Misplaced Pages

#509490

54-582: The Today represented Honda's reentry into kei car production. Honda had abandoned kei passenger cars in 1975, choosing only to keep manufacturing the Honda Acty kei truck and the related Honda Street microvan in that segment. After 1975, Honda's smallest car was the Civic , until the introduction of the smaller City in 1981, which was a supermini with an engine larger than what kei car legislation allowed. The Today name has since been used by Honda for

108-523: A 50 cc scooter manufactured in China, available from 2002 until 2016. The first generation Today (JW1) was introduced in September 1985 as a three-door hatchback—it was originally only sold as a light commercial van, as the tax structure favored such vehicles. The rear axle was a coil-sprung torsion beam , while the front axle used struts with forward-reaching control arms. Only intended for

162-504: A coil-sprung rear beam axle located by two trailing arms and a Panhard rod (though the first generation used a torsion beam rear axle), while four-wheel-drive versions had independently sprung rear wheels using struts. The base model was originally called the Mi, with a better-equipped Pochette available with two doors only. The corresponding Gi trim was only offered on the Associe. Qi was

216-566: A differential lock in the rear and features Ultra-Low forward and reverse gears (UL/UR). The other models of STD, SDX, SDX2 and TOWN had slight variations with the TOWN and SDX2 adding a color coded (white) bumper and side mirrors along with a tachometer. The TOWN features tweed seats with a brown interior (as opposed to "vinyl" like seats on STD models). The only other notable options were a light for rear work area and radio. The original Actys have distinct round headlights (known as “round-eye”) while

270-672: A five-speed manual - with the same engine as the Street Xi (the Fox was dropped, replaced by the carburetted Street V). Production of the Acty continued until the arrival of the third generation in 1999, although the Honda Street continued to be built until 2001 as it was only partially replaced by the pricier Honda Vamos . The third generation Acty truck was introduced on 27 May 1999. The van went on sale one month later. On September 30, 1996,

324-564: A modern version of its 1970s Honda Life "StepVan" microvan , and reintroduced the Life model name in 1997. When kei car regulations changed in October 1998, necessitating a redesign, the "tallboy" Life was updated, while the Today, a modern interpretation of the first Honda Life three-door hatchback, was discontinued. Honda Acty The Honda Acty ( Japanese: ホンダ・アクティ , Honda Akuti )

378-527: A standard fuel-injected 656 cc three-cylinder E07A engine , and a high output version of the same engine with MTREC technology for the Xi model (called Rs in the facelift model). MTREC stands for "Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Control" and features individual throttle bodies for each cylinder. This engine was borrowed from the Honda Beat , although the Today's engine was tuned for more low-end torque than

432-540: A top speed of 69 mph (111 km/h), while the 0-60 mph (97 km/h) sprint required 34.2 seconds. The standing quarter mile time was a lengthy 23.9 seconds with a closing speed of 56 mph (90 km/h). A five-speed manual became available on the special edition Today G in September 1987. Another special edition appeared in February 1987; the Today M-based "Pochette" received special colors and

486-864: Is a series of cabover microvans and kei trucks produced by the Japanese automaker Honda from 1977 to 2021, designed for the Japanese domestic market (JDM). "Acty" is short for "Activity". The Acty's primary competitors were the Subaru Sambar , Suzuki Carry/Every , Daihatsu Hijet , Mazda Scrum , Nissan NT100/NV100 Clipper and the Mitsubishi Minicab . The Acty range is designed to be economical, agile work vehicles, and generally lack luxury options, although air conditioning and power steering are available along with various trim, decoration, and customization options. The first generation

540-477: Is of an LEV design, with low emissions and high gas mileage. Fuel economy was further increased by the use of electric power steering. Max power in 1999 was 46 PS (34 kW; 45 hp) at 5,000 rpm. The engine was since upgraded to the current 660 cc 12-valve inline-three E07Z gasoline engine making 53 PS (39 kW; 52 hp) at 7,000 rpm and 6.2 kg⋅m (61 N⋅m; 45 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm (4WD models). Currently,

