Honda Ascot
Encyclopedia
The Honda Ascot was an intermediate
saloon car manufactured by Honda
and marketed in Japan
only from 1989 to 1997. There were two generations of the car, based on the contemporary Honda Accord
and Honda Inspire
, respectively. Additionally, from 1993 to 1996 a "pillared hardtop
" model based on the Accord was marketed in Japan as Honda Ascot Innova, being equivalent to the Swindon
-made European-market Accord at that time.
The "Ascot" name was chosen with reference to the Ascot Racecourse
and Ascot tie
, in order to add the model an alleged air of class and elegance.
, the Clio stores focused on larger models, including the top-of-the-line Honda Legend
. With the arrival of the fourth-generation Honda Accord
(CB), its sales were assigned solely to Honda Clio.
That meant, however, that the Honda Primo network needed a flagship car for the dealership channel. Honda adopted a rather simple solution (quite common in such cases in the JDM
market) of creating a "sister car" to Accord, the Honda Ascot. Technically, the Ascot was identical to the Accord saloon, and so was most of the body, but some cosmetic differences provided for a different look, befitting the Ascot's upmarket role as the top-of-the-line model of Honda Primo. The Ascot had a six-light greenhouse
compared to the regular Accord's four-light layout, and featured a different front end with a more formal grille, as well as a revised rear end with a unified light belt. The styling approach was also duplicated on the smaller Honda Concerto
, a platform shared with the Honda Civic of the same time period.
The Ascot was launched on September 13, 1989, and the television commercial
s initially featured the "Take the A-Train" jazz standard
A-train commercial. Later on, Honda decided to change the marketing image of the car, employing Eric Clapton
to do the commercials. In August 1991, a rehashed Ascot was presented, allegedly "refined to better suit the Japanese taste". In March 1992, Honda presented an all-new Honda Ascot Innova (see below), while the regular Ascot was replaced by an all-new model in 1993.
" look, thus being Honda's answer to cars like the Toyota Carina ED
/Toyota Corona EXiV
, Nissan Bluebird ARX
and Mitsubishi Emeraude. The Ascot Innova was sold in conjunction to the Ascot, and did not replace it.
The Ascot Innova was available in two four-cylinder engine choices: the 2.0-litre F20A unit, producing 135 PS in the less expensive 2.0iC and 2.0i versions, and 150 in the 2.0Si trim, and the H-series 2.3-litre H23A
engine fitted in the export versions of the Prelude, producing 165 HP (the 2.3-litre versions were designated 2.3Si-Z). Interestingly, while the 2.0-litre versions maintained the 1695 mm width which allowed them to remain in the favorable tax class, the 2.3-litre Innovas were 1710 mm wide, as the engine displacement didn't allow them to remain in the lower tax band anyway.
A 4-wheel steering system like the one in the Prelude was made available for the 2.0i, 2.0Si and 2.3Si-Z versions. Apart from the cheapest 2.0iC version, which came with a 5-speed manual transmission
, all Ascot Innovas came with a 4-speed automatic
. The Ascot Innova range started at ¥
1,558,000 for the 2.0iC in the Tokyo
sales area, while the most expensive 2.3Si-Z fetched ¥2,992,000 in Sapporo area, not including extra charges for options such as 4-wheel steering, moonroof, passenger airbag
or ABS
. The television advertising campaign was built around the slogan "Hardtop Innovation" and featured the American actress Geena Davis
.
The Innova itself remained a JDM-only model, and a Honda Primo exclusive, with no JDM sister cars, but it spawned a very closely related European derivative, which was made in Swindon
, UK and marketed in Europe as Honda Accord saloon in lieu of the Accord sedans sold in most other markets. The European Accord and the Ascot Innova differ only slightly, with the Accord being wider and featuring framed windows.
The European Accord was in turn the base for the Rover 600
saloon, developed under Honda's long-standing relationship with the British Rover Group
. The Rover 600 and the Swindon Accord also shared two engine options not available for the Ascot Innova - Honda's F18A 1.8-litre unit and Rover's 2.0-litre L-series
turbodiesel
. The Ascot Innova remained in production until 1996, while the European Accord saloon continued until 1998, when it was replaced with an all-new model.
Rather than being directly based on the Accord, the new Ascot was given its own platform, with the codenames CE4/5, derived from the larger Honda Inspire
and its sister car, Vigor
. Like the Inspire, Vigor and the even larger Honda Legend
, the CE Ascot had its engines mounted longitudinally
, contrary to the Accord and most other FWD
cars, employing the transverse setup
.
The new Ascot had a rather formal upright appearance, being shorter but taller than both the CD Accord, Ascot Innova and the Inspire, thus continuing the first Ascot's role as a premium formal sedan. It was fitted with the 5-cylinder inline
Honda G engine
, also employed by the Inspire and Vigor, in two displacement versions - 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre, with the gearbox slotted underneath it. The Ascot also spawned a sister car, the Honda Rafaga
