My GT7 Log: The star of GT2

The next Gran Turismo star we'll be showcasing in Gran Turismo 7 is the Honda S2000, the cover car of Gran Turismo 2 that was launched in 1999, the same year when this car was released to the general public.

Launched in the spring of 1999, the Honda S2000 served as the spiritual successor of the legendary Honda S800. Priced at 3,380,000 Japanese Yen when it was launched, the S2000 is powered by a 2.0L DOHC VTEC (F20C) engine that produces 250PS of power and 218Nm of torque. It was mated with a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Other stuff includes a double-wishbone suspension, electronically assisted steering, and integrated roll hoops. 

As production moved to Suzuka, Mie prefecture, Japan, the S2000 received some minor changes and the AP1 designation has now changed to AP2. The F20C engine was been replaced by a 2.2L DOHC 4-cylinder VTEC (F22C) engine. This engine produces about 242PS of power and 221Nm of torque. This comes with drive-by-wire throttle, an electronic stability control system, new wheels, and one new exterior color, Laguna Blue Pearl. Interior changes included revised seats and additional stereo speakers integrated into the headrests. The AP2 S2000 went on sale in Japan in late 2005 and by the 2008MY, it comes with a new variant called the S2000 Type S, which comes with the sportier exterior look. As the Lehman Shock affected the world market since the end of 2008, production of the S2000 was ended in the summer of 2009 with no direct successor whatsoever. 

When I first experienced this car in GT2, the S2000 feels intermediate to drive because of its well-balanced proportions that championed this car. Although not as powerful as its European rivals, it feels down-to-earth easy to drive, and accessible too. With the car returned in GT7 as a hard-to-find used car that will take players days to wait until the chance to buy one, buying one in-game is a hard act to follow but taking a spin on it is the fun part for GT fanatics. 

Anyway, no time to be sentimental because now that I got my hands on the Gran Turismo 2 cover car in Gran Turismo 7, it's time to give this car a quick time attack around Laguna Seca. Talk about stirring nostalgia because both the car and the track did appear in GT2 and they've never felt so alive in this game. Thank you, technology. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

After a quick lap around Laguna Seca, the S2000 did it in 1:53.380. Just to let you know, the settings in this car are untouched since purchase.

Despite being out of production several years ago, the S2000 remains a cult classic icon for speedo boys everywhere because...it's a Honda! Why do you need explanations on this one? Silly question.

What other Gran Turismo stars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

My GT7 Log: The first hunt

If you're playing Gran Turismo 7 for the first time, congratulations. You have just begun your journey to become the best car collector and racer known the world over. As your GT7 adventure kicked off, you've been given 20,000 Credits to spend for your first car from the used car dealership, which is open from the start. Here are the cars available for you at the start with that kind of budget;

These are the under 20K starters in question; a Toyota Aqua, a third-generation Honda Fit Hybrid, and the fourth-generation Mazda Demio. Before buying one of the three, let's get to know about the three Japanese compacts.

Launched in December 2011, the Toyota Aqua is the most fuel-efficient hybrid sold in the market and it's one of Japan's bestsellers by a huge margin. Using the updated version of the old powerplant from the first-generation Prius, the Aqua has a fuel economy of 35kmpl back when it was launched. Two years later, they've bumped the fuel economy to 37kmpl.

The third-generation Honda Fit, launched in September 2013, was meant to be Honda's response to the Toyota Aqua. With the 1.5L hybrid powertrain mated to a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox containing an integrated, high-output electric motor powered by the car’s lithium-ion batteries, the third-generation Fit Hybrid has a 36.4km/L fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards.

The fourth-generation Mazda Demio, launched in 2014, takes full advantage of Mazda's SKYACTIV Technology first introduced by its predecessor. It has a choice of a P3-VPS 1.3L SKYACTIV-G 4-cylinder DOHC Miller Cycle engine and the newly-developed S5-DPTS 1.5L SKYACTIV-D 4-cylinder diesel turbo engine. The 1.3L petrol model with be mated with a 6-speed auto and a 5-speed manual while the top-of-the-line 1.5L diesel model can be fitted with a 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual. The diesel variant, seen here, has a 30kmpl fuel economy based on JC08 mode standards.