594-443: Is rated 34 PS (25 kW) at 5500 rpm and 4.5 kg⋅m (44 N⋅m; 33 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm. The first models were the Acty truck and van, with the commercial grade Acty van appearing a month later. The 4WD models (HA2, HA4 after the 1990 facelift) were no longer available with an automatic transmission. There was also an "Acty Attack" version of the truck, intended for farmers in particular this model has

SECTION 10

#1732783872510

648-837: The Honda TN360 (most recently sold as the TN7) and the Honda T360 . On 1 September 1975, the Japanese Government revised the rules on Road Trucking Vehicle Law that regulated the dimensions and engine size of vehicles in this class. As a result, the first Acty trucks and vans were available with a " midship " mounted 545 cc 2-cylinder SOHC water-cooled engine, known as the EH engine , which produces 28 PS (20.6 kW; 27.6 hp) at 5500 rpm and 4.2 kg⋅m (41 N⋅m; 30 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. This

702-562: The Acty kei truck. The engine had a single-barrel Keihin carburetor and, being a commercial vehicle, did not need a catalytic converter but could make do with an EGR system to control emissions. The transmission was positioned to the right side of the engine, with the differential mounted beneath. In a period road test of a Hondamatic-equipped car belonging to the General Motors Test Fleet, Car and Driver measured

756-522: The Vamos Hobio ); this lamp design remained in production until mid-2018. The facelift also received a regular three-speed automatic with a torque converter rather than the earlier Hondamatic, and for the first time, a passenger version became available (in March 1988). Sales targets were 9,000 per month for the van and 1,000 per month for the private car version. The suspension was also upgraded, as

810-404: The compact Honda Civic, and the mid-size Honda Accord AeroDeck . Thanks to a very compact engine and the trailing-arm rear suspension, Honda was able to give the car minimal overhangs and a wheelbase of 2,330 mm (91.7 in), the longest of any kei car at the time, and with the car's efficient packaging, the passenger compartment took up over three quarters of the car's length. Unusually,

864-452: The 547 cc engine was replaced with the larger 656 cc Honda E07A engine (with fuel injection added in 1996). The carburetted version of this engine produced 38 PS (28 kW) at 5,300 rpm and 5.5 kg⋅m (54 N⋅m; 40 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Street could reach a top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph), while the four-wheel drive version only could attain 105 km/h (65 mph). Trucks received

918-549: The Acty as well, beginning in January 1994. The Acty Crawler (HA5), with treads mounted on tandem axles replacing the rear wheels, was released in January 1994 and remained in production for special order until 1999. The Acty and the Street were further modified in January 1996 when the front turn signals were changed from amber to clear. At this time, the fuel injected Acty SDX-Hi was also introduced - only with two-wheel drive and

972-542: The Acty has round headlamps, the Street received square units after the facelift. Starting with model year 1985, the Acty/Street was exclusive to a chain of Japanese Honda dealerships established for small and commercial vehicles, called Honda Primo . The first generation Acty was also sold in a few export markets, such as the United Kingdom and Australia . Subsequent models were marketed almost entirely in

1026-532: The HA3/HA4 chassis numbers depending on whether they are two- or four-wheel drive, while vans/Streets are called HH3/HH4. In October 1993, the Honda Street and Acty's front design was changed yet again, receiving larger, more square headlamp units with one chamfered corner. A PGM-FI version in "Fox" and "Xi" equipment levels was also introduced to the Street at this time. This version produces 44 PS (32 kW; 43 hp). The front end changes were applied to

1080-494: The Japanese Government amended the Enforcement Regulations Vehicle Law, Ministerial Ordinance No. 53, which addressed safety requirements for front passengers, but did not allow for larger overall dimensions. Honda pushed the driving position back while keeping the engine in its traditional location underneath the vehicle. The new design retained the mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout although it

1134-588: The Japanese domestic market only. As a bit of an oddity, the Acty was sold during 1982 in Australia, but was made unavailable inside of Sydney due to concerns by Honda that the vehicle was underpowered for the hilly terrain. The second generation Acty was launched in May 1988 with the introduction of the Honda E05 engine , with an additional cylinder added, making it a 547 cc 3-cylinder with SOHC . The engine

