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.
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.
What is the Honda CR-Z all about? With a 1.5-Liter, 16-Valve, SOHC, i-VTEC, 4-Cylinder engine with a three-mode driving system (Sporty, Normal, ECON), available Manual transmission, and (CVT) steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, this sporty hybrid is dangerously fun.
Premium White Pearl or Crystal Black Pearl make this 2014 Hybrid with really standout. The premium package offers a leather interior, fog lamps, Honda satellite-linked navigation system with bilingual voice recognition, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, 17” alloy wheels, heated mirrors withintegrated turn indicators, 7 speaker audio system and heated seats – WOW! This car screams cool both inside and out!
Take a look at our sharp looking CR-Z Hybrid at Image Honda today!
Start your engines! It’s that time of year again, when race fans brace the hot and sticky weather of the GTA and head to the Honda Indy Toronto – but this year will be different. For the first time ever, Honda Indy Toronto achieves full summer festival status, July 18-20. “The festival aspect of Honda Indy Toronto continues to grow”, said Charlie Johnstone, president of the event. There are several newcomers to the festival including the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series for its Canadian Championships. Fans will have the opportunity to see top professional logger sport athletes compete in several events, such as the Standing Block Chop. Also making a repeat appearance is the Honda Canada Junior Red Rider program and the Honda World exhibit.
Honda World has numerous interactive activities that fans can engage in, as well as games for both children and adults. If you’re up for a challenge, you can participate in the Honda Pit Stop Challenge held each day at Honda world. This gives you the opportunity to test your skills like the pros and change a tire on a real race car. Prizes will be awarded each day to the individual who has the fastest recorded time.
FAN FRIDAY in support of Make-a-Wish Canada
Your Ontario Honda Dealer will cover your cost of admission in lieu of a donation for Make-a-Wish Canada. Honda Canada is a loyal partner of Make-a-Wish Canada and have raised more than $200,000 during the 2 previous Fan Friday’s! Participate in contests, autograph sessions, stunt shows and even watch the Indy Car series qualifying for Saturday’s race!
“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!
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!
Most family-friendly vehicles come with a long list of child-focused safety features, but what do they all mean? We have put together a short list of vehicle safety features that you might want to consider when purchasing a child-friendly vehicle. A lot of the features listed below do come standard, but what roll do they play in your family’s traveling safety?
3-point belts: A 3-point belt is a ‘Y’-shaped arrangement, similar to the separate lap and sash belts, but unitized. Like the separate lap-and-sash belt, in a collision, the 3-point belt spreads out the energy of the moving body over the chest, pelvis, and shoulders.
Safety belt pre-tensioners: Reduces slack that may exist in a seatbelt system at the moment of a collision.
Shoulder belt height adjusters: Simply aligns the seat belt comfortably away from the neck of the passengers when properly positioning the height of the seat belt.
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top Tethers for Children) Rear Seats: Also known in Canada as, LUAS (Lower Universal Anchorage System). LATCH is a way to secure a child safety seat to the vehicle using straps from the child safety seat that connect to special metal anchors in the vehicle. LATCH consists of lower anchors and top tethers, which are built-in to your vehicle, and connecting hooks that are built-in to your car seat. Lower anchors are used instead of the vehicle’s safety belt to secure the child seat to the vehicle. Tethers are used in addition to the lower anchors or the vehicle’s safety belt to secure a forward-facing child safety seat to the vehicle.
Vehicle LATCH Anchors:
Lower Anchors: These are a pair of metal “u-shaped” bars that are often hidden in the crack of the vehicle’s seat.
Tether Anchors: These are metal rings that are found behind each rear vehicle seat.
OnStar In-Vehicle Communications and Assistance Service – Subscription-based communication that provides customers with peace of mind through auto security and safety features -these include:
Sliding rear seat: The rear seats have the ability to slide back and forth to give more leg room or more rear cargo space.
Tinted glass: Solar-absorbing tinted windows that are UV-filtered to limit children’s sun exposure.
Driver and Front Passenger Frontal Air Bags: Front air bags that help restrain the driver and front passenger in moderate to severe front impact crashes. Dual-depth units automatically adjust the deployment of the air bags based on the severity of the collision, the seat position and other factors.
Airbag Deactivation: The purpose of the switch in the OFF position is to disable a frontal air bag in order to transport occupants who are at increased risk for air bag-related injury due to age, size, or medical condition.
Head Curtain Side Impact Airbags: Seat-mounted and head curtain air bags help provide additional protection in moderate to severe side impact crashes.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System): ABS helps the driver maintain proper vehicle steering control during hard braking, even on slick surfaces. ABS is standard equipment on most GM and Honda vehicles.
