HATE SOMETHING, CHANGE SOMETHING: With SUV sales showing no signs of slowing in Ireland, Honda has introduced its first diesel-powered 4X4 in an attempt to secure a greater share of the sports utility market.
The company's 2.2-litre diesel engine - the first from the Japanese manufacturer - made its debut last year in the Accord. Now this impressive unit, which has a surprisingly low power output of 138bhp buta huge 340Nm of torque, is being offered in Honda's updated CR-V. The five-seat CR-V has been a significant money earner for Honda sinceit was introduced in 1998. But the lack of a diesel has always limited its appeal.
On the road and, as with all diesels, the available power band is limited, although with the large amount of torque and a new sixth gear, one is not forced to continually search through the gears to maintain power. This CR-V is also surprisingly responsive and is quicker to 100km/h than its 2-litre petrol counterpart. Noise intrusion is evident, but this remains a minor quibble for what is an impressive engine, especially when coupled to the CR-V's 4X4 system that automatically switches between front and all-wheel drive, thus ensuring that all available power is transferred to the road.
To welcome the new diesel, the CR-V also benefits from a revised interior and exterior that includes a restyled front end and a new dash.
At €42,515, the well-equipped diesel CR-V is not cheap, but Honda's expectations that it will make up 40 per cent of the 450 CR-Vs sold this year is probably accurate.
The first Apollo supercar - built by fledgling company Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH in Altenburg, eastern Germany - has rolled out of the factory. The high-performance machine - which will compete with the likes of Porsche and Ferrari (see "Enter Apollo, Son of Trabi", Motors 4/8/2004) - is currently undergoing extensive tests in its hometown near Leipzig. Tests will continue over the coming months, some of which will take place in the more favourable climes of Italy, where the Apollo really will be put through its paces.
By the end of the year, the company expects to produce 30 cars, and plans to step up production to 60 examples next year. The supercar will be available with several engine options, the pick of which will be powered by a 642 bhp, 4.2 litre, bi-turbo V8 from Audi tuner MTM. It will accelerate from 0-100 Km/h in 3 seconds, onto a top speed of 360 kph. Prices will be in the region €115,000-€175,000 pre-taxes, depending on engine option and specification.