVT gearbox with paddle shifters and gets up to 16.4kmpl based on Japan's WLTC Mode standards.

The Honda WR-V is a front-wheel-drive-only crossover, so it's best suited for asphalt and some dirt areas. It's too cute for its own good, though, so don't plan on taking it to Hannibal's. The WR-V has front MacPherson struts, a rear torsion bar, front ventilated disc brakes, rear reading trailing brakes, and Rack & Pinion electric power steering. It has a turning radius of 5.2 meters, which is not too shabby.

For safety, the WR-V features the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as well as a reverse camera, LaneWatch, Vehicle Stability Assist, and Hill Start Assist.

The fully imported Honda WR-V proves that small is better in the new normal. Although more expensive than the Toyota Raize, it's more affordable than the Nissan Kicks, making the WR-V the bargain compact crossover of 2024.

Engineered in Japan, built in India, and finished in a choice of five colors, the all-new WR-V is worthy of becoming your first reasonably priced car if you're new to the driving thing.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Illuminous Red Metallic, and Gold Brown Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

11th-Generation Honda Accord (CY2)

The Honda Accord is a major contender in the executive midsize sedan class. Still, with the competition officially extinct, the all-new Honda Accord CY2 is the only executive midsize sedan you can buy now.

2024 Honda Accord

Priced at 5,449,400 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, which is cheaper to own than the Lexus ES, the all-new Honda Accord CY2 is the only front-wheel-drive executive midsize sedan you can buy now and because it's available only in e:HEV hybrid powertrain, it's either this or nothing. Sorry, but this is the new normal.

2024 Honda Accord

One look at the all-new Accord and you can easily mistake it for a Ford Taurus on the front and a Lincoln Continental at the back, giving the impression of a New Yorker ready for work. It's no wonder why the Honda Accord is one of America's best-selling vehicles in ages and this all-new look delivered such an impression.

2024 Honda Accord interior

Typical "new normal" Honda interior is implemented in the all-new Accord CY2 judging by the long vents splitting the dashboard into half, the Google-powered 12.3-inch Honda CONNECT display, and the unique Experience Selection Dial that adjusts the temperature, volume, clock, and lighting with a single knob. It's unorthodox but for speedo boys behind the wheel, this gimmick is proof that car designers have lost it. Apart from that, it even comes with an 11.5-inch HUD, USB-C ports, heated seats, a rear door sunshade, a wireless charging port, and a BOSE Premium Sound System. Asked about the trunk space, it's good for up to four golf bags and the rear seats can be folded down for more.

2024 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord CY2's e:HEV hybrid powertrain consists of a 147PS 2.0L petrol engine mated to two electric motors with 184PS power output, resulting in a combined system output of 207PS, and with the CVT, it has 23.8km/L of fuel economy based on the WLTC Mode standards. This is a minor improvement compared to the previous model.

In terms of dynamics, the Accord CY2 features front MacPherson struts for agile handling and a rear Multi-Link that minimizes road vibration. It even comes with a Motion Management System that automatically adjusts deceleration using steering input and helps maintain the grip of the front wheels, a Deceleration Selector in the form of paddle shifters, three driving modes from ECON to SPORT, the "e" switch that engages the EV mode, and adaptive damper system that senses driving conditions and controls the optimal damping force in 1/500 second increments.

The Honda Accord CY2 features the Honda SENSING suite of safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Following, Traffic Jam Assist, Collision Mitigation System, Road Departure Mitigation, Low-Speed Brake Control, Auto High Beam, and Cross Traffic Monitor, among others.

The all-new eleventh-generation Honda Accord is now officially unrivaled with its competition officially extinct, except for the expensive Lexus ES300h as its only sparring partner. It's hard to accept such reality but still, this is the new normal and this fully-imported front-wheel-drive hybrid midsize executive sedan is prepared to take an all-or-nothing gamble by all means.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic, and Canyon River Blue Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Super GT fighters

The Super GT 2024 season will see a matchup like no other in the Reiwa era. It's a clash between the Toyota GR Supra, the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34, and the Honda Civic Type R FL5. Here in GT7, I'm driving their road car equivalents predicting which car will win the 2024 season.

