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I’m from Bristol a city with a proud heritage albeit with the notable exception of the slave trade. One of the things we Bristolians do possess is a bit of a mischievous sense of humour which often involves taking the mickey out of surrounding towns. Unfortunately Swindon has long been the recipient of a lot of remarks although in fairness they have often been made by people who are actually from the town, most notably Mark Lamarr.

I guess its a bit like when you are running down a member of your family and if your partner joins in you rush to the family member’s defence arguing that its ok for you to criticise them but no-one else. Having said that I have been to Swindon on a number of occasions and I have to agree with the sentiments expressed by Andy Partridge the former lead singer of Swindon band XTC. You’ll have to look these up for yourself.

Despite the amount of criticism Swindon has received, a fair amount of celebrities and stars including the late actress Diana Dors were born there. Who can forget the likes of Melinda Messenger who proved she had hidden talents whilst working at a local Direct Mail company before going on to more dubious fame.

Swindon has a strong railway tradition and was chosen by Isambard Brunel as the location for his Great Western Railway (GWR) works. Part of the site still remains and is the home of the steam railway museum.

Since the demise of the railways and the overall decline in British manufacturing industry Swindon became a centre of commerce with a lot of financial companies relocating from London to provincial towns and cities in order to reduce costs. As a result Swindon became a boom town in the eighties and nineties and even attempted to boost its importance by applying for City status. Unfortunately this proved to be unsuccessful but Swindon did succeed in drawing manufacturing back in the form of Honda.

This was a real coup for the area and for Britain as a whole which didn’t have the best reputation when it came to car manufacturing. We seem to be able to build some of the best cars in the world when it comes to hand crafting luxury or sports models for the rich and famous. When it comes to knocking out utilitarian vehicles for the masses you could guarantee production would last for about half an hour before some kind of industrial dispute would develop.

Honda took a big risk then and entrusted the manufacture of its successful Civic model which had been selling well since 1973 believe it or not. Honda had a brief encounter with Triumph who were part of British Leyland and some pretty ropey cars briefly appeared badged as Triumph and then Rover. Since then two million cars have rolled off the production line at Swindon including about a million Civics.

I must admit that personally I wasn’t a big fan of the Civic especially since the time I arrived back to a car park to find a collection of intellectually challenged young men attempting to remove the spoiler from the roof of my Mitsubishi Colt. They were then proposing to attach it somehow to their Honda Civic although as the spoiler was bolted to the roof they just succeeded in causing about £500 worth of damage to my car.

I have since recovered from this and must say that the latest version of the Civic and come to think of it the one before are very stylish cars.

I do still find it intriguing that the appeal of the Civic seems to be divided between those in their twenties and people above retirement age. Honda is no doubt aware of this but even the retro triangular designs of the latest Civic seem to work for young and old. The Civic shows no sign of losing its appeal though and long may it continue. There is no doubt that the Honda plant in Swindon has contributed significantly to the prosperity of the town.

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In the continuing success story of the Japanese car company, Honda, they announced recently that they will be showing off four new concept vehicles at the Tokyo Auto Saloon 2007. This is just what anyone who knows how Honda approaches such motor shows would expect. For years, they have dazzled the public with completely cool concept cars. And this year will not be an exception to the kind of hype that is generated by Honda’s new concept vehicles which includes 3 cars and a scooter.

All of the said vehicles were developed by the Honda Access Corporation, a fully owned subsidiary of the automotive giant which manufactures high performance Honda parts and other aftermarket products.

On display will not only be these concept vehicles but also customized versions of some of the cars that Honda has in the market today. Also included are genuine Honda accessories which vary from entertainment systems to navigation devices which are offered as treats for Honda lovers.

The concept vehicles that will be displayed are the Forza 2-seater scooter, the Fit Daily Active, the Stream Hyper Sport and the Stream Exclusive. All of which carries the same philosophy infused into it by Honda’s engineers – make the vehicle more personal. They also carry technological treats for the users, giving them an enjoyable and comfy ride, whether it be on a scooter (Forza), a small car (Fit Daily Active), or a minivan (Stream Hyper Sport and Stream Exclusive).

