2006 Honda Zest

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%.



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.



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.

Útility
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.

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.

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.

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. ( posted on conceptcarz.com) 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.

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.

Source - Honda Motor Co., Inc.