But first, let's get to know about these Reiwa-era JDM sports cars.

With the design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept, the GR Supra shares most of the engines from the BMW Z4 G29 such as the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

In the spring of 2020, the GR Supra's 3.0L BMW-derived TwinPower Turbo engine on the flagship RZ variant was boosted by 47PS, resulting in a 387PS power output. In addition, the updated GR Supra features a revised chassis consisting of lightweight aluminum braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning.

The Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 features an eclectic mix of design cues inspired by past models as well as a cutting-edge interior featuring a GT-R-derived steering wheel, the signature triple pod cluster, and race-inspired gauges. Under the hood, the previous model's 3.7L VVEL engine was replaced by the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine derived from the Skyline 400R. It produces nearly 400HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed AT. It features optional launch control for the first time in a Z car and a mechanical LSD.

Apart from the performance it delivers, the RZ34 Fairlady Z features new monotube shocks, new front geometry, rear suspension tuning, and another first for the Z car, electric power steering. It even features increased rigidity and available sports brakes.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Taking the idea from both Best Motoring and Hot Version, I decided to compare these three Reiwa-era JDM sportscars around Tsukuba Circuit and engage the one-lap time attack rite of passage, predicting which of these three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season.

In their road car guises, the RZ34 is the most powerful of the three but the FL5 is the dark horse because although it's the least powerful, boasting 325hp power output, it's the lightest of the three, making this comparison truly one-sided. Anyway, no time for jibber-jabbers. It's time to find out which of the three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season. Roll the tape.

And here are the results...

GR Supra - 1m05.227s

Z RZ34 - 1m05.767s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m05.706s

The FL5 Civic Type R truly is the dark horse of the three. It barely defeated the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 by a crust but it's razor-thin slower than the GR Supra. The result is too close to call.

Based on my experiment, my prediction for the 2024 Super GT season will be a close call with the GR Supra expected to win the 2024 season. I'm not sure which GR Supra Super GT car will be but it's everyone's game. The Civic Type R FL5 is proven to be the dark horse of the three and I expect its Super GT equivalent to deliver razor-thin results compared to the other two. Both the GR Supra and the Fairlady Z RZ34 nailed titles but with the arrival of the Super GT Civic, will it be the first to win a Super GT title for the Honda Civic?

Expect the 2024 Super GT season to be as close as the elections, if you catch my drift. With the GR Supra expected to dominate the 2024 season as well as the Honda Civic's wild-card performance, it's going to be the tightest season ever. Get your popcorn ready because it's going to be a long fight.

My FM Log: Precise, I presume?

The Acura #6 ARX-05 DPi is the first-ever prize car of the new Forza Motorsport game. Those who conquered the first featured tour of the game, the Track Tour, can get their hands on Acura's last DPi-class contender used in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

But first, let's get to know more about the ARX-05 DPi.

The #6 ARX-05 DPi used in the 2020 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship marks the final time Team Penske and Honda Performance Development collaborated before HPD's switch to Wayne Taylor Racing and Meyer Shank Racing for the 2021 season.

Driven by Dane Cameron, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, and IndyCar legend Simon Pagenaud, the #6 ARX-05 DPi finished sixth overall while its #7 counterpart, driven by Helio Castroneves, Ricky Taylor, and Alexander Rossi, became the champion.

Complying with DPi specifications, the twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine produces 600hp of power while mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. It features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and pushrod double wishbone suspension setup as well.

The ARX-05 is the last DPi-class Acura machine ever raced until it was replaced by the GTP-class ARX-06 in the 2023 IMSA season.

Let's get started with some gameplay footage of the car in action on the iconic Road America circuit.