These three Japanese hatchbacks not only are economical but they're also fun to drive for first-timers, making them the starting point for those who began their GT7 journey. No wonder these three are part of your first challenge in the game which involves collecting all three Japanese Compact Cars. Anyway, long story short, and having completed the first page of your GT7 adventure, it's time to find out which of these three Japanese Compact Cars is the best and with that, it's time to return to Tsukuba for a little experiment.

So nice to be back doing things in the world of Gran Turismo. Going around the world, driving the best cars, racing against the world, this is what Gran Turismo is all about. Anyway, the experiment. Let's roll the tape to find out which of these three Japanese compact cars is the best.

After a lap around Tsukuba, here are the results;

Aqua - 1:17.774

Fit - 1:18.964

Demio - 1:18.522

What a shocking result! The Aqua, despite its ancient hybrid setup and CVT gearbox, managed to defeat the double-clutch-geared Fit Hybrid and the diesel-powered Mazda Demio by a narrow margin!

These three Japanese compact hatchbacks signaled the start of your long journey in Gran Turismo 7. As you progress through the journey, you will be able to compete through new tracks, get new cars, tackle new challenges, and fight your way to become the world champion. The journey isn't easy but you got this. After all, it's the love for cars that brought you here, right?

Welcome to the world of Gran Turismo. Enjoy your stay and good luck!

Acura MDX Type S

For the first time in Acura history, there is a Type S SUV in the stable, and the first-ever MDX Type S, based on the fourth-generation MDX, promises sportscar-like thrills in SUV packaging. Does every speedo boy in America want a Type S SUV? Do they? Let's find out.

2022 Acura MDX Type S

Priced at $66,700 plus additional costs, the MDX Type S is the first SUV that has worn the Type S label since it came back from today's TLX sedan. Like the TLX Type S, the MDX Type S features sports-tuned dynamics, SH-AWD, and a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that sounds like music to their ears. More with that later on.

To differentiate itself from the normal MDX, the Type S features sporty styling, quad exhausts, 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in wide-performance tires, a choice of Orchid and Azurite Blue leather, and available 16-way power front seats with 9 massage modes, delivering a premium feel to a sporty crossover that is burgeois to compare to Acura's greatest hits.

Like the TLX Type S, the MDX Type S is powered by a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that produces 355HP of power, and 354lb-ft of torque, and while mated to a 10-speed AT as well as VCM, it has 19MPG of combined fuel economy. It's capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs of payload.

Underneath, the MDX Type S features double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, allowing this crossover to handle like a sportscar at ease. Exclusive to the MDX Type S is the Dynamic Air Suspension that can be adjusted based on different configurations. It can be raised via Lift mode or lowered via Sport mode.

If the TLX Type S is the antithesis to the Audi S4, then the MDX Type S is the antithesis to, let's say, the Audi SQ5. With such performance, looks like we're itching to drive this Type S crossover someday. Like it or not, this Type S crossover could be the go-to SUV you want to have someday.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

My FH5 Log: The original CR-X, only more.

The Honda CR-X Mugen is no doubt one of the coolest JDM hot hatches to emerge in the '80s. Having won from the Series 1 Horizon Storm Season Playlist, I got the chance to sample one of the best JDM hot hatches to emerge from the twilight of the Showa Era.

It's basically the Ballade Sports CR-X with a 1.5L petrol engine in it, but it has been kitted out with some Mugen parts on it, not just the aero but there's a Mugen camshaft, valves, and springs.

Because words are not enough to describe my latest FH5 prize car, it's time to give this ancient JDM legend a quick drive against street racers across Mexico, just to find out if the CR-X Mugen can still stand out from the crowd in today's time. Roll the tape.

Enjoy your new ride!

Acura TLX Type S

A long time ago, Acura previewed the return of the Type S marque with the Type S Concept at the 2019 Monterey Car Week, which spawned the second-generation TLX. Although the new TLX matches the look and feel of the Type S Concept, it wasn't really a Type S at all, until now.

