Honda Clarity EV and Plug-In Hybrid Make Debut

The New York Auto show is known as the place where brands unveil their latest concept cars and upcoming models. The Honda Motor Company certainly didn’t disappoint with their debut of the latest Honda cars, the Honda Clarity EV and Plug-In Hybrid models. At Keyes Honda, we know how much our Los Angeles, CA area customers love electric, hybrid, and fuel cell Honda vehicles and believe that they will be impressed with the latest additions.

The two all-new electrified Honda vehicles will join the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, to make the Honda Clarity the first ever vehicle series offering customers an expanded array of electrified vehicle choices with fuel cell, battery electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The Honda Clarity is one of the more spacious vehicles in its class, and features a sophisticated interior with bio-fabrics and plastics extensively used throughout the cabin to promote sustainability.

The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is anticipated to earn an all-electric driving range rating of 42 miles, and for longer trips, the Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid can utilize its efficient 1.5L Atkinson engine to generate electricity and, under certain conditions, to act as a direct power source, resulting in an anticipated overall driving range rating in excess of 330 miles.

The 2018 Honda Electric is powered by a 161-horsepower electric motor that produces 221 lb.-ft. of torque by drawing power from a 25.5-kWh battery pack. The vehicle can be fully charged in just over three hours and is anticipated to have an EPA rule economy rating of 120/111/102 MPGe (city/highway/combined)*.

The Honda Clarity EV and Plug-In Hybrid are expected to reach dealers later this year. If you’re interested in learning more, please stop by your Van Nuys, CA Honda dealer and our expert team will walk you through the Honda Clarity lineup.

*120 city/111 highway/102 combined miles per gall of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating; based on 2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe and range will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, powertrain condition, and other factors.

Drivetrains at Keyes Honda

At Keyes Honda, when our customers are searching for a new or used Honda vehicle, one thing we often discuss is the drivetrain available on certain vehicles. The terms four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive are all disused and we understand that it can be slightly confusing trying to navigate between the differences. We hope that this overview will help break down the basics of the drivetrain options available.

The basic drivetrain option available on most passenger cars sold in the U.S. today is a two-wheel-drive system in which the entire drive package—engine, transmission, differential, and the wheels that are driven by the engine—are in the front of the vehicle. This is called front-wheel drive (FWD). Some vehicles are equipped with a different two-wheel-drive system called rear-wheel drive (RWD). It differs from FWD in that a long driveshaft transmits power from the engine in the front of the vehicle to the driven wheels at the back (versus the front two wheels).

For those looking for a more dynamic driving experience should look at vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). By distributing traction equally among all four tires, AWD systems improve the driving experience by providing better traction and handling. AWD can also improve handling in poor weather conditions. This driving system is great to have if you like having increased control around the bends and turns of the road. The Honda CR-V and Honda Ridgeline both have capable AWD systems.

If you are considering taking your vehicle off-road or using your vehicle for towing, then a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) should be on your list. 4WD also engages all four tires and provides better traction and towing. Like AWD, it is a good feature to have in difficult weather conditions like snow, and will help power the vehicle on rocky or uneven ground.

Come by our Los Angeles, CA area Honda car dealership for a test drive and try out the drivetrains systems on our new and used Honda car models. 

Honda Driver Assist Technologies

The Honda Motor Company is constantly looking for new ways to keep drivers safe and alert when on the road. At Keyes Honda, we love the suite of parking and driver assist features that are available in many new Honda cars. Our customers are often seeking the latest and greatest in car technology and we believe they will be impressed with the newest technology features available. It varies by vehicle, but here are a few of the latest features. 

Get a better view of what’s behind you with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera that offers three different views: normal, wide and top down. This helpful feature offers a better view of what’s behind you every time you shift to reverse.

The Honda LaneWatch™ system helps when switching lanes. Just signal right and a small camera will display live video on your Display Audio screen to reveal nearly four times more than the passenger-side mirror alone. This feature is available on vehicles like the 2017 Honda Accord.

The Honda Sensing™ suite includes multiple driver assist features. Honda Sensing is available on numerous vehicles, including the 2017 Honda CR-V.

If your vehicle begins to stray from the center of a detected lane without signaling, the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) feature adjusts the steering to help bring you back to the lane center. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow helps you maintain a set following interval on the highway, so you don’t have to manually change your speed, while Road Departure Mitigation System (RDMS) works with a small camera that sees road markers and alerts you if you’re about to leave the road. The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) helps brake the vehicle when it senses an otherwise unavoidable collision with a vehicle detected in front of you.

If you’re interested in learning more, stop by our Van Nuys, CA area Honda dealership and our sales team will be happy to walk you through the parking technologies available and the vehicles equipped with your preferred driver assist feature.

Honda CR-V History

For over 58 years, the Honda brand has produced innovative vehicles that are reliable, technologically savvy, and comfortable. At Keyes Honda, we believe one vehicle, in particular, has stood out over time as setting the standard for the compact crossover segment.

When the original Honda CR-V debuted in North America in 1997, its mission was simple: to offer a more compact and convenient alternative to the midsize and full-size SUVs that were gaining in popularity. The Honda CR-V was an instant hit. With a car-based design, economical four-cylinder engine and sedan-like ride and handling the Honda CR-V quickly became a favorite amongst drivers throughout North America. The Honda CR-V still offered plenty of passenger room and cargo capacity and found a loyal fan base with its perfect blend of size, power, and capability.

The Honda CR-V has been through a few redesigns over the years, the first one in 2002. The 2002 Honda CR-V saw a new i-VTEC engine and greater cargo space. In 2005, the Honda CR-V received a refreshed appearance and in 2010, the vehicle received a new aerodynamic look. Throughout the years, the Honda CR-V has remained true to its starting mission. Focusing on practicality, the Honda CR-V remains one of the best choices available in the crossover category. It is spacious, thoughtfully designed, has plenty of extras, and is backed by the exemplary build quality the Honda brand is famous for.

We are proud to carry the Honda CR-V at our Los Angeles, CA area Honda dealership, and look forward to showing our customers the latest Honda CR-V and its innovative features.