SECTION 20

#1732783872510

1188-403: The Japanese domestic market, the Today was initially launched with three different model specifications, with the entry model being the 'F', followed by the 'M' and the top-of-the-range 'G'. It was introduced at newly established Japanese Honda Primo dealerships alongside the "Primo" sedan, the Civic . The flat-roof hatchback design was shared with the incrementally larger supermini Honda City,

1242-542: The Street Van has large, rectangular headlamps. After a thorough March 1990 update to meet altered kei car regulations the Acty Truck received the same headlights as the Street Van, while all models grew longer by 10 cm (3.9 in). At this time the Street also received the taillights from the contemporary Honda Today (which were also used for the third generation Acty van). The 1990 changeover also meant that

1296-550: The Today was the single windshield wiper. While never successful in a changing market, where "tallboy" designs were prevalent, the low slung JA4/JA5 Today with its comparably rigid construction has since developed a strong following with racers and tuners nowadays. There is a thriving aftermarket for the Today, helped further by sharing an engine with the Beat. In light of the Suzuki Wagon R 's success, Honda decided to introduce

1350-472: The addition of a permanent four-wheel drive version with an independent rear axle and struts. The second-generation Today was introduced in 1993 and was designed around passenger comfort, unlike the more utilitarian original model. As such, the passenger models of the original Today (JA2/JA3) were discontinued immediately. The lineup was further reduced in September 1994 to the basic Pro F, the Humming X, and

1404-455: The automatic transmission. In accordance with new kei car regulations in March 1990, the Today's bumpers were enlarged to give the car a length of 3,295 mm (129.7 in), and the engine was enlarged to 656 cc. Power output was 42 PS (31 kW) for carbureted models and 52 PS (38 kW) for fuel-injected models. The new chassis codes were JW3/JW4 (commercial 2WD, 4WD) and JA2/JA3 (passenger version 2WD, 4WD). April 1990 saw

1458-456: The bottom was asymmetrical with the parking brake offset to the left, allowing additional space for the driver's seat. Originally available with either a four-speed manual or a two-speed Hondamatic semi-automatic transmission , the Today was powered by the Gold Wing -derived water-cooled OHC 545 cc Honda EH two-cylinder engine producing 31 PS (23 kW)—the same as used in

1512-488: The car's round headlights were replaced by aerodynamic lenses matching the rest of the Honda family. The hood had to be made taller to accommodate the bulkier engine. The rear was also modernized, with the bootlid featuring a small spoiler on top and a larger rear windshield. Beneath, there was a new, smoother bumper with restyled taillights which eventually found their way onto both the second and third generation Acty vans (and

1566-399: The car's target audience were mostly single young women who often drove alone, with little need for cargo space or room for additional passengers. Initially only available as a two-door, the four-door Today Associe was added in May 1993. On four-door models with power windows, the rear windows were still manually operated. Aside from on the lowest equipment level (Mi), a driver's side airbag

1620-443: The four-wheel-drive Pro QP and Humming QX models. The fuel-injected version had already been discontinued and the five-speed manual was only available coupled with four-wheel drive. The other models received a four-speed manual or an optional three-speed automatic. The well-equipped Humming models were an attempt at recapturing buyers who were put off by the lack of a rear hatch of the second generation Today, and proved more popular than

1674-482: The four-wheel-drive version, and the Xi was the sportiest model, using the MTREC engine. In March 1994, the base model was renamed Ji and three-point rear seat belts were made standard fitment. Until 1996, Today buyers could specify traditional Japanese fender-mounted mirrors on the base Mi and Ji models, a feature that was still popular with professional drivers at the time. For the February 1996 facelift, Honda replaced

Honda Today - Misplaced Pages Continue

1728-493: The high-end Beat. MTREC-engined models received a three-spoke steering wheel and a tachometer . Power outputs were 48 PS (35 kW) at 6300 rpm for the regular model and 58 PS (43 kW) at 7300 rpm for the MTREC-equipped versions; torque figures were 5.8 and 6.1 kg⋅m (57 and 60 N⋅m; 42 and 44 lb⋅ft) at 5500 or 6200 rpm respectively. These engines were largely unchanged throughout