2022 Acura TLX Type S

With the arrival of the first-ever TLX Type S, which is priced less than 55 grand, the dream of the Type S Concept sprawling to life has become a living thing, delighting speedo boys with its sports-tuned dynamics, SH-AWD, and a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that sounds like music to their ears.

To differentiate itself from the normal TLX, the Type S features sporty styling, proper quad exhausts pumping at the back rather than rear bumpers donning faux exhausts, a carbon fiber dashboard, and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats, among many others. With such treatments, you can be sure that this is the TLX you're looking for.

The turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that powers the TLX Type S is as roaring as a modified Honda Civic blitzing through the Osaka Kanjo at midnight. It produces 355HP of power, which is more than the Audi S4. Mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, it does 0-60mph in around five seconds, which is slower than the S4, while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Apart from that, the engine comes with a VCM that shuts off half of the cylinders to save fuel.

Apart from its sport-tuned dynamics, Adaptive Damper System, and large Brembo front brake calipers that made the TLX Type S a breathable sports saloon on the road and track, it even comes with a rear-biased SH-AWD system that lets you have fun no matter the road conditions you're on. Of course, you may experience slight understeer on the bends but when you get it right, the TLX Type S really is a fun-to-drive sports saloon that is near S4 levels of excitement.

With performance and dynamics that made the TLX Type S the antithesis to the Audi S4, this sports sedan will put the whole world on notice, and judging by the way drivers feel, they're getting jealous, wishing they want to drive Acura's ideal alternative to the Audi S4.

The return of the Type S marque on the first-ever TLX Type S is worth celebrating and this is Acura at its best.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Honda Civic FL1

The Civic, the car that became the icon of Honda and highly coveted by speedo boys worldwide, is now in its 11th generation and it promises to be the best Civic ever made despite the fact that it's offered in just one body style, unlike its predecessors.

2022 Honda Civic

Priced at 3,190,000 Japanese, which is more expensive than its predecessor, the 11th-generation Honda Civic is now offered exclusively as a hatchback because most of the customers of the previous generation went for the imported hatchback rather than the Japanese-made sedan. It's the main reason why they will not bring the sedan to this latest generation. Anyway, unlike the previous Civic Hatchback that is imported from Great Britain until the end of its operations due to restructuring, the 11th-generation Honda Civic hatchback is now made in Japan, the way the Honda Civic should be made.

2022 Honda Civic

Beginning with the design, the new model is surprisingly well-balanced compared to the previous model. Although it's no longer a sharp-looking hatchback, its geometrical styling made it look clean to look at it, regardless of location. In terms of dimensions, the new model is lower and longer compared to the previous model while keeping the width friendly for Japanese and European roads because of its narrow spaces. It's common sense.

2022 Honda Civic interior

The interior is now more spacious than the previous model due to its longer wheelbase, making it the ideal car for all walks of life, be it a family car or a road trip buddy for up to five people on board. On the driver's side, it's all back to basics as the sat-nav and the air-con has been repositioned with the former on top and the latter below. It's weird that the new sat-nav screen is somewhat tiny compared to the previous model. 

The instrumental panel is now back to basics and it now bears a tachometer on the left and a speedo on the right that reads up to 180kph of top speed. That's very Japanese, of course.

On the passenger side, meanwhile, because of its longer wheelbase, it's easy for the rear passengers to get accommodated and because it's a hatchback, the rear seats can be folded down for your additional spacing needs.

Whether for work or fun, the new Civic does it all.

2022 Honda Civic

The 11th-generation Honda Civic retains the same 1.5L VTEC TURBO engine as the previous model. It produces 182PS of power and 240Nm of torque and can be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox (the speedo boy favorite) or an improved CVT with a more robust electric hydraulic pump, ball-bearing secondary shaft, and revised Step-Shift programming, not to mention the idling stop system and the new catalytic converter design. Whichever transmission you go for, the new Civic has a fuel economy of 16.3km/L based on WLTC standards.

As for dynamics, Honda promises that the new Civic is more fun to drive than the competition and they almost stick to their word because it's a Honda. With the front McPherson struts, rear multilink suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, front ventilated disc brakes, and rear disc brakes, it's no wonder the new model has the behavior of a European hatchback that fits well everywhere and you can really spend a lot of time toying around with it as much as you want.