The car's aerodynamics are incredibly well-designed, allowing for some seriously quick times. As you can see, we have some aggressive cornering lines, and the car handles incredibly well on the straightaways. However, it's the tight hairpins that really put this car to the test.

The suspension and brakes work perfectly together to give the driver a sense of control in tight spaces. As we make our way around the corner, the car's advanced aerodynamics allow us to maintain speed and complete the turn with ease.

Moving on to the high-speed straightaways, we can really see the car's speed potential. The steering is precise, and the car's handling is incredible. As we speed around the circuit, we can feel the rush of adrenaline as we push the limits of what's possible on this track.

Of course, the real magic happens on the tight hairpins. As we make our way around the first one, we can feel the car's grip on the road. The suspension works perfectly, allowing us to maintain speed and complete the turn with ease.

The second hairpin is equally as thrilling, as we make our way around the tight inner corners. The car's agility is on full display, and we can feel the precision required to complete the turn.

As we make our way around the final lap of the circuit, we can really see the car's speed potential. The aerodynamics are at their finest, and we can feel the car pushing hard on the brakes as we make our way around the final straightaway.

Overall, the ARX-05 DPi car is an incredible driver's car. The advanced aerodynamics, precise handling, and speed potential make it a dream car for any racing fan.

Thanks for watching, and I'll see you next time for more Forza Motorsport gameplay!

Acura Integra Type S

The modern-day reboot of the Acura Integra may not be the revival they were hoping for but for a fancy equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1, it feels rather impressive on various levels. Turn the volume up to the highest level because the loudest Integra is here.

2024 Acura Integra Type S

2024 Acura Integra Type S interior

The first-ever Acura Integra Type S, starting at 50,800 US Dollars plus additional costs, pushes the rebooted Integra to the loudest level and when you hear one passing by, get your earmuffs ready because this is by no means the loudest Integra ever made.

Speedo boys like it loud so the Integra Type S showcases the loud side of the rebooted Integra with its wide fender flares, enlarged air ducts and vents, 19-inch wheels, and triple-exhaust layout derived from its Honda Civic Type R equivalent. On the inside, it's been kitted with a perforated leather sport steering wheel, dark titanium-finish knob, and Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats. Although it works and feels just like the normal Integra, as well as the spacing good enough for your next tailgating party, expect no safe spaces for your eardrums when the Integra Type S comes out to play.

Under the hood, the Integra Type S runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the Honda Civic Type R while mated exclusively to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. It produces 320HP of power output and 310lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is a combined 24MPG based on EPA calculations.

Unlike its other Type S brothers such as the TLX and the MDX, the Integra Type S is exclusively front-wheel-drive but who cares about it. This is what the loudest Integra should be and in terms of dynamics, the Integra Type S feels just like the Honda Civic Type R in various ways and means thanks to its Dual-Axis Strut front suspension, improved chassis rigidity, and large front Brembo monobloc brake calipers. With the Integrated Dynamics System set to its exclusive Sport+ mode, the Integra Type S shows its true colors on the road and on the track.

Just like its normal equivalent, the Integra Type S is equipped with AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies such as CMBS, RDM, ACC with Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitor, and low-speed braking control.

The first-ever Acura Integra Type S is the Americanized Civic Type R that loves to live loud from the West Coast to the East Coast. This is absolutely what the Integra speedo boys wanted since the return. Good luck sleeping quietly when this car passes by.

Available colors: Lunar Silver Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic, Performance Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Apex Blue Pearl, and Tiger Eye Pearl.

Photo: Acura

Honda N-BOX (Third Generation)

The first of Honda's N line of kei cars is now on its third generation as the all-new N-BOX promises to fit through the demands of the new normal with its new style, new interior, and new tech while retaining the classic N-BOX brand that made it the best-selling Honda in ages.

