New Honda ZEST Minicar

On sale starting March 1

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the introduction of the new ZEST minicar, created to enhance the active lifestyles of today�s consumers and provide comfort and utility for the entire family. The ZEST delivers superior power and performance, while its efficient low-floor design and generous storage area with a convenient access bay help give it class leading spacious cabin¹. The new ZEST will be available for sale through Honda�s automobile dealer network in Japan starting March 1. Further, a ZEST equipped with a tilt-up sliding front passenger seat and wheelchair-accessible models will be available starting March 17.

The ZEST was developed as a minicar that can satisfy both individual and family users in a variety of occasions including daily shopping and weekend leisure activities. The key to the design of the ZEST is Honda�s unique low-floor platform technology, which results in a high-capacity storage area with a maximum of 739 liters² of space accessed via one of the lowest tailgates in its class¹. In addition, ZEST achieves a spacious cabin with a height equivalent to StepWGN. The ZEST features Honda�s i-DSI engine or i-DSI turbocharged engine, combined with a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to deliver strong and smooth performance in accelerating from low and medium speeds to higher speed ranges.

The ZEST also offers a full range of advanced safety features. In addition to being the first minicar¹ to be equipped with a front and rear side curtain airbag system, the ZEST also features Honda�s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body for significantly enhanced self-protection and damage mitigation in vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. Regarding environmental performance, all FWD models have earned Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certification as Low-Emissions Vehicles, with emission levels 75% lower than those required by 2005 standards, while some models meet or exceed Japanese government fuel economy standards for 2010 by 5%.

The ZEST also comes fully equipped with a range of advanced features for enhanced passenger comfort and peace of mind, including Honda�s HDD InterNavi system; newly-developed high-performance deodorizing air cleaning filters treated with anti-allergenic materials to control pollen and other allergens; and a security alarm and immobilizer for effective anti-theft protection.

*	The name ZEST denotes something spicy, stimulating, appealing, passionate, fun and full of flavor. This vehicle was named ZEST to represent the hope that owners will use it to enjoy stimulating fun and to enrich and broaden their lives.
1	Honda data
2	Honda calculations according to VDA formula

Key Features of the Honda ZEST

Styling

Dynamic volume styling emphasizes the ZEST�s drivability and spaciousness

• The ZEST�s trapezoidal form imparts a sense of volume and stability in a dynamic exterior form that is imbued with an intrepid, vigorous appearance.

• The ZEST Sport is equipped with specialty exterior parts that further enhance the vehicle�s low and wide look.

Packaging

Low-floor packaging enhanced by advanced drivability, spaciousness, and ease of use

• The ZEST�s low-floor platform and short nose create a spacious interior.

• While keeping the vehicle�s total height to just 1,635mm (FWD model), the cabin boasts a comfortable 1,340mm of vertical space, putting it on a par with Honda�s StepWGN. A long cockpit and storage area, together with a class leading¹ 1,315mm-wide cabin, provides a relaxing, spacious cabin interior.

• The ZEST features a low-floor design with generous storage and convenient access bay. The tailgate opening is just 530mm² off the ground, one of the lowest in its class.

• The front and rear doors are designed to allow for smooth entry and exit. The doors open in three stages at different angles for greater convenience, opening wide enough to facilitate easy installation and

• removal of a child safety seat.

1	Honda data
2	Honda calculations

Interior

• Interior designed for all-round comfort, with consideration for specific comfort needs front and rear
• The interior design combines a liberated feel for the front seating area with a secure feel for the rear area and ease of use in the storage area. Different colors and materials are employed to emphasize the separate personalities of the front and rear seating areas. The ZEST Sport features a black color scheme front and rear to emphasize the vehicle�s sporty image.
• The instrument panel is permanently lit for improved visibility.
• The front bench seat³ provides relaxed seating with outstanding hold and comfort.