Hill Start Assist: This system prevents the car from rolling when trying to pull away on an upward or downward incline. The system engages automatically when the vehicle is at a complete stop on an incline. It then acts to hold the car stationary for two seconds after the brake is released giving the driver time to apply the throttle.
Some other convenient features to consider when buying a vehicle with children are: Steering wheel mounted audio controls, DVD entertainment with headphones, auxiliary audio input jack, USB ports, flat-folding rear seats, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote start, cargo area security net, halogen headlamps, fog lights, cup holders, extra lighting, keyless entry, Bluetooth and a large storage area.
We hope you enjoy all the excitement that comes with selecting a new vehicle for you and your family. Remember to ask your sales associate what features are standard and which are optional when you are selecting a vehicle. Give yourself peace of mind and leave our dealerships knowing your family is safe and secure.
Coming soon- PART 2: Child focused safety features for the exterior of your vehicle.
Spring has finally arrived…and we are already excited for the winter? I know, right now you’re saying we’re crazy, but it’s only because we are excited about a new sub-compact vehicle that Honda is set to launch next winter. The 2015 Honda HR-V will be joining the all-new 2015 Fit this winter as Honda expands its small car line-up. This new vehicle will be positioned below the CR-V in both price point and size.
Like the all-new Honda Fit, the HR-V is sharp looking and takes on a character of its own. Its unique centre tank layout will make it extra spacious for passengers and more versatile for the owner. Standard on the new SUV is the exclusive “Honda Magic Seat”, which will give you the option for multiple seat configurations and the capability to fold the second row seating completely flat. Dave Gardner, vice- president of sales and marketing for Honda Canada Inc. said, “both the Fit and the HR-V demonstrate how great things can come in small packages, and no one does this better than Honda.” With all the HR-V has to offer, we couldn’t agree with him more!
The HR-V will appeal to first time car buyers and those individuals who are loyal to the Honda brand. We at Image Honda can’t wait for it to arrive on our showroom floor and we are even more excited to let you experience all it has to offer. Make sure to follow us at Hamilton Auto Blog for the latest on the HR-V and everything Honda. As always, if you are interested in any of the vehicles in our award winning line up, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com or call us at 905-561-4100 today!
There is a lot of excitement at Image Honda as we await the arrival of the newly designed 2015 Honda Fit, coming this summer. Unveiled at the Canadian International Auto Show last month, the Fit awed everyone with its complete redesign, sporty interior and advanced technology and safety features.
The 2015 design features a new grille and redesigned headlights. Adding to the already sporty appearance, there is the addition of larger 16” tires. The reflectors, LED taillights and chrome tailgate garnish are a nice touch, giving it a bolder look. This new Fit is slightly shorter and wider, creating more passenger room and leg room.
For the first time, this 2015 will offer an available moon roof and leather-trimmed seating. Complete with the exclusive Honda Magic Seat, passengers will be given the option of multiple configurable seating positions. Also made available are: smart entry with push button start, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, LaneWatch display and a 7 inch Display Audio Touchscreen interface with HondaLink and smartphone connectivity. Enhanced features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a multi angled rear-view camera, will give you that little bit of added comfort.
The newly debuted direct-injected 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine will produce 130 HP at 6500 rpmt 114lb-ft. of torque. “Engine output is increased by 13 horsepower and 8 lb.-ft,” when compared to the previous engine. With better fuel economy than its predecessor, the 2015 Fit will be one of the best, if not the best, in the sub-compact segment. The Fit is also expected to earn top Safety Scores from U.S. NHTSA and IIHS, including a NCAP 5 Star overall vehicle score.
As you can see, the 2015 Fit is one vehicle you’ll want to be sure to test drive. Be sure to visit www.imagehonda.com or subscribe to Hamilton Auto Blog for the latest in Honda News and to stay up-to-date on the release of the newly re-designed 2015 Honda Fit.
The Honda Civic celebrates its “Sweet 16” as Canada’s best-selling car! In 2013, it outsold its competitor by almost 10,000 cars – “a true testament to the durability, quality and reliability” of the favoured Honda Civic. The Honda Civic, in many ways is Canadian in its own right. Almost every Civic sold in Canada, is built here by Canadians, at the Alliston, ON manufacturing facility.