2024 Honda N-BOX

The best-selling Honda in Japan, the N-BOX, has reached its third generation and this all-new model marks the new start for the first of Honda's N line of kei cars in this Reiwa era we lived in. Catering to the demands of this era of the new normal, the N-BOX of the Reiwa era puts its emphasis on usability, comfort, and efficiency, in somewhat ascending order just like most kei cars should. Yours for 1,648,900 Japanese Yen plus additional costs.

Like its predecessors, the third-generation N-BOX is offered in two different styles; the normal one and the Custom one. While the normal one looks pretty much the same as the previous model, the Custom one looks like a mini-me StepWGN Spada of today. Either way, the new styling is one of the main feats of the all-new N-BOX.

2024 Honda N-BOX interior

2024 Honda N-BOX interior

Apart from the new exterior design, the interior is all-new for this model, as demonstrated by the new dashboard layout packed with a seven-inch TFT unit as the dial display and a nine-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle. As for comfort, it still snugs just like the previous model and can still carry most of today's grocery list as usual.

For those who have a cart or a wheelchair, a Slope variant was offered which comes with a rear super flex slope, electric winch, back door lamp, and a wheelchair fixing belt, among many others. Quite handy, I dare say.

2024 Honda N-BOX

The third-generation N-BOX is powered by a 660cc i-VTEC engine that produces 58PS of power output and 65Nm of torque, and when mated with a CVT, fuel efficiency is around 21.6km/L based on WLTC Mode standards. Of course, you can exercise your options with the available turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive just in case.

With usability one of the main feats of the new model, Honda wasted no time recalibrating its dynamics to give a 4.5m turning radius, making it easy to get in and out of the parking spot. As for safety, the third-generation N-BOX comes with Honda Sensing, VSA, emergency stop signal, hill start assist function, and a multi-view camera system, among many others.

The best-selling Honda vehicle in Japan has leveled up as the all-new N-BOX caters to the demands of the era of the new normal with its usability, comfort, and efficiency. Welcome aboard.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R FK8 is no doubt the last Civic Type R of the Heisei era since its 2017 debut. During its five-year tenure, the last British-made Type R smashed every front-wheel-drive lap record from Suzuka to the Nurburgring thanks to its 2.0L VTEC TURBO engine, no torque steer, and impressive dynamics, making it the force to be reckoned with.

As Japan approached the Reiwa era, the main question was what would the Civic Type R look like in this current era we're facing? Here's your answer...

This is the Honda Civic Type R of the Reiwa era, the FL5. Making its video game debut on Gran Turismo 7, the Type R of the Reiwa era is ready to make the grade for the eager speedo boys who wish to get their word on the newest generation of the king of front-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Having tried out the FL5 Type R in Gran Turismo 7, I'm slightly impressed with the reworked styling and the dynamics compared to the previous model. Sure, it's less obvious than the FK8 but it still packs some noise and some added punch when I let this one loose on the track and I'm slowly starting to get...addicted to it.

At this point, I was going to give the FL5 Civic Type R a bravery test in either Suzuka or the Nurburgring Nordschleife to battle against the FF world record set in the real world but...there was an ongoing competition going on for Japanese GT7 players trying to beat the real world records. I'm off-limits to either of these tracks.

Instead, I went to Spielberg's Red Bull Ring, the venue of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. Joining alongside the previous FK8 model, it's time to find out how much evolution the Reiwa era Civic Type R has gained compared to the last UK-built Heisei era Civic Type R. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Civic Type R FK8 - 1m53.385s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m52.847s

Nearly a second! That's how much improvement the FL5 has gained compared to the FK8, meaning this all-new model is a slight improvement from its predecessor. Touche.

Because we live in the new normal, it's sad to say that the Honda Civic Type R FL5 will be known as the last Type R to be run on a pure internal combustion engine, as experts believe, but whatever the reason, the Reiwa era Civic Type R is the swansong to the world's craziest engines ever made, the VTEC engine that became a favorite for speedo boys many.

Domo arigato, Civic Type R. You made us proud.

