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New engine, auto for Honda FR-V

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Honda's already stylish FR-V has been beefed up with the addition of a new petrol engine and an auto 'box.

While very little changes have been made to the physical vehicle itself, the most significant will have to be the addition of a 1.8 litre single overhead camshaft i-VTEC engine and a five-speed manual automatic transmission to the range.

This 16-valve four cylinder unit is currently used in the Civic range and produces 103 kW at 6 300 r/min and 174 Nm at 4 300 r/min. In the FR-V, this translates to a top speed of 190 km/h (185 km/h with the auto 'box) and a fuel index on the combined cycle of 7.5 l/100 km (or 8.1 l/100 km for the auto).

The next big thing is the introduction of a five-speed automatic transmission to the range to complement the existing six-speed manual gearbox. According to Honda, the 'direct control' transmission provides smooth shifts with ratios closely matched to the engine?s output curve.

From the outside, a dark chrome finish to the grille, headlghts, door handles, tail light cluster tell the revised models apart while on the inside, the facia has taken on a metallic hue.

Seats are covered in a greyish-blue fabric. A back seat armrest is new, as is a front middle tray (housed in the front half of the seat squab) with two compartments and cupholders.

An additional boot light has been provided, along with an auxiliary jack for an iPod or similar device.

The FR-V's 3-by-2 seating configuration and safety equipment remains unchanged.

Prices are R214 000 for the manual and R224 000 for the automatic. A five--year/100 000 km service plan, a three-year/100 000km warranty, and a one-year roadside assistance programme is included. Service intervals are every 15 000km.

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