The Fit Daily Active concept vehicle, for example, is loaded with features aimed at the youth of today, not lacking in gaming and communications features. It also comes with an entertainment system good enough for all age levels. The Stream Hyper Sport minivan is also loaded with technological features, offering mobile communication compatible with the AVN driving information system it has. When it comes to entertainment systems, the vehicle offers each passenger a personalized audio and visual entertainment package. The Stream Exclusive, on the other hand, boasts of a luxurious interior and jaw dropping design of the exterior while still offering the premium in audio and video experience with its 17 inch-wide screen and awesome audio system to back it up.

The Forza 2-seater concept scooter from Honda is really one of a kind; it is something everybody would like to have. You can carry around on it the portable AVN entertainment system which the Fit Daily Active also sports. It also has information-related functions which can be very much considered to be an essential to safe city driving. Driver and passenger communication is made possible by the advanced inter-communication system that comes with the vehicle. Music likewise can be shared by both the driver and passenger thanks to the front and rear speakers.

All these and more will be displayed by Honda at the Tokyo Auto Saloon this year. Another year for this forward thinking company to show to the public what they can do and what they can offer us.

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The General [Blu-ray]

To all intents and purposes Formula One should be the most exciting sport on Earth. Just one look at the key ingredients that concoct this sport has me salivating with excitement. Firstly you have a global giant of the car world such as Honda breaking away from the hatchback market and producing nearly 1,000bhp in a car that weighs less than the original Mini. Secondly this outlandish performance is put in the trust of 20 of the most skilled drivers on the planet, who are only ever 2-3 seconds away from a high speed shunt. Thirdly, the races take place in the most exotic locations around the world, including: Bahrain, Monaco, Brazil, Australia and Singapore. Why oh why then is it so dull?

As a child I’d drag myself out of bed at 3am just to watch a Friday practice, before repeating the feat for Saturday qualifying and Sunday race day. I knew all the drivers statistics, why rear down force shouldn’t be an issue around the Hockenheim circuit and the past winners of the championship for 50 years. Much like a lot of the population I’ve tired in recent years of no overtaking, the same winners and consistent rule changes that try and fail to re-ignite excitement. Michael Schumacher was the greatest driver in the history of the sport but his constant winning also destroyed my love for it.

Then there was the tobacco sponsorship ban of a few years ago. Such a furore was made over banning the cancer-givers that the sport’s focus was lost. So what that I fancied a cigarette after watching ‘Marlboro’ on Schumacher’s car cross the winning line again, the advertising really wasn’t the root of the problem Formula One was suffering.

Not content with banning cigarettes, overtaking had to be improved (or at least occur once in a race). So cars were slowed down and made more difficult to drive. The result? The best drivers were still in the fastest cars and could cope far better than the weaker drivers already in cars to suit their abilities. The emergence of Lewis Hamilton last year has certainly gone some way to undo the monotony of the now-retired Schumacher era. Not only is he the first black driver in Formula One, but he’s super-quick – if a bit erratic. Problem is that even if we overlook the unsolved overtaking problem, the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Max Mosley’s sexual preferences, constant rule changes and Lewis’s efforts to promote the sport, there’s one massive problem that looms like an Eagle over its prey – global warming. With the Earth dying thanks to mankind’s greed it seems everyone from every walk of life is being encouraged to recycle, use less energy and travel using green transport. I guess doing four miles to the gallon at 200mph every other weekend, with hundreds of articulated lorries, private jets and motor homes in tow doesn’t quite reflect that Formula One is listening.

Well maybe Honda has got the hint with their ‘Earth’ car from the 2007 season. Sponsorship free and painted with the planet Earth on it, Honda sold every pixel on its livery with each donation helping towards climate change. This season’s car has continued with promoting the dangers of climate change in a more subtle manner and once again no sponsorship – wise when you consider the car was previously run by BAT – British American Tobacco.

Ok so you like Formula One, you love Honda, support Jenson Button (although you agree he’s not much cop) and therefore want to reflect this in your everyday life – whilst saving the planet. The answer is a simple three words – Honda Civic Hybrid. Yep Honda has produced an eco-friendly car that doesn’t need plugging into the wall, look stupid or cost the earth. The Honda Hybrid looks like any other saloon which when you consider the stylings of most electric or hybrid cars is a major plus point. Road Tax in the United Kingdom is stupidly expensive so having to fork out a mere £15 a year for driving the Civic Hybrid is probably all the encouragement you’ll need to buy one. The other justification for buying one is that other than great fuel economy thanks to the electric motor doing a fair proportion of the work, it’s actually a good drive. Yes it’s not a 0-60mph monster but every other aspect is as you’d expect from a car from the Civic range – it’s a main contender in the green race.

So there you have it, buy a Honda Hybrid and watch Formula One guilt free. Now if Jenson could just overtake someone. . .

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The General (The Ultimate 2-Disc Edition) (1926)

The founder of Honda Automobiles, Soichiro Honda, was born in 1906. He grew up helping his father repair bicycles in the little town of Komyo. At 16, he headed to Tokyo, 270 kilometers away, to take an apprenticeship at an automobile repair shop. He took up racing and, after a violent crash, he was convinced by his wife to retire from the sport. The repair business alone was not enough to keep him occupied. This restlessness led to his venture into piston ring manufacturing in 1937.

By the early 1950s, Honda had developed into an engine manufacturer. Honda’s inventive spirit led the company to develop class-leading engines for Japan’s motorcycle industry. Honda met Takeo Fujisawa by chance in 1948. The two men shared a desire for long-term investment, a rare trait in post-war Japan. They agreed to work together; Fujisawa invested his money and took on the marketing responsibilities and Honda continued on the technological side of the business. The Honda Motor Company was born in 1948.

Soichiro Honda did much of the market research for his products. This research went as far as traveling to races all over the world and examining the competition’s motorcycles. Once a benchmark was set with a competitive product, Honda would take this information home and strive to top that mark. Honda’s racing successes converted to sales successes. In 1959, Honda had topped the Japanese motorcycle sales chart with 285,000 units. Two years later, Honda was selling at rate of 100,000 units a MONTH!

Honda announced its intention to enter automobile production in the early 1960s and introduced the S360 sports car. When it was decided to begin exporting the Honda products, the United States was chosen as a key target. The first Honda motorcycles were introduced into the United States in 1959. By 1963, Honda was the top-selling brand of motorcycles in the United States. Today, Honda stands as the largest motorcycle manufacturer and the 9th largest automobile manufacturer in the world. With cars like the Civic S Hatchback, Prelude and Civic CRX, Honda became the first car maker to finish first, second and third in the Motor Trend Import Cars of the Year selections!

Here’s a peek at what they have in store for the model year 2007:

2007 Honda Accord

The changes to the seventh-generation Accord will be most noticeable at night, when the multiple LEDs in the taillights and center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) are readily apparent. The CHMSL has been moved from the rear window to the rear edge of the trunk, where it acts as a small spoiler. The rear fenders are changed slightly from earlier models, as has the grille and front bumper. Improvements to intake and exhaust airflow have enabled Honda to find a few more horsepower in both Accord engines. The silky-smooth 3. 0-liter single overhead camshaft, 24-valve V6 is up four horsepower, for 244 at 6250 rpm, with maximum torque 211 lb-ft at 5000 rpm. Honda’s VTEC variable valve lift and timing system ensures optimum performance at all engine speeds, and there is a very healthy midrange surge of torque that is best taken advantage of by the six-speed gearbox.

2007 Honda Element

The 2007 Element is available in two versions, the LX and the EX. Both the Element LX and EX come equipped with the same 166-horsepower 2. 4-liter four-cylinder engine and new Drive-by-Wire electronic throttle control system, as well as a handy Maintenance Minder organizer whose name speaks for itself. With this seventh generation version, Honda will deliver a face-lifted SUV that features additional 10 horsepower, new five-speed automatic and a new set of standard safety equipment.

2007 Honda Fit

The 2007 Honda Fit is a triumph of creativity, proof that good ideas don’t have to be expensive. Both trim levels for this front-drive, five-door hatchback (the Fit is offered in base and Sport trim) feature a 1. 5-liter, 109-horsepower VTEC four-cylinder engine. Delivering 105 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm, it posted a 9. 3 second, 0-60 mph sprint. As if anticipating safety concerns from U. S. buyers, Honda has provided two key features standard on both the base and Sport models. Both trim levels now come with four-wheel antilock brakes and side curtain airbags.