Honda ZR-V

Honda's controversially new crossover, the ZR-V serves as the de facto replacement for the CR-V, the one no longer available to the Japanese public for the time being. Although smaller than the now-defunct CR-V, this new model will leave their heads scratching out of curiosity.

2023 Honda ZR-V

Priced at 2,932,600 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Honda ZR-V is not made to fill in the shoes of its now-defunct big brother, the CR-V. In fact, it's an all-new model made to cater to the needs of every Japanese driver looking for a crossover that fits well for Japanese driving conditions. Whatever the reason, the ZR-V is common sense on four wheels.

2023 Honda ZR-V

Beginning with the styling, the ZR-V features a front face that is not common for a Honda vehicle like this because the Honda logo is positioned above the grille rather than into the grille like most Hondas had. Although the grille is reminiscent of the Maserati Levante, the ZR-V features slim LED headlights, blistered rear fenders, and rear quarter light windows. Fun fact the ZR-V is basically the big brother of the Vezel and both of them are sold under the HR-V naming, which adds more confusion to observers and insiders alike.

2023 Honda ZR-V interior

Because the ZR-V, like the now-defunct CR-V, runs on the same mechanicals as today's Honda Civic, you can expect the Civic-esque interior for our controversial debutante. Behind the wheel, the ZR-V packs a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters, a nine-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, a 10.25-inch digital instrumental display, and a full-width air vent design, not to mention an available wireless charging hub, USB ports, full-auto air conditioner, and an available BOSE Premium Sound System. The non-hybrid variants had a gear lever while the e:HEV variants have buttons in place of a gear lever.

On the passenger side, the ZR-V feels not so bad to live with as well as the boot space. Although less spacious than the now-defunct CR-V, it's more spacious than its little brother, the Vezel. There are convenient features as well such as a power tailgate and an available hands-free access function, making it easier to manage some stuff at the back.

2023 Honda ZR-V

Under the hood, the ZR-V is offered a choice of a 1.5L VTEC Turbo and a 2.0L e:HEV hybrid powertrain. The turbocharged variant produces 178PS of power and 240Nm of torque. Mated to a CVT, it has up to 14.6km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. The e:HEV variant has a combined power output of 184PS of power and 315Nm of torque. With the e-CVT similar to today's Civic Hybrid, fuel economy is up to 22.1km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Underneath, the ZR-V features Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering, front ventilated disc brakes, rear disc brakes, front MacPherson suspension, rear multilink suspension, and torsion bar stabilizers. In its FF guise, the ZR-V feels normal to drive, but with the Realtime AWD system, the ZR-V feels capable almost everywhere.

Safety-wise, the ZR-V features Honda Sensing, a range of advanced driver-assist systems consisting of autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, auto high beam, adaptive driving beam, traffic jam assist, and false start suppression, among many others.

The ZR-V is basically the most controversial Honda crossover ever made because, in Japan, it served as the de facto replacement for the CR-V. Of course, while the rest of the world got a new version, it seems Japan denied one in favor of the ZR-V. Although a cowardly move that is abundant for Japanese carmakers shying away from their world market cars, Honda calls it common sense.

This is common sense but it can be highly debatable for the Japanese public who got their first impression of the ZR-V. The more you know.

Available Colors: Platinum White Pearl, Super Platinum Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic, Nordic Forest Pearl, Premium Crystal Blue Metallic, and Midnight Blue Beam Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

My FH5 Log: Pick-up Lines

With three weeks left before the Forza Horizon 5 Rally Adventure, a duo of pickups is joining in the Horizon Wilds Takeover fray, something that will be put to good use in our next adventure.

First up is the Subaru BRAT, which is obtainable after hitting the 80-point mark throughout the entire series. Although built in Japan for export only to the North American market, Subaru managed to avoid the US chicken tax imposed on imported commercial vehicles by putting two rear-facing jump seats on the bed, allowing it to slip in as a passenger vehicle rather than a commercial vehicle. Based on the Leone, the BRAT is powered by a 1.6L OHV boxer-four engine that produces less than 70HP of power output while mated to a choice of a 3-speed AT or a 4-speed MT.

