The Honda Civic Celebrates its 16th Birthday!

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.

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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.

Credit: Honda Canada

New Years Resolutions – For You and Your Car!

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

Watch our video: How to check your tire pressure

Watch our video: How to check your tire tread

Please feel free to call us anytime for all of your automotive needs or visit us at http://www.imagehonda.com or http://www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Coming Soon to Image Honda: 2014 Honda Odyssey

Image Honda is excited to announce that the 2014 Honda Odyssey will be arriving at our dealership sometime next month!  As we have previously mentioned in our blog, the Odyssey underwent a minor model change and is full of interior and exterior design upgrades.  New features like the “HondaVac” make this stunning model a must have.  Two new trims have been added to the Odyssey line up this year: the SE trim and the EX-L-Navi trim, giving the consumer a total of seven trim options.286946_635637346449297_1103444555_o

 

Whether you choose the base line model or the top-of-the line Touring model, Honda guarantees luxury for everyone with their standard features:

  • New colour availability, and interior pattern change
  • New 17″ and 18″ alloy wheels
  • 6-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic control
  • Text message function
  • Expanded view driver’s mirror
  • LED taillight bars
  • One-touch turn signals

If you are looking for that little bit extra, we suggest that you take a look at the EX, EX-L RES, EX-L-Navi and Touring models that provide even more exceptional technology.

  • LaneWatch – Blind spot display
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Proximity key entry system and push button start
  • HondaVac in-car vacuum system (TOURING TRIM ONLY)
  • Power folding mirrors (TOURING TRIM ONLY)1008576_635637326449299_1228641143_o

As you can see, this incomparable vehicle provides you with options that are exclusive to the Honda Odyssey.  Please make sure you stay connected to Image Honda and Hamilton Auto Blog regarding arrival dates and other information.  As always, if you have any questions, please contact us at 905-561-4100 today!

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada

More than $57,000 Raised for Make-A-Wish Canada at Honda Indy Toronto

It was another successful year for Honda Canada and the Ontario Honda Dealers Association, who hosted the 4th annual Fan Friday last week at the Honda Indy Toronto.  Thanks to the charity of Toronto race fans, more than $57,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish Canada this year.  Since Fan Friday started 4 years ago, a total of $308,000 has been raised. Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada expressed her gratitude. “On behalf of everyone at Make-A-Wish Canada, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to Honda Canada, its dealers, and of course the fans.  This level of commitment and support is a huge part of how we can continue to grant wishes and bring happiness and strength to the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.”

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How Fan Friday works:

Each year, on the Friday of the Honda Indy Toronto, race fans are encouraged to make a donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation rather than pay an admission fee.  Additionally, all activities at the race accept donations including: the Blue Jays batting cages and all-new Honda Pit Stop Challenge and racing simulators.  Then, at the end of the race weekend, Honda Canada matches the combined contributions dollar for dollar.

Honda Canada would like to let everyone know that just because “Race” weekend is over, doesn’t mean the donations have to stop.  You can make a five dollar donation to Make-A-Wish anytime, by texting the word “DREAM” to 41010 from any mobile phone.

Please remember to visit www.imagehonda.com for details on current programs and events.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada

Honda Makes Changes to the 2014 Accord Line-up

Honda will be making changes to the Accord line-up this fall as they launch the 2014 Accord Hybrid.  The all-new Canadian version will feature exclusive detailing and unique hybrid badging along with a blue-accented grille and light lenses, LED lighting and a new wheel design and decklid spoiler.  Honda Canada expects the new car to be in Canadian dealerships by this October.

2014 accord hybrid

The Hybrid is projected to have class-leading fuel economy ratings with 45mpg on the highway and 45 mpg in the city.  Honda uses a new two-motor hybrid powertrain and the two-motor SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Multi Mode Drive Powertrain.  To break this down in simpler terms, the car will have 3 different driving modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.

The inside of the Hybrid will have all the same features as the 2013 Accord including: Lane Departure and Forward Collision Warning, iMID display, HondaLink and Aha.

If you are interested in more information on this vehicle or any of the vehicles in the Honda line-up, please feel free to Contact Image Honda at 1-888-375-5914 or visit us at www.imagehonda.com

Make sure to follow Hamilton Auto Blog for the latest updates and information on everything Honda!

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada

Honda, McLaren And The FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship

You may have heard already, but Honda is partnering once again with The McLaren Group to participate in the FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship for the 2015 season.  On the McLaren website, they announced their delight about the “new multi-year Formula 1 technology partnership with Honda, which is reuniting an association that became one of the most successful and powerful in Formula 1 history during the 1980’s and 90’s.”Formula One Announcement 002

With shared responsibilities, Honda will be responsible for the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine.  McLaren will be responsible for the development and manufacture of the chassis as well as the management of the new team – McLaren Honda.

New F1 regulations have only furthered Honda’s excitement since it will inspire improvements to both the efficiency of a combustion engine and energy management technologies such as hybrid systems, something that Honda helped pioneer years ago. Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co Ltd., had the following to say: “Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing.  Honda has a long history of advancing out technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series.”  There is sure to be more exciting news in the upcoming months from this restored racing partnership.  For the latest updates, continue to follow us at Hamilton Auto Blog.com or visit us at www.imagehonda.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda News http://hondanews.ca/en/news/release/Honda-to-Participate-in-the-FIA-Formula-One-World-Championship Canada

McLaren http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/inside-the-mtc/mclaren-honda-reuniting-one-greatest-partnerships-formula-1-history/

A Built In Vacuum…In Your Car! (HondaVAC)

You’re cleaning out your car and are struggling to get the vacuum to reach the back! No wait, you’re cleaning out your car, but you don’t have a vacuum? Say goodbye to your frustration as Honda has introduced the HondaVAC.  Yes, Honda has created the first in-car vacuum, which will make its debut in the all-new 2014 Honda Odyssey.    This vacuum is exclusive to the Touring trim adding to the already impressive styling, unmatched safety ratings and top of the line features and technologies the Odyssey has always been known for.HondaVAC

Along with Shop-Vac, Honda has created a powerful vacuum that comes with nozzle accessories that are neatly integrated into the rear-cargo area.  With powerful suction capabilities and a hose that can reach every corner of your vehicle, you won’t have to worry about your children making a mess or your dog shedding anymore.  With an electric motor, you can use the HondaVAC continuously while the engine is running.  Alternatively, you can use the vacuum for up to eight minutes while the car is turned off.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey provides additional standard technology on the Touring edition such as; keyless Smart Entry with Push Button Start, an SMS text messaging function, and HondaLink featuring Aha Mobile Interface.  If you would like more information on HondaLink , please visit our previous blog and video.

If you would like more information on the 2014 Honda Odyssey or any Honda vehicle, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com or call us at 1-888-375-5914

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada