2016 Honda HR-V Achieves Highest Overall Score for Collision Safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

If you haven`t had the opportunity to view and test-drive the all-new Honda HR-V, now is the time to do so. In addition to its stunning appeal, advanced technology and affordable pricing, the new 2016 Honda HR-V has just received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score, the top score available in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program.

As an entry crossover, the HR-V also achieved an IIHS Top Safety Pick Rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  With multiple standard and available safety features including SmartVent Front Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction control, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering, Anti-Lock Braking System, Honda LaneWatch (EX, EX-L Navi), Hill Start Assist, Expanded View Driver`s Mirror, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning (LWD) (EX-L Navi) it`s no wonder this vehicle received such a high accolade.

Summarizing it best, Dave Gardner, Senior Vice President of Operations, Honda Canada said “Using Honda’s packaging magic, powertrain innovation and safety engineering expertise, the HR-V delivers a high level of occupant safety protection along with top class fuel economy and interior space…”

Without a doubt, this is one Honda vehicle you must experience.  Visit us at www.Imagehonda.com to schedule a test drive or stop in and speak with one of our reputable sales consultants. As always, stay connected to Hamilton Auto Blog for the latest news at Image Honda.

Source: Honda Canada

2016 Honda Accord Reveal

Today in California, Honda introduced the 2016 Honda Accord, which received a major overhaul in appearance. The new, sportier and more sophisticated Accord will be the first Honda model to feature both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Without a doubt, this will be the “highest-tech Accord ever.” Additional changes will include new styling, new display audio touchscreen interface, Honda Sensing (set of comprehensive safety and driver-assistive technologies), front and rear parking sensors, wireless charging and numerous other standard and available features that we are told will be revealed over the next several weeks.

0B3C8700The exterior changes include a new aluminum hood with a more aggressive front grille, while the back of the Accord sports restyled LED headlights and a redesigned bumper.
If the Accord Sport and Touring trims are something you are interested in, you can also expect new, larger 19-inch wheels and tires along with a new rear deck spoiler.
We are already counting down the arrival of the all-new 2016 Honda Accord. Make sure you stay connected with Image Honda and Hamilton Auto Blog for the latest information on this outstanding vehicle.

Source: Honda Canada

Spring and Summer Maintenance

As summer quickly approaches, we welcome warmer weather and longer nights.  As we enjoy the change in season, it is important to prepare your vehicle.  Just like in winter, there are many maintenance services that should be taken into consideration this spring and summer to ensure that your vehicle is operating at peak efficiency.

As we all know, winter and its harsh conditions have a major impact on Hamilton roads. These conditions can have serious implications on your vehicle, which is why it is important to complete the following:

1. Wiper blades:  Always make sure to change your wiper blades every 6 months.  If this is not completed, it can cause streaking, smearing and possibly scratch your windshield.  This simple precaution will prove to be helpful when driving in spring showers.

2. Tires:  If you have winter tires, change over to your all-season tires.   All three of our locations: Image Honda, Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial provide winter tire storage – please contact our dealerships for details.  If you do not have winter tires, you may want to consider a tire rotation, a service that will allow for even wear.  Winter can be hard on our tires and rotation will help extend their life and allow for improved handling and braking.

3. Car wash: Give your car a good clean and make sure that all the salt is removed to prevent exterior rust.  It is also important to wash the underneath of your vehicle as hidden salt can lead to rust and corrosion.

4. Change your oil: Always make sure that your oil is changed every 8,000 km or less, depending on the year of your vehicle.  Remember – older vehicles tend to burn oil faster. For vehicles with an Oil Life Monitor or Maintenance Minder, your oil much be changed at least once every 12 months, regardless of the % on your monitoring system.

5. Check all your fluids: Fluids tend to deplete faster in the winter since the cold weather causes our engine to work harder.  Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that all of your fluids are topped up for the spring.

6. Check your brake system:  The winter months can be hard on your brakes.  Listen for excessive grinding, screeching or squealing.  Have a Brake Maintenance Service performed, which will remove salt and debris and lubricate all your brake components to extend the life of your brakes.

7. Alignment:  All the potholes and rifts in Hamilton’s pavement can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s alignment, which can cause premature wear to your tires and front-end components.  An alignment service will increase tire life, and improve steering control and safety.

To check out our Service Specials, please visit our websites below or feel free to contact us by phone at any time! Image Honda, Queenston on the Mountain, Queenston on Centennial By: Amy Cochren

Trailer and Towing Safety!