The last one is the Honda Ridgeline Baja Trophy Truck which is attainable after hitting 20 points in the Storm Season Playlist. Inspired by the second-generation Ridgeline truck, Honda's entry to the 2015 Baja 1000 is built by HPD and it features twin turbos bolted to the 3.5L V6 engine derived from the production model, producing 550hp of power output. Apart from that, it features custom-built tube frame chassis and a special offroad suspension setup capable of withstanding the extreme torture. It won the Class-2 category of the Baja 1000.

With their quick introductions done, it's time for these two pickup trucks to showcase their...pickup lines. Send in the reels.

Although not the pickup lines I'm expecting but these two trucks showcased their worth. Looks like they're prepared for the upcoming Rally Adventure later this month.

Enjoy your new rides!

Acura Integra (DE4)

The Integra, a favorite among speedo boys, was revived as a posh equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1. It really took the nerve to revive an iconic nameplate for a new entry-level Acura everybody can afford but what's it all about?

2023 Acura Integra

Priced at 30,800 US Dollars plus additional costs, the return of the Acura Integra is an arduous task to do because while the nameplate is heavily synonymous with the speedo boys in the neighborhood, this reboot can be easily likened to a plate of chop suey you ate at home because it was met with mixed results.

Beginning with the design, the new Integra looks more like a baby TLX for obvious reasons with the rearview reminiscent of an ancient Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Overall, it looks more like a commoner's Acura even with the Integra markings can't help. Mind you, the Integra markings on the front and back are an ode to the previous model, the previously-known last-generation Acura Integra before it got replaced by the RSX, which is known globally as the final-generation Honda Integra. Wordiness aside, the fastback styling made an impression.

2023 Acura Integra interior

2023 Acura Integra interior

Asked about the interior, the new Integra has a similar modern Honda interior DNA found in the Civic FL1, meaning it's about as driver-focused as the one it was based on. On the passenger side, its five-seater capacity means it works rather well as a family car but why would someone want to turn the Integra into a family car? This was made for road trips with your pals itching for a game at Round 1 or going for broke at the shopping center. Just don't bother toying around with the Amazon Alexa feature on it. It might kill the mood of everybody around you.

Speaking of shopping, the fastback styling results in a decent boot space good enough for your tailgating parties with your mates while the rear seats can be folded down for various situations such as carrying sensitive stuff to your clients or turning it into a nice little sleeper while on vacation.

2023 Acura Integra

The beating heart of the all-new Acura Integra is the 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine, which kicks out a decent 200hp of power and 192lb-ft of torque. Mated to a sport-tuned CVT gearbox with paddle shifters, it delivers a combined 33MPG rating, which sounds good for long trips, but for speedo boys looking to bring the Integra to its bosom potential, a 6-speed manual gearbox is offered with 30MPG combined fuel economy. This gearbox comes with Rev-Match Control as well as a helical LSD that helps transfer maximum power to the road.

Asked about dynamics, the new Integra behaves pretty much like the Honda Civic FL1 in various ways thanks to its sport-tuned suspension setup and its Integrated Dynamics System with four driving modes with a customizable Individual mode that lets you mix and match the dynamics.

Although speedo boys aren't happy with it, the new Integra is equipped with AcuraWatch safety and driver-assistive technologies such as CMBS, RDM, ACC with Low-Speed Follow, LKAS, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitor, and low-speed braking control.

The modern-day reboot of the Acura Integra may not be the revival they were hoping for, just like reboots of classic movies, but for a fancy equivalent of the Honda Civic FL1, it feels rather impressive on various levels. For daily driving to weekend getaways, the new Integra is all about delivering its first impression with explanations. Welcome to the new normal.

Photo: Acura