HONDA MALAYSIA PROVES ITS RACE-BRED DNA
2009-11-26 16:19:24 Author: admin Source:
Honda Malaysia, once again, organized yet another memorable track event entitled “Driving the Honda’s DNA” at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on Tuesday.
Eight Honda models were on display at the start of the Driving the Honda’s DNA event, featuring the latest Stream RSZ and Civic Type R variants. Inside Honda’s Corporate holding suite there was a huge backdrop on stage which read; Driving the Honda's DNA, An Experiential Test Drive, “Engineering Precision, Defined Drivability, and Ingenious Versatility”; giving each media member a sense of excitement and anticipation.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “The purpose of this exclusive event is to provide a closer look into the consistency of character of Honda’s line-ups that suggest Performance, Style and Practicality.”
“In this event and throughout the stages, we trust that you will truly experience the core of Honda’s advanced technology that promises you superb performance, best-in-class handling and safety standards. In other words, Honda is using this world motorsport heaven to test its technology made for the layman,” he added.
The Driving the Honda’s DNA pitted eight of Honda’s popular models; the City, the illustrious Civic Type R, Civic (1.8 and 2.0 variants), Accord, Stream RSZ, Jazz and CRV, each to be driven by members of the media in four separate stages: the Slalom challenge, Wet control, Skid control and Track experience. In each stage, particular model/s had been selected to test the maximum potential of Honda’s renowned i-VTEC engine, along with its advanced safety technology.
Our media group coded blue was first to take the Slalom challenge where each individual was required to negotiate a Honda CRV around a purposefully built course. Each run would be timed and the fastest runners would stand a chance to get desirable prizes. In the slalom challenge, each participant was required to drive a CRV from the start box to the end box as quickly as possible, accelerating and weaving through cones, doing three quick lane changes, going around a tight roundabout, and passing the final obstacles to get to the end box.
The second stage was the Wet control where an Accord 2.4 and the new Stream RSZ were used to complete the test. The purpose of this challenge was to allow participants to engage and experience the effectiveness of the vehicle stability assist (VSA) and antilock braking system (ABS) in wet and slippery road conditions. Without these two crucial safety features; the VSA and ABS, the driver would lose control of the car.
Skid Control was the final section that featured an internationally known ‘Half Circle’ test. The Accord and Jazz were the vehicles used to demonstrate Honda’s technology in countering such emergency situation. Media members were also given a chance to learn the technical know-how on how to counter a skid using opposite lock steering, while applying the hand brake.
Our group hit the On Track session last, therefore we had more opportunities to run longer and choose almost all the Honda models available for the On Track experience. The four models available were; everybody’s favourite Civic Type R, a model that is literally born on track, Accord, Civic and City. In the main pits, a simulation corner was also set up for interested parties to take a peek at the Honda Civic Hybrid and explore Honda’s Advanced technology on specially prepared computers.
In the name draw for the track session, we settled for the City, Civic 1.8 and Accord 2.4 to run 3 laps with each model around Sepang Circuit’s north track measuring 2.75km.
After the 9 laps or so, we picked the City as the winner or the favorite among the three models driven. Although lacking in top speed, the City held its own around tight bends and tricky sections of the north track. Its paddle-shifters were practically the wonder on wheels and assisted in a big way while down shifting for turns 1 and 2 and the tricky final turns 8 and 9. We gave the City all kudos for satisfactory acceleration, good response to throttle, above average cornering ability, very good braking system as well as overall stability.
At the conclusion of the Driving the Honda’s DNA, everyone was feted and rewarded for the day’s work. Winners were selected based on the timed Slalom challenge earlier as they walked away with an LCD TV, a home theater system, a Nokia cellphone, a portable DVD player, exernal harddisks and ipods.
We all look forward to more of such track experience events from Honda Malaysia in the future. For complete pictorial of Driving the Honda's DNA please visit http://motorsportchannel.com/web/2009/1125/264.html
We all look forward to more of such track experience events from Honda Malaysia in the future. For complete pictorial of Driving the Honda's DNA please visit http://motorsportchannel.com/web/2009/1125/264.html