Whether it’s towing your boat to the cottage or beach, heading on a camping adventure or just everyday fun, your vehicle plays an important role in summer activities!  When partaking in such, it is not uncommon to use a trailer for towing.  However, as many of us can surely attest, people often tow things in an unsafe manner.  The picture below is a clear example of what NOT to do!

After witnessing the above, we felt it important to share some tips on towing and trailering to keep you and others safe on the road.  First and foremost, it is important that you know your vehicle’s towing capacity.  Exceeding this capacity can not only cause damage to your vehicle, but can seriously endanger others on the road.  Each vehicle has a different capacity, so keep in mind that what you are able to tow with one of your vehicles may not be the same on another.  If you are unsure, such information is provided in your owner’s manual.

If your current vehicle is not equipped with towing capabilities, be aware that most GM and Honda trucks, SUV’s and crossovers have the option for a factory-installed trailering package.  If you are interested in more information on such products or installation, please contact our one of our three dealerships: Queenston Chevrolet, Queenston on the Mountain or Image Honda.

Towing Safety Tips:

  • Ensure that your vehicle can withstand your trailers capacity.
  • Make sure you have thoroughly inspected your trailer tires, brakes and hitch and ensure they are in working order before hitting the road.
  • DON’T overload your trailer and always make sure that the weight is balanced out.
  • If you have loose items, make sure that they are securely fastened or covered to prevent them from moving.  Accessories such as cargo nets and other products are available for purchase from our parts departments.
  • Keep a safe distance when travelling behind other vehicles.  The additional weight of the trailer will make it harder to stop.
  • Always adjust your mirrors so you can see the traffic behind you.

Please keep these safety tips in mind for your benefit and others on the road.  If you have any questions concerning your vehicles towing capacity or are interested in installing a trailering package on your vehicle, please contact us at any of our three locations and we will be happy to assist you!

By: Amy Cochren

Image Honda

Queenston on the Mountain

Queenston Chevrolet on Centennial

2016 Civic Concept

At the 2015 New York International Auto Show, Honda unveiled the 10th-generation Honda Civic Concept. Launching this fall, the new Civic lineup will include the Civic Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback, followed by the launch of a new Civic Type-R as the performance flagship of the Civic lineup. The new Civic also will be the first North American model to apply new VTEC® Turbo engines from the company’s Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrain series.

2016 CIVIC“The new Civic will be, flat out, the most dynamic, the most technologically advanced and the most refined and stylish Civic we’ve ever made,” said Dave Gardner, senior vice president of operations, Honda Canada Inc. “We couldn’t be prouder to be the global manufacturing lead for this epic vehicle, and they’ll be built by Canadians right in here in our renowned Alliston, Ontario facility.”

Featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, the new Civic emphasizes its aggressive personality and engaging experience behind the wheel. Its sporty and expressive face is highlighted by bright new LED headlights flanking the “Flying H” Honda grille which is supported by deeply sculpted lower air intakes.

The 10th-generation Civic is based on a compact platform that targets benchmark levels of efficiency, dynamic performance, safety and production efficiency. Leveraging this new platform in conjunction with new Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrains – including a new 1.5-liter VTEC® Turbo engine with direct injection, a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and a new, more sporty and efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) – the Civic will target class-leading fuel economy ratings and fun-to-drive performance with near-luxury levels of cabin quietness and ride refinement.

The new Civic will also focus on safety performance and will offer the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Multi-Angle Rear-view Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Honda LaneWatch™, along with Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

As the best selling passenger vehicle in Canada for 17 years, the redesigned Civic is sure to be a hit and we can’t wait for its debut at Image Honda this fall. For more information about our outstanding Honda vehicle lineup, visit us at www.imagehonda.com or call us at (905) 561-4100.

Source: http://www.honda.ca/future-vehicles

Kelley Blue Book Names Accord #1 Best Sedan Under $25,000

It’s official!  Kelley Blue Book has once again released its choice for “10 Best Sedans Under $25,000”. Not surprising, two of our favourite vehicles made the list.  Topping the list at number one is the 2015 Honda Accord. The Honda Civic – Canada’s best-selling car came in at number four. Long are the days where affordability meant less comfort, style and options for the consumer.  Affordability has never offered so much and no two cars demonstrate that more than the 2015 Honda Accord and Honda Civic. 2015hondaaccord   Here is KBB’s list of 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000

  1. 2015 Honda Accord
  2. 2015 Hyundai Sonata
  3. 2015 Toyota Camry
  4. 2015 Honda Civic
  5. 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  6. 2015 Ford Fusion
  7. 2015 Subaru Legacy
  8. 2015 Nissan Altima
  9. 2015 Chrysler 200
  10. 2015 Subaru Impreza

2015 honda civic             If you would like more information regarding the Honda Accord or Honda Civic, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com or call us at 905-561-4100.  Our award-winning sales team will be happy to assist you! Credit: Kelley Blue Book http://www.kbb.com

What Does The 2016 Honda Pilot Have To Offer?