1782-527: The maximum payload is 200 kg (440 lb). The truck was available as a basic standard model, SDX (Super Deluxe) and more comfortable Town versions. There was also the Acty Attack, a spartanly equipped four-wheel drive version with a differential lock, particularly intended for farmers. The van was available as a two-seater Pro-B (with division) or as the somewhat more comfortable Pro-A. There were also four-seater SDX and Town versions. The Acty van (and

1836-455: The newer model. Both the Pro and Humming models continued to be built in parallel until kei car regulations were changed again in October 1998. In January 1993, a redesigned Honda Today was announced. Unlike the first generation, which was originally designed to meet light commercial car requirements, the second generation Today was designed as a passenger car from the outset. Thus, the suspension

1890-460: The origin of Honda's four-wheeled vehicle, based on the "TOWN" type, in the light commercial vehicle "ACTY TRUCK" released on November 9. The Acty ended production in April 2021 due to new emissions regulations and mandatory crash mitigation brakes that will be gradually required to be installed, thus increasing development costs. Honda Vamos Too Many Requests If you report this error to

1944-535: The related Vamos Hobio ) kept using the taillights of the 1988 facelift version of the Honda Today . The "Street" name was discontinued in favor of the Honda Vamos , based on the Acty van. In December 2009, the Acty truck was replaced by the new fourth generation model, but the bonneted Acty van continued to be produced with the third generation bodywork. On 12 July 2018, the Acty van was discontinued and it

1998-608: The same pressing can be used for either side of the car. The Acty was exported to a number of markets, including Great Britain, where it is considered to have created an entire new category. The Suzuki Carry /Bedford Rascal was GM's response to the Acty in the British market. An upper trim level of the Acty van intended mainly for passenger usage went on sale 1 February 1981 and was called the Honda Street (in Japanese) ; it

2052-471: The second generation Today's production run. Both engines were available with either a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (using Honda's Realtime 4WD technology) was available only in the Qi trim level; unlike in the first generation Today, four-wheel drive was also available with an automatic transmission. Similarly to the first-generation Today, front-wheel drive models had

2106-440: The segment. Power outputs varied, since commercial vehicles suffered less stringent emissions regulations. The lower-end models all produced 36 PS (26 kW), although the passenger models used a "PGM-carb" electronic carburettor. The fuel-injected models produced 44 PS (32 kW) in commercial cars, 42 PS (31 kW) in automatic vans and manual passenger models, and 40 PS (29 kW) in passenger models with

2160-433: The three-door and was now simply called "Today", forgoing the "Associe" name. The front was also reworked with a thin grille and different bumpers. The chassis numbers remained JA4 and JA5 (FF/4WD). Reflecting changing market conditions, the five-door Today was no longer available with the more powerful MTREC engine, as buyers tended to appreciate more economic models. One part shared between both generations and all models of

2214-512: The unconventional tailgate with a traditional hatchback door. This necessitated a thorough redesign of the rear end (resulting in a look very similar to that of the Honda Logo , which appeared a few months later), because the rear window had originally wrapped around to the sides. The option of a driver's side airbag was now available across the range, whereas before it had only been offered on select models. The five-door arrived one month after

Honda Today - Misplaced Pages Continue

2268-424: The view to the car's sides, the design also increased the rigidity of the bodyshell. As with the original Today, the interior was not symmetrical. With the second generation, Honda took full advantage of the extra space on the right and made the driver's seat slightly wider than the front passenger seat, at 500 and 460 mm (20 and 18 in) respectively. These features were decided on after research indicated that

2322-441: Was about 50% larger than the engine used in the preceding TN7. Export models, with less emissions equipment, claim 30.6 hp (22.8 kW; 31.0 PS) at the same engine speed. The van was introduced November 1979, although a truck-based panel van with a boxy rear was available from the beginning (TB). To save money, the van uses the same taillights as the truck and also has side doors with center mounted handles, meaning that

2376-407: Was aimed at female buyers. The Pochette became a regular model by 1990 and remained available into the second generation. In a market where three-cylinder engines were the norm, the ultra-compact EH was already outdated and was replaced by the 547 cc three-cylinder, four-valve, single overhead camshaft E05A engine in February 1988. At the same time, the Today underwent a minor facelift in which