2007 Honda Ridgeline

Honda’s pickup truck is a compact, five-passenger 4-dr crew cab with a 5-ft long cargo bed and standard all-wheel drive. Ridgeline has several design features unusual to pickups, including independent rear suspension and unibody construction. The tailgate drops down or swings out. The sole powertrain is a 255-hp V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows and include rollover deployment. All models have front bucket seats and a 60/40 split rear bench with cushions that flip up to increase in-cab storage.
Soichiro Honda’s unique leadership has allowed the Honda Motor Company to become a world power in the automotive fields. Mr. Honda’s views went counter to the direction of his own government and yet his company has prospered. With innovation developed by Mr. Honda as a basis, the Honda Motor Company has become a technological force in the motorcycle and automobile industries in Asia, Europe, and North America.

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People say school days are the best days of your life but I disagree. For me university was quite simply brilliant fun (and hard work I promise), for three years which quite frankly outstrips anything else I’ve encountered. Whether it was learning about something I actually had an interest in (handily for this article I studied journalism), the social aspect which encompassed partying, constant football playing and music shopping, or living away from home and growing up, I’m not sure. Throughout the three years there was one motivation to actually sit down and write my essays and it was a picture on my bedroom wall. Neither of Kelly Brook, nor great literature scholars but of a Honda Civic Type R.

The thing I loved about the Honda was that the standard Civic was so boring to look at and drive that you seemingly needed at least 65 years of life experience before being able to own one. Don’t get me wrong, just because it was boring to drive doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good car, it was just very safe and sensible and, well it was for old people. The Type R badge didn’t just add a few thousand pounds to the price tag; it transformed the retirement home company car into a snarling piece of motoring exotica that I aspired to own one day if I studied hard.

I’d struggle to win the argument that it looks much different from the standard model, with 17 inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and twin exit exhaust the only obvious external differences. This however was more than enough for me to start salivating and by the time I read the performance figures I needed oxygen. A 2 litre VTEC engine lurked under the bonnet producing 197bhp, revving to a crazy 8,250rpm and dragging the car from 0-60mph in a mere 6. 6 seconds. To put it more succinctly, it was as if Honda had strapped a rocket to a mobility scooter.

Inside you weren’t met with the most luxurious cabin but racing seats, white dials and a brushed aluminium gear knob offered further evidence that speed really was the only priority for this car. The gearbox is mounted on the dashboard which appears odd at first but it falls so easily to hand and changes so slickly, you’ll be converted in minutes. Despite it being front wheel drive, the car handled superbly thanks in no small measure to it’s expensive independent rear suspension (something Honda have skimped on with the latest derivative) and communicative feedback through the steering wheel.

Quite rightly in the little Honda’s lifespan (2001 – 2006) it became the biggest selling fast hatchback, smashing all modest targets Honda HQ in Japan had. Priced at a tad under £16,000 and delivering all you could want in a driving experience, this was hardly a surprise.

The big question then is, three years on from graduating from university do I have a Honda Civic Type R on my driveway? Um, no but my ‘I really want one of those’ radar is still twitching very strongly. The very exciting news however is that prices are now reaching a level where this extraordinary car is accessible to the majority – and very possibly me too. A low mileage four-year-old car is now valued at £8,000 (add £400 for air conditioning).

This being a Honda, there should be very little to worry about with a car of this age, the VTEC engine is one of the most reliable in the world and the car itself is well put together, so don’t expect to find doors hanging off. As with any used car though it’s important to check some key points.

Firstly the car was available in red, black and silver. If the one you’re looking at is white it’s an import from Japan which may have an extra 20bhp but will be difficult to insure, will depreciate quickly and will have your Honda dealer running for the horizon. The turning circle isn’t great on the Type R so check the alloy wheels for signs of a struggle against the kerbs and whilst you’re there, have a look at the side skirts for speed hump damage.

Other than that the Type R is as widely praised now as it was when new and with the new model now on sale this version should become more readily available. As a final plus point (if one was needed) it’s faster and handles better than the new model. Right I can’t wait any longer. . . I’m off to buy one.

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