We recently wrote a blog regarding the re-designed 2016 Honda Pilot, which made its Canadian debut at the Canadian International Auto Show last week. Expanding on that blog, we wanted to review some of the new and exciting features made available to you, the consumer. As you are about to hear, the new Pilot redefines our expectations when it comes to SUVs, by delivering style, flexibility and more family-friendly utility.

Safety

Safety is a top priority for the re-designed Pilot. Blind-spot monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Lane-Keep Assistance and Adaptive Cruise Control are all available options on higher-trim versions.

Sunroof

The new Pilot steps it up a notch with its second row panoramic sunroof. This stylish addition complements the traditional sunroof that still remains located above the front seat passengers.

Flip & Fold Seats

Designed for versatility and function – the new flip and fold seats make it easier on passengers when getting into the third-row seating. These flip/fold seats also offer a 2nd row captain’s chair and heated seats.

Heated and Ventilated Seats

Additional quality features include: standard heated and available ventilated front seats,
available heated steering wheel, and available heated second-row seats. (Honda Canada, 2015)

Push Button Shifter

The new push button shifter allows for more space on the centre console and is the only Honda model to offer this.

Engine Stop-Start

The new Pilot features a start-stop 3.5 litre V-6 engine.

New Centre Console

As part of the new interior re-designs, the centre console is able to hold items as large as a full-size iPad or large purse.

The 2016 Honda Pilot is expected to launch at Image Honda this summer, which is only a few months away and we couldn’t be more excited! Contact us at Image Honda today if you have any questions regarding this new, must-have Honda Pilot.
www.imagehonda.com or 905-561-4100

Source: Honda Canada, 2015

2016 Honda Pilot

We love excitement and there is a lot of exciting news at Honda Canada lately.  One recent announcement is that the completely re-engineered and re-designed 2016 Honda Pilot SUV will be making its debut at the 2015 Canadian International Auto Show on February 12th in Toronto.  The all-new, eight passenger Pilot stands in a class of its own with “new technology, advanced safety, improved fuel economy and enhanced family utility and versatility.”  The newly re-designed 3 row SUV will surely impress.

Pilot_Teaser_Sketch

For latest updates and information on the all-new 2016 Honda Pilot, please follow our blog or visit us at Image Honda www.imagehonda.com.

HONDALINK — The Next Generation — App Introduction PART 2


App Introduction – HONDALINK 2014

The Connect App — With features like Maintenance Minder Alerts, Service Scheduling and access to your Owners Guide, this app also connects you to points of interest, locations and provides you with weather forecasts.

The Navigation App – This cloud connected navigation app features continuous traffic updates, points of interest and text search capabilities. This navigation app is the first developed by an automaker.

The Aha App — Keeps you connected to audio books, music, Twitter, Facebook and local listings.

The Launcher App — Finds 3rd party approved apps for your Honda.

The safety features of HondaLink are something to talk about. In emergency situations; like airbag deployment, HondaLink Assist (with the connection of your mobile device) will contact an operator, advise them of your location and contact emergency response if needed. This is another fantastic way that by simply connecting your mobile device Honda can use this connective technology to keep you safe.

Get connected and stay connected with Image Honda.

Enjoy and thanks for watching!

The 2014 Honda Accord Wins This Years Canadian Green Car Award

“One important way we can build an environmentally sustainable society is by making transportation choices that have a lower impact on the planet, and that includes greener cars.”  This powerful statement was made by David Miller, President and CEO of WWF-Canada, who presented the second annual 2014 Canadian Green Car Award to Honda Canada in the Hybrid Category this year!

Green Car Award 2014

The Canadian Green Car Award acknowledges vehicles that are commonly available in Canada that possess strong environmental qualities, combined with style and appeal.  This, along with objective criteria such as fuel economy, emissions and price, has an impact on who is the winner.  The award is voted on by a panel of 19 reputable automotive journalists from around the country who participate in extensive testing and assessments. This award was one of 5 other category winners and was presented during the three-day Green Living Show.

If you are interested in the 2014 Accord Hybrid or any of our award winning vehicles, visit us at www.imagehonda.com or in store at 155 Centennial Pkwy North, Hamilton, ON today!