New Honda generations in the Gardens

2012 CR-V, Accord presented to media

While it is standard for major automobile manufacturers to roll out new models every year, it is especially striking when a new generation - a new shape with upgraded features - is slipped into the showroom.

And when two new generations of a manufacturer's marquee models are released simultaneously, it signals a renewed thrust for the company.

Last Wednesday afternoon, the ninth generation Honda Civic and fourth generation Honda CR-V were presented by ATL at Hope Gardens, St Andrew. While the two new models gleamed under the high noon sun, Honda Brand Manager Christopher DaCosta underscored ATL's pride in the vehicles, saying, "We are unveiling to you what will be the pride of the Jamaican road." He added that the vehicles bring a level of technology, comfort and value "like you have never seen before".

Unbeatable service

Adrian Staicu of Honda Latin America and the Caribbean commended ATL on its level of customer service, saying, "they care about their customers", and noted the company's customer-service accolades. "That is the representative of the unbeatable culture they have here," Staicu said.

Patrice Purser gave the run-through of both vehicles, the five-speed Honda Civic sedan having a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and the CR-V equipped with a five-speed, 2.0 engine.

The Civic purchase price starts at just over $3.27 million, with the CR-V selling for a shade over $4.2 million.

- Mel Cooke