Don't know if I agree with all the points that the author has made, but certain agree that Honda has show a glimmer of their "old self" in delivering/considering "fun" products for their customers.
Honda (much like Mazda) used to be the "different" Japanese brand that tapped into younger buyers, aftermarket consumers, and had a solid reputation for delivering fun cars to drive. Somewhere along the way, I think they started to chase after Toyota and Nissan too closely and lost their groove. If they're starting to recapture some of that former spirit, it can only mean good things for customers (and the industry, if competitors move to match their offerings).
The CR-Z Might Ditch The Hybrid
Finally, the CR-Z might become the sporting little hatch/fastback of our dreams. Maybe. Reports from Car and Driver and others that suggest Honda could swap the hybrid unit for a more traditional and potent four-cylinder. This would finally deliver on the promise of the CR-Z as a modern successor to the CRX.
Frankly, we like the current car. It's just underpowered. The two-seat layout is spot-on for enthusiasts, and the chassis is tight and sporty. Still, a new powertrain for the CR-Z is just a rumor, and since the reports initially surfaced, Honda has revealed plans for a refreshed Civic lineup that includes a hatch and the Type R. In our book, there's also room for a sporty two-seater in the company's portfolio. An S2000 is probably too much to ask.
This has got to be one of Honda's biggest missteps in recent memory. The CR-X had a cult following and was there at the 'birth' of the tuner culture. As if calling it "CR-Z" was confusing enough, why would you go and make it a hybrid when those youth-oriented customers and tuners had no interest in hybrid technology?
In my opinion, adding a hotter engine, dropping the hybrid powertrain, and playing up it's sporting handling/fun factor would be just what the doctor ordered.
What's more, it might also push some competitors to take a second look at the compact, sport-two door segment.
Next up, I'd love to see a rebirth of the del Sol, but won't hold my breath for it.
The ILX Is Much Better, And Acura's Getting There
Hey, we need to devote at least one of our reasons to Acura's performance chops. Honda's upscale sister brand is in much better shape thanks to the fortified ILX. Acura dressed up the exterior with a nicer grille and LED headlights and a new rear fascia. The engine is now the well-liked 2.4-liter I4 with 201 horsepower, a major jump from the outgoing model's 150-hp 2.0-liter I4. It also swaps in a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission for the previous five-speed automatic. There's upgraded electronics, a stiffer chassis and a smarter interior. As Basem Wasef wrote in our first drive, "The 2016 Acura ILX's improvements in drivability and equipment deliver much-needed triage to this entry-level model, bringing the underdog sedan into relevancy in the face of compelling value propositions like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA."
So while Acura is getting its entry-level sedan right, it's also preparing to launch the much-anticipated NSX supercar. The Ohio-built speed demon launches Acura into rarified territory against some of the world's exotic carmakers. Clearly, Acura is trying to get back on the radar with enthusiasts. As Dave Marek, global creative director of Acura design, noted: "We need to say that Acura's a performance brand."
Acura is saying that loudly. And with its recent reveals in New York and Geneva, Honda is saying the same thing. Finally.
Honda had an "old GM moment" when they introduced the ILX. Perhaps they thought that their previous attempts at this segment in the Canadian market (the warmed over Civics sold as the
Acura EL and
Acura CSX) were enough for the US customers as well?
Still, I have to tip my hat to Acura for at least addressing what plagued the ILX and addressing it. It's been improved in every way (
minus dropping the manual transmission, which was a dumb move for a brand that has/had a sporty-heritage). What's more, they've woken up to reality and have priced it more aggressively, which was sorely needed.
As for Acura in general, I also think they're "improving", especially considering what they have to play with. The brand doesn't have a RWD architecture to tap into and, unlike Infiniti or Lexus, they don't have the deep development dollars to draw from since Acura is mostly relegated to the North American market. They'll never be "Tier 1" luxury, but despite with journalists and pundits say, they may not need to be to be successful and profitable. There's nothing wrong with being "Tier 2" luxury as long as you consistently execute and play on your strengths. It hasn't hurt Volvo, it's not stopping PSA from trying the same with their new DS brand, and it won't hinder GM's attempt to chart a similar course with Buick.
I wish them well.