The new Civic comes standard with the new Honda Sensing suite of driver aids featuring a new single-camera system that provides a longer, wider field of view than the previous model. It even comes with Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and many others.

Made in Japan, fit for worldwide use, the 11th-generation Civic is the hatchback that delivers the same Civic pledge that has been coveted by its massive fanbase, including speedo boys. It was a surprisingly close call for Honda to keep building the Civic in Japan now that it's offered exclusively as a hatchback but in the end, it's all common sense.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic, and Premium Crystal Blue Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Project CARS 3: The NSX Story

From the first-generation NA1 to the second-generation NC1, the NSX is a legend in Honda's sportscar history and although not perfect, it still knows how to pull the right punches in the modern motoring world. As sportscars come and go, the NSX remains one of the all-time greats.

The first-generation NSX, included in Project CARS 3's Legends Pack DLC, is where the story begins. Unveiled at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show as the Acura NSX, the car became a game-changer because of its potential to compete against the world's best exotics. From its all-aluminum construction to its 270HP V6 VTEC engine mounted in the middle, the NSX delivered supercar performance for a moderate price. No wonder Ayrton Senna got involved in the making of this car.

As the NSX's production came to an end in 2005, they've used that void to work on its potential successor and after a decade of trial and error, the revived NSX has been unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show and then went on sale a year later. Inspired from the 2012 NSX Concept, the reborn NSX features a Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system that connects the turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine with three electric motors and a Li-ion battery, making it capable of producing 569HP of power while mated to a 9-speed DCT. Unlike its predecessor which is made in Japan, the reborn NSX is made in the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, a made-in-USA hybrid supercar known the world over. 

To see how much the NSX progressed from the NA1 to the NC1, let's find a proving ground to see the evolution in action, and with that, I went to the streets of Long Beach, California, to conduct this experiment. Of course, I've done this one several years ago from another game but it never hurts to conduct such experiments for the fun of it. Let the experiment start.

After a quick lap around the streets of Long Beach, here are the results;

1997 Acura NSX - 1:44.451

2020 Acura NSX - 1:29.502

From the past to the present, the NSX never fails to impress drivers behind the wheel and although they are different, these two generations carried the same game-changing spirit that upsets the motoring world in every way. This is why the NSX is one of the all-time greats and that is the bottom line.

Fourth Generation Acura MDX

The all-new, fourth-generation, Acura MDX crossover has arrived with some nearly improved looks, a new interior, new tech, and more importantly, improved performance that makes customers scratching heads for more answers at the moment they got their hands on. So, what's it all about the new MDX?

Priced at 46,900 US Dollars plus additional costs, the all-new, fourth-generation MDX is a step forward for the best-seller that enjoys spitting its saliva to the face of the Audi Q5 and that's quite a surprise for those squinting their eyes towards this new model.

Acura went crazy over the publicity of the new model, saying it traces its roots from their popular sports cars such as the Integra and the NSX, as well as their success in motorsports including IMSA. They call this heritage, I called it a symbolic pain in the butt because of the dynamics that are not sportscar material...or is it?

The Prototype version gave Acura fans a glimpse of what the new MDX looked like and with the production version, it's nearly similar to the prototype, which is relatively superior by the looks of it. From the signature precision grille, sharp-looking headlamps that are no longer a threat to people with trypophobia, sharp sidelines, and the rear lamps inspired from the second-generation TLX saloon. Clearly, you can refer to it as a TLX with some extra seats at the back, but that would be nuts to call it for a seven-seater SUV that brags about its sportscar-like performance.

Come inside, you will be greeted by its driver-oriented interior that not only looks good to the driver behind the wheel but also the passengers sitting on it. Of course, while it features some of the show-off stuff worth toying around such as the Dynamic Mode switch, ambient lighting, AcuraLink, smartphone connectivity, ELS STUDIO 3D premium audio system, and so on, the new MDX still works as a family car, although the third-row seating's a bit cramped just like the one found in the Honda CR-V. Even the removable middle seat at the second-row couldn't help it. Still, even with the third-row seats present, the new MDX still has room for today's grocery list and if you need to store more in case you're using this crossover for your delivery work, you can fold the seats down and you have a workhorse that is capable of storing up to 95 cubic feet of stuff. It's a crossover that is great for men of all walks of life.