Some of the many improvements on the 2014 Civic include: better fuel efficiency, improved and added technology, improved driving capabilities and a restyled coupe exterior. At Image Honda, we have the enhanced 2014 Civics in stock with great lease & finance rates available. If you would like more information on the 2014 Civic, please click here to visit our website or contact us at 905-561-4100 to speak with a sales consultant and schedule your test drive.
It’s a new year and a new start. You’ve probably already made your own New Year’s resolutions, but what about when it comes to your car? This year, let’s resolve to take better care of our vehicle and be a more conscientious car owner.
I resolve to use rubber mats seasonally to protect my car
Rubber floor mats protect your interior from dirt, water, mud, and more. At Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC and Image Honda, we sell mats that are custom fit to your vehicle. These floor mats not only provide you with the satisfaction of having OEM quality protection, but you won’t have to worry about them slipping underneath your pedals, which can be a serious safety risk.
I resolve to invest in seasonal tires
Sliding, slipping, zero traction….the list goes on. Winter tires are critical, especially with our Ontario winters. Not only are they a good investment that give you added safety and peace of mind, but they save you wear and tear on your all-season tires. Swapping them out twice a year gives you added life on your wheels!
I resolve to schedule regular maintenance appointments
Our certified technicians at Image Honda and Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC are trained to know your vehicle inside and out and are able to spot things that you might otherwise have missed. Bringing your car in at least twice a year for regular checkups and preventative maintenance may cost you in the short term, but will save you in repair costs and increase your resale value.
I resolve to check for fluid leaks at least once a month.
This is always a good idea and one of the easiest things to check for. We recommend taking a pizza box and placing it under your car for the night – in the morning, bring the box into the dealership and show us your art work. We will be able to tell what is leaking based on the colour and where it dripped on the box.
I resolve to be a more fuel efficient driver
This year, don’t use the old excuse that your vehicle isn’t fuel efficient! True, it may not be the best on gas, but there are always ways to improve your fuel efficiency. Watching your speed, maintaining your vehicle, carpooling with people co-workers are all easy ways to save on fuel costs.
I resolve to kick my idling habit
There really is no reason to leave your car idling – it is bad for the environment, increases your gas consumption and will cost you extra money each year.
I resolve to wash and keep my car clean.
I make this resolution almost every time I clean out my car. Not only will cleaning your car make it look better, but it will extend the life of your car, protect the paint and increase its resale value.
I resolve to be a more patient driver,
Most importantly, don’t rush! Leave plenty of time if you need to be somewhere at a specific time. If you are running late, evaluate the circumstance – will you really be that late if you don’t make the green light?
I resolve to learn new driving skills
No one is a perfect driver and there are certainly driving skills we can all work on. Perhaps, you want to learn how to back into a spot or even parallel park. Whatever it is, work on it – you’ll be glad you did.
I resolve to check my tire pressure and tread regularly
If you have never experienced a drive-in movie, then some may say you haven’t truly captured the movie experience.I remember the first time I attended the Starlite drive-in here in Hamilton.I must have been about 5 or 6 when my father took my brother and me.I can still remember the excitement and the mystery of it all.We packed our cooler, brought some blankets in case it got cool and got ready for the show to begin.Not only was I being allowed to stay up late because we had to wait until it got dark, I got to see two movies instead of one. At least, I tried to see two movies, but my young eyes wouldn’t stay open for the second film.The part that I love most about the drive-in and still love today is that I feel as if I am experiencing a little piece of history.They still play the old preview commercials and the concession building looks to be straight out of the 1950’s.It is one of the few instances where your parents can say to you, “This is what I did as a kid”, and you know that you are experiencing the exact same thing, exactly how it was back then.
That is why Honda Motor Co. began a campaign called “Project Drive-In” to raise money for Drive-in theatres around the United States.Most drive-in theatres across the U.S. and in Canada will be forced to close down due to the end of 35mm film distribution.The end of 35mm film as we know it is forcing drive-in theatres to make the switch to digital, which will cost roughly $75,000 U.S. per screen.
“It’s not often that a company gets the opportunity to help preserve an American pastime.It has been an honor and a privilege to bring national and local attention to the fate of drive-ins and to meet the passionate owners of these small businesses, said Alicia Jones, manager of Honda & Acura social marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.“We hope that the #SaveTheDriveIn movement continues in the effort to help keep more drive-ins open for the next generation.”
There will be a total of 9 winning theatres across the U.S. who will receive a new projector.People were encouraged to visit www.projectdrivein.com to vote for their local drive-in.Click here to watch Honda’s video on the movement.
We want to know what you think – let us know what your local drive-in means to you by visiting our AutoHwy Facebook page.