3	Except models equipped with a tilt-up sliding front passenger seat

Utility

Spacious, comfortable interior with functional utility for more fun and versatility

• Easy-to-operate versatile seats provide a wide variety of uses.
• The extra-large storage space offers a maximum capacity of 739-liters⁴.
• The optional Active Package⁵ includes wipable floor mats, water-repellent seat material, and other convenient features.
• The air conditioner�s newly developed allergy-free high-performance deodorizing filter⁶ is treated with anti-allergenic materials to control pollen and other allergens that can cause allergies.
• The optional Honda Smart Card Key System⁷ allows the card key holder to lock and unlock the front doors and the tailgate with just one touch of the lock/unlock button.
• The optional Security Package,⁸ composed of a security alarm featuring a hood detection device (a first for a minicar⁹) and an immobilizer, delivers enhanced anti-theft protection.

4	Honda calculations according to VDA formula
5	Standard on W and Sport W. Factory option on G and Sport G
6	Included with Full Auto Air Conditioner. Standard on W. Factory option on G, Sport G, Sport W, G model equipped with a tilt-up sliding front passenger seat, and Wheelchair-accessible models
7	Factory option on all models except N, models equipped with a tilt-up sliding front passenger seat, and Wheelchair-accessible models.
8	Honda data
9	Factory option on all models except N and N model equipped with a tilt-up sliding front passenger seat.

Driving Performance

High-quality driving performance combines driving pleasure with stability and comfort

• i-DSI and i-DSI turbocharged engines combine lively performance with low fuel consumption and outstandingly clean emissions.

• An electronically controlled, 4-speed automatic transmission contributes to smooth driving performance and higher fuel economy.

• The suspension delivers an outstandingly comfortable, highly stable ride. The Sport W model features a sporty, custom suspension.

• A lightweight, high-rigidity body ensures superior collision safety and handling stability .

Safety

Advanced safety performance achieves a solid sense of security in a small car

• For the first time in a minicar,¹⁰ ZEST models equipped with the Front Seat i-side Airbag System also feature a Side Curtain Airbag System¹¹ for both the front and rear seats.

• The body is designed to enhance self-protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time improving compatibility with other vehicles to mitigate damage.

• The pedestrian injury reduction body is designed to help reduce injury in the event of a collision involving a pedestrian.

• The head shock protection interior is designed to protect vehicle occupants form shocks to the head in the event of a collision.

• All models are equipped with front seats designed to reduce the impact of a rear collision on a passenger�s neck area.

• All models are equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and brake assist.

10	Honda data
11	Factory option on G, W, Sport G, Sport W.

Advanced Features

Advanced systems support more comfortable driving and a pleasant automotive lifestyle

• The sophisticated Honda HDD InterNavi System¹² combines a navigation system with Honda�s InterNavi Premium Club.

12	Factory option on G, W, Sport G, Sport W, and G model equipped with a tilt-up sliding front passenger seat.

Environmental Performance

Advanced clean technologies achieve outstanding environmental performance

• All FWD vehicles have been certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport as having achieved a 75% reduction with respect to emissions regulations for 2005, while four-wheel-drive models have been certified as achieving a 50% reduction.

• The FWD models of N, G, W, Sport G,¹³ and Sport W (except turbo) have been brought into compliance with 2010 emission standards. In addition, the FWD models of N, G, and Sport G (except turbo)¹⁴ offer even greater fuel efficiency that exceeds 2010 standards by more than 5%.

• Interior VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) has been reduced in all models to below the standards for interior densities set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

13	Except for Sport G turbo with 14-inch aluminum wheels.
14	Except for Sport G with 14-inch aluminum wheels.

Barrier Free Vehicles

Delivering comfortable, enjoyable transportation for all occupants

• The ZEST is available with a model equipped with atilt-up sliding front passenger seat, ¹⁵ a fully motorized front passenger seat that can be swiveled, raised and lowered. A wheelchair accessible model¹⁶ is also available that enables passengers seated in wheelchairs to enter and exit the vehicle smoothly while remaining in their wheelchair.

15	Available in N and G FWD models
16	Available in G FWD model

Source: Text & Photos courtesy Honda Motor Corporation