Now, we get to know more about its performance and why Acura's hellbent on tracing the MDX's performance to their iconic sportscars in an absurd manner.

Under the hood, the new MDX is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine producing 290HP of power and 267lb-ft of torque while mated to a ten-speed automatic gearbox. Despite being more powerful than the new TLX, it couldn't keep up against it due to the weight but on the plus side, that performance gives the new MDX up to 3,500lbs of towing, which is great for towing your NSX on your next track day. As for fuel economy, the new MDX delivers an EPA-estimated mileage of 22 MPG combined.

Apart from the performance, the new MDX is the first Acura SUV to have a new double-wishbone front suspension and in addition to its ultra-rigid chassis, variable-ratio steering with new electric power steering, and its bespoke platform, it's no wonder why Acura bragged the new MDX into thinking that this three-row crossover has the dynamics of their iconic sportscars and although it's hard buying into this nonsense, it really showcases its sporty and lively character from within and when you toy around with the Integrated Dynamics System, you'll find plenty of reasons to enjoy it.

Having satisfied with the improved dynamics this crossover delivers, the new MDX features a wide array of safety tech under the AcuraWatch banner such as Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, Pedestrian Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist, among many others worth noticing about.

It's absurd to call the MDX the crossover inspired by Acura's greatest sports cars in such as the Integra and the NSX but this crossover sure knows how fun it can be when you give it a spin. Either way, this new MDX is a major improvement compared to the previous model and until the time comes that it spawned a sporty Type S variant, looks like Acura's on the roll now.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Second-generation Honda Vezel/HR-V

The previous Honda Vezel is a sharp-looking urban crossover that feels so engaging to drive but it's got a lot of issues in store, probably because those who bought the hybrid variant are experiencing some upsets with the gearbox despite the fact that it's more engaging than a CVT-powered hybrid vehicle. As compact crossovers are getting a lot of love in Japan, the Honda Vezel (known in the world market as the HR-V) is now on its second generation and it uses the same bits and bobs as last year's Honda Fit, including the controversially new e:HEV dual-motor hybrid powertrain. Let's observe.

2022 Honda Vezel

The all-new, second-generation Vezel, starting at 2,279,200 Japanese Yen, has arrived with its friendly new design, minimalist interior, the e:HEV hybrid powertrain, and the added tech that promises to a step above from the previous model, well sort of because with the new model features the same bits and bobs as today's Honda Fit, it feels like it eschews its fun-to-drive character in favour of a simpler, nice guy attitude that feels a bit above average.

2022 Honda Vezel

First, let's get to know the styling of the new Vezel and this new design is no longer sharper than the previous model it replaces because the designers behind it wanted the new Vezel to be more friendly to the people's eyes, in tune with the times, and more importantly, as quintessentially Japanese as possible. Come to think of it, while the new design is a step through the simpler times, it can be downright mistaken for a Mazda CX-30 with the back of a Cupra Formentor, if you know what I mean.

2022 Honda Vezel interior

Come inside and you will be greeted by its new minimalist interior that still works just like every other car should. On the driver's side, it feels somewhat driver-focused compared to the previous model but with the touch-screen sat-nav with Honda CONNECT onboard, you might spend a few minutes toying around with its apps, especially when you let your smartphone be part of it and toy around for more. Also, there are knobs for climate control, the steering wheel with lots of buttons to learn, the available paddle shifters for those who want something engaging, and more. That's something.

On the passenger side, the new interior's nicer to live with than the old Vezel and it's got slightly improved dimensions as well. With the rear seats present, you can store as many as four big suitcases on the back but with them folded, you can store as much as you want. That's practicality in a nutshell.

2022 Honda Vezel

The new Vezel features two powertrains to choose from such as the conventional 1.5L L15Z petrol engine with 118PS of power, 142Nm of torque, mated to a CVT, and a fuel economy of up to 17kmpl based on WLTC Mode standards, and the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain.