2430-484: Was also the first Acty/Street to receive a five-speed manual gearbox, initially only available on the 4WD models. A larger, 35 L (9.2 US gal) was also part of the 4WD's equipment. In June 1982, the series received a facelift, with wraparound turn signals. At this time the Hondamatic version was added, as was the "Big Cab" version, with a passenger compartment stretched by 100 mm (4 in). While

2484-534: Was introduced, as a truck only, at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in 2009 on December 17, showing the HA8 series and continuing to use the E07Z engine. With the merger of the Subaru Sambar and Daihatsu Hijet , the Acty truck became the final Kei truck not to have a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout . The first Acty trucks were introduced July 27, 1977, and replaced several keitoras Honda had previously offered, such as

2538-498: Was now of a "semi-bonneted" design. Meeting the increased safety requirements was a major focus during development. The base price of the pickup model is ¥777,000 (approximately $ 7,920 USD ), with the van starting at ¥1,060,500 (approximately US$ 10,810) as of December 2008. Four-wheel drive is available as an option on all vans, and all but one model of pickup truck, making the Acty one of a handful of mid-engine, AWD vehicles that are not designed as supercars . The 656 cc engine

2592-405: Was offered as an option. On the better equipped front-wheel drive models, an ABS system was also available, although this encroached considerably on the space in the luggage compartment. Ordering the airbag or ABS system was also the only way to get three-point ELR (emergency locking retractor) belts on the rear seats instead of the usual waist belts. The 1993 Today was available with two engines,

2646-677: Was produced for two generations of the Acty van. Available with a standard or an all-new high roof design, the high roof was also made available for the Acty van (SDX only). The name was discontinued in 2001 after the Honda Vamos name had been reintroduced as a replacement trim level for the Street, on a shared platform of the Acty van. In March 1983 the four-wheel drive Acty/Street was added. This model receives 12-inch wheels for increased ground clearance and has an engine with an improved cylinder head, increasing power to 29 PS (21.3 kW; 28.6 hp) at 5300 rpm and torque to 4.5 kg⋅m (44 N⋅m; 33 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm. This

2700-538: Was produced from 1977 to 1988 (model series TA, TB, TC, VD, VH). The second generation's years were 1988-1999 (model series HA1, HA2, HH1, HH2 with the E05A engine; HA3, HA4, HA5, HH3, HH4 with the EN07A engine - the Street continued in production until 2011). The third generation's years were 1999-2009 (model series HA6, HA7, HH5, HH6 with E07Z engine) with the van remaining in production until April 2021. The fourth generation

2754-586: Was replaced by the N-Van . On 17 December 2009, the fourth generation Acty truck was introduced. As for the Daihatsu Hijet and Suzuki Carry competitors, this model has become delinked from the van as a result of differing safety requirements for commercial vehicles and passenger-type vans. It continues to use the predecessor and van's E07Z engine, although now with 45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp). The chassis codes are HA8 (2WD) or HA9 (4WD). The wheelbase

SECTION 50

#1732783872510

2808-413: Was shortened dramatically, returning to the 1.9 m (6.2 ft) as used on the second generation Acty, in order to increase cabin space and to shrink the turning circle. In June 2012, the Acty underwent some light modifications so as to meet new upcoming standards on lighting. In November 2018, Honda renewed the "Spirit Color Style", a special-purpose vehicle commemorating the 55th anniversary of T360,

2862-515: Was the dashboard. Chassis codes were JW2 for the commercial model and JA1 for the passenger model. Available trims were F, M, G, Ri, Ri-Z (JW2), XG (JA1), and XTi (JA1). The XG and all fuel injected models were better equipped to handle highway driving, featuring front stabilizing bars and front disc brakes. The fuel-injected versions were equipped with progressive coil springs at the rear axle. Later, lower-cost XE and XL passenger versions were added as light commercial cars began losing their domination in

2916-506: Was tuned for a more comfortable ride and the car did not have a hatchback ; in its place was a downwards-opening tailgate , like on the 1992 Civic three-door (although unlike the Civic, the Today's rear window did not open). This influenced the " Pochette " trim name ("pouch" in French), which described how the tailgate opened. While the unusual, wraparound rear window was designed to maximize

#509490