Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Honda finally approves a second act for the Element]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-honda-finally-approves-a-second-act-for-the-element/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-honda-finally-approves-a-second-act-for-the-element/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-honda-finally-approves-a-second-act-for-the-element/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 dog-friendly Honda Element - click above for high-res image gallery

In spite of being functionally outstanding, Honda's odd looking Element crossover has never lived up to sales expectations. The funky box never approached the initial sales target of 75,000 units a year, and this year it's on track for barely more than 15,000 sales. Despite its relative commercial failure, Honda has reportedly given the green light to a second generation model. Despite a couple of modest freshenings, the Element is already seven years into its life cycle - considerably longer than typical for a Japanese branded model.

Given the slow sales, why would Honda bother with a new iteration? Honda's executive vice-president, John Mendel, has informed Automotive News that virtually all Element sales are incremental. The Element shares its platform with the much higher volume CR-V, but apparently almost no buyers cross-shop the two vehicles - Element buyers have no interest in the CR-V and vice-versa. If Honda does proceed with a new model, perhaps unique features like the recently introduced dog friendly package will be the key to increased differentiation and success.


Gallery: New York 2009: Dog Friendly Honda Element Concept


[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

REPORT: Honda finally approves a second act for the Element originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 honda element2009HondaElement2010 honda2010 Honda Element2010Honda2010HondaElementCR-VCRVhondahonda elementHondaElementsecond generation honda elementSecondGenerationHondaElementMon, 14 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Honda Element debuts, priced from $20,175]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/2009-honda-element-debuts-priced-from-20-175/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/2009-honda-element-debuts-priced-from-20-175/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/2009-honda-element-debuts-priced-from-20-175/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Element

Honda has taken the wraps off its redesigned 2009 Element after a number of leaked shots revealed the CUV's new skin. Priced from $20,175 for a 2WD LX model to $25,185 for a 4WD EX with Honda's Satellite-linked navigation, the new Element arrives looking much more grown up than its quirky predecessor. Retaining the same lunch box shape as before, the '09 Element gets a new front end with its own version of Honda's new corporate grille that debuted on its bigger brother, the Pilot SUV. Whereas the first Element used matte black plastic fenders to get across its off-the-beaten-path personality, the new one is dressed in color keyed sheetmetal on all four sides. The rear end has also been tweaked with a redesigned lift gate and taillights.

The Element's interior includes new color combos, titanium-look accents, new fabrics and revised switchgear, as well as a new convertible center console with a removable cooler. There's also a new three-compartment overhead console available. Buyers can choose from three models: the base LX, up-level EX and sportier SC. All three are powered by Honda's 2.4L inline-four engine with i-VTEC that produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy ranges from 18 city/23 highway for the SC and 20/25 for the LX and EX.

The new Element is certainly an improvement over the outgoing model, at least in the looks category, but functionally speaking it offers the same experience as the one before. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing considering the Element offers unique capabilities in a small, efficient package.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Element


Gallery: 2009 Honda Element SC


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading 2009 Honda Element debuts, priced from $20,175

2009 Honda Element debuts, priced from $20,175 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 honda element2009HondaElementbreakinghonda elementhonda element exhonda element scHondaElementHondaElementExHondaElementScWed, 29 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More 2009 Honda Element pics surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/more-pics-of-2009-honda-element-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/more-pics-of-2009-honda-element-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/30/more-pics-of-2009-honda-element-surface/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of the restyled 2009 Honda Element

Today we get to see the updates that Honda has made for its next Element more clearly. The most noticeable action is up front as the boxy 'ute gets Honda's new corporate-look grille. Classier head lights flank the five-sided opening and circular fog lamps slot nicely below them. It's a more mature look, which is fitting since the Element has proven popular with an older crowd than Honda had originally intended. Out back some shapely new tail lights appear alongside a subtly revised rear end.

As before, the standard model's clean lines can be enhanced a bit with the SC model, which gets a factory body-kit with pronounced flares and air dams. We don't spot any real changes on the inside, except an available nav system and chill box, though there was nothing wrong with the useful guts of the Element in the first place. We're also not expecting any major powertrain changes, but we'll report back when Honda makes things official.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Element


[Source: Carscoop]

More 2009 Honda Element pics surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Honda Element2009HondaElement2010 Honda Element2010HondaElementElementHondaHonda ElementHondaElementTue, 30 Sep 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[2009/10 Honda Element revealed in brochure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/2009-10-honda-element-revealed-in-brochure/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/2009-10-honda-element-revealed-in-brochure/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/2009-10-honda-element-revealed-in-brochure/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to enlarge

Thanks to Autoblog reader Brad, we now have proof Honda's new corporate grille that first debuted on the 2009 Pilot will be making its way to the 2009/10 Element, as well. This brochure scan reveals the Element's new face, which is clearly more mature and grown up than the previous year's model. There are larger, more complex headlamps that flank the new chunky grille, and thick, body colored molding no longer dominates the more aerodynamic front end. We're also told the next Element will offer new options like a cooling fridge, nav system and two new shades of dark and light blue. The vehicle appears to retain the same 2.4L i-VTEC four-cylinder engine and available four-wheel-drive, though Honda might not offer those funky matte black body panels anymore.

[Source: Brad]

2009/10 Honda Element revealed in brochure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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