The 1.5L e:HEV powertrain consists of a 106PS 1.5L petrol engine bolted to Honda's dual-motor hybrid system that churns out 96kW of power and a Li-ion battery. Mated to a CVT, which makes the new Vezel more boring to drive than the previous model it replaces, fuel economy has been jumped to 25kmpl based on WLTC mode standards. At such a rate, it's more efficient than the previous Vezel Hybrid.

Like the new Fit, the Vezel jettisons its fun-to-drive attitude in favour of a simpler and nicer way to drive from home to whatever destination you've set to. Even the addition of paddle shifters and setting the car to a more engaging Sport Mode wouldn't help. Probably because despite being a new model, the new Vezel still runs on a normal suspension setup consists of front McPherson struts, front torsion bar stabilizers, and an independent rear suspension for FWD or De Dion for 4WD models, as well as ventilated disc brakes, and Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering. It might feel regular but being regular is what the new Vezel does best.

Speaking of regular, the new Vezel comes with Honda Sensing for the first time, featuring a wide range of safety features Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System, Collision Mitigation Brake System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Monitor, and more. Again, that's something.

Love it or hate it, the new Honda Vezel is a coupe crossover that prefers to go regular rather than most fancy compact crossovers do. Yes, the e:HEV powertrain with CVT really feels like a demotion from the previous hybrid model but the simpler design, interior, and tech really mean business and whether you want one or not, the new Vezel could be the first car for those who got a driver's license for the first time. Thank you, Honda.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Forza Horizon 4: Tiny old Honda

Honda is well-known for their loudest machines on the planet such as the Civic Type R, the NSX, the Integra, the S2000, and the Beat, but long before these neighborhood-waking speedsters burst into the streets, there are some Hondas that time forgot. One of them is the tiny little Honda called the S800. What's it all about?  

Unveiled at the 1965 Tokyo Motor Show, the S800 served as the direct successor to the S600 and like the S600 it replaces, the S800 is offered in a choice of an open-top roadster (seen here) and a hardtop coupe. Powered by a 791cc 4-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox, the S800 has a top speed of 160kph, which is irrelevant in Japanese roads but its enough to be named the fastest 1.0L car in the world. Until 1970, about 11,536 units were made, making them almost a rare find in today's motoring world.

Having won this at the recent Spring Horizon Playlist, I had the chance to get to know more about this tiny old Honda and by the looks and feels of it, my biggest impression is that the S800 feels right at home on the streets of Edinburgh. Sure, it may be Japanese but the way it drives is mistakenly British. 

This is, in my mind, the Mazda Roadster of its era, way before the Mazda Roadster emerged many years later. It's light, agile, and good all round, unless you are prepare to make it more rowdy because of the swappable engines you can apply on it such as a 2.0L VVT engine, a 4-cylinder motorcycle engine, and a 2.0L rally engine.

To see what I'm on about, it's time to take the S800 for a quick spin against the other old-timers in a sprint race leaving Edinburgh. Let's get the tape rolling.

Well done, old-timer.

The Honda S800 proves that long before the loud Hondas come roaring through the streets, there are those little old-timers that just wanna have fun on the road and on the track. The Japanese-made sportscar with the trait of a British compact is what the S800 sums up real good and looks like you are smiling about how the S800 behaves.

Enjoy your new ride!

Second-generation Honda N-ONE

The Honda N-ONE, a chic and casual kei car that mimics the iconic N360 of the past, is now on its second generation and this new model picks up where the previous model left off while taking advantage of its new style, new interior, and new tech that will cater the youth demographics looking for a small car to live with.

The new Honda N-ONE, priced at a reasonable 1,454,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, is the second generation of the neo-classical kei car that caught the attention of many since the previous model made a surprising appearance of, well, let's say a blockbuster that involves a boy and a girl who can change the weather. Did you get it? No? Okay, let's talk about the new model.

The new model is almost as similar to the previous model it replaces, meaning it still carries the same N360-inspired design as the original so you can't really tell the differences between them. Like most kei cars offering different styles to choose from; the new N-ONE is available in three different flavors; the base and vanilla-ish Original, the more luxurious Premium variant, and for the first time, a sporty RS variant for those who want some more fun. Either way, it's still the new N-ONE you are facing now.

