In America, subcompacts are considered uninteresting, cheap forms of transportation. But the Europeans are known for their love of shrunken cars and so are the Japanese. This latest Honda model is a bit different though. In essence, the 2015 Shuttle that was revealed today is a wagon version of the Fit, more practical in every way.
The magic happens at the back, where the increased boot is clearly comparable to that of a Civic now. It's also got clever new stowage spaces, including a recessed area under the boot floor to put your shoes in.
They have even designed drawers that come out from the back of the rear seats. The cabin is designed for 5 adults and can be ordered with leather seats. Chromed inserts for the doors and dash, plus a massive touchscreen display help lift the sober atmosphere.
From a design standpoint, the Shuttle is as sharp as a samurai sward. Clearly, Honda Japan is throwing a lot more equipment into smaller cars than its American counterpart. Starting at the front, we notice large full-LED headlights connected by a chrome wing. Strong creases define the front and chrome roof rails are ready for your weekend adventure equipment.
I think this is their third all-new subcompact (Fit, Vezel/HR-V) based on the same platform and design. Clearly, the Shuttle is more distinctive than the equivalent Skoda Fabia Combi, and yet still won't be offered in Europe.
Around the back, we find that the Shuttle looks a lot like the European Civic Tourer, which frankly isn't that surprising. The car will be available in Japan with either a hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive or a regular petrol engine.
Just like with the Jazz/Fit, the hybrid combines a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. According to the J08 local driving cycle, average fuel consumption 36.4 km/l, equivalent to 85.6 mpg US or 2.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
Honda has had a few problems with the gearbox, its first twin-clutch unit. Just like Volkswagen, it has issued a big recall, but everything seems to be all right now. Hopefully, the Shuttle is something non-JDM buyers can look forward to buying soon.
They have even designed drawers that come out from the back of the rear seats. The cabin is designed for 5 adults and can be ordered with leather seats. Chromed inserts for the doors and dash, plus a massive touchscreen display help lift the sober atmosphere.
From a design standpoint, the Shuttle is as sharp as a samurai sward. Clearly, Honda Japan is throwing a lot more equipment into smaller cars than its American counterpart. Starting at the front, we notice large full-LED headlights connected by a chrome wing. Strong creases define the front and chrome roof rails are ready for your weekend adventure equipment.
I think this is their third all-new subcompact (Fit, Vezel/HR-V) based on the same platform and design. Clearly, the Shuttle is more distinctive than the equivalent Skoda Fabia Combi, and yet still won't be offered in Europe.
Around the back, we find that the Shuttle looks a lot like the European Civic Tourer, which frankly isn't that surprising. The car will be available in Japan with either a hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive or a regular petrol engine.
Just like with the Jazz/Fit, the hybrid combines a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. According to the J08 local driving cycle, average fuel consumption 36.4 km/l, equivalent to 85.6 mpg US or 2.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
Honda has had a few problems with the gearbox, its first twin-clutch unit. Just like Volkswagen, it has issued a big recall, but everything seems to be all right now. Hopefully, the Shuttle is something non-JDM buyers can look forward to buying soon.