Step inside and you will notice that the new interior now boasts a minimalist approach which rather worries some drivers behind the wheel, but don't worry though, you can still toy around the buttons around the car because user-friendliness is what the new N-ONE is made for. For the first time, the new N-ONE features a rear seat notification displayed on the dashboard so you will get notified about what's going on at the back, which is somewhat weird for some drivers. On the comfort side, it still fits up to four people and it has decent boot space for groceries and deliveries.

Depending on the variant, the new N-ONE is mated to an S07B 660cc DOHC 3-cylinder engine in naturally aspirated and turbo configurations. All variants are mated to a CVT gearbox that results in a 23kmpl combined fuel economy per WLTC Mode standards while the RS is mated exclusively with the 6-speed manual gearbox that delivers a 21.6kmpl of combined fuel economy per WLTC Mode standards.

What about handling? With the MacPherson struts on the front, Torsion bar stabilizers all over, Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering, and other stuff underneath it, the new N-ONE works and feels like what a kei car should and in terms of safety, the new N-ONE now comes with Honda SENSIS functions as standard, corresponding to Support Car S Wide standards. The RS variant, meanwhile, now comes with Adaptive Cruise Control and LKAS for the first time in a 6MT kei car.

Is the new N-ONE better than the previous model it replaces?

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda e

The Honda e, the tiny electric hatchback that caught the attention of most Europeans, have arrived in Japan with a starting price of 4,510,000 Yen plus additional cost. Having enjoyed its run from the streets of London and Paris, the Honda e is ready to take on the streets of Tokyo and this means investigation with the most important Honda ever made.

So, what's it all about the Honda e, you may ask? It's a rear-wheel-drive compact electric hatchback that started out in life as an Urban EV Concept from the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and then spawned into a production vehicle that our friends from Honda Europe called their most important model as they begin their road to electrification. Of course, their electrification goals made a few sacrifices for the sake of their goal and that meant shutting down the British plant where the Civic Hatchback and Type R are made as well as its Turkish production operations. It's a sad story but such sacrifices have been done in the making of this very template they've set.

Yes, while the stying is broadly similar to the two concept cars it drew inspiration from, the interior is a real shocker because lurking through the wooden dashboard is a massive display of screens to toy around. It's like you're in the hot seat at mission control where you will have all the commands at your disposal but you're not in the Game of the Generals. You're inside of a tiny little Honda that snugs up to four people and boot space up to 565-litres, which is good enough for all walks of life. On an expensive version, you'll get tons of cool stuff such as a 100v AC power source to plug your laptop on and a premium sound system for a clearer sound experience.

Now we get to know more about its electric powertrain, the one customers are getting antsy about. Powered by a 35.5kWh Li-ion battery pack that produces 60kw of power and 315Nm of torque, the Honda e has a driving range of up to 283km per WLTC Mode standards while the Advance variant gets up to 259km of driving range. It can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes and it works as a backup generator for your home in an event of a power outage. There's your science lesson for you.

Because of its compact sizing, lightweight, high-strength platform, and RR layout a la Renault Twingo, some drivers would say that the Honda e delivers some spartan driving manners similar to the Porsche 911 but this is different because even though the electric motor is bolted at the back of the car, the Honda e is a fun-to-drive car that loves to twist itself without shouting. You'll find great reasons to enjoy its nimble dynamics that are surprisingly quirky for an electric car.

In the interest of safety, the Honda e is packed with a wide array of safety equipment that will keep drivers noticed. From its side cameras in place of door mirrors, the Single Pedal Control System similar to the one found on the current Nissan Leaf, Honda Parking Pilot, and a wide array of Honda Sensing safety tech, the list of safety features is certainly a shocker for those behind the wheel.

Is the Honda e the best electric car ever made? If so, looks like Honda's on the roll with the poster car of Honda "e:Technology" branding, a new strategy that unifies all of its electrified products under the same global name. The "e:Technology" branding kicked off with the launch of the new Honda Fit and the new Honda Accord hybrid vehicles with its e:HEV dual-motor hybrid system, and with the arrival of the Honda e, the road to electrification is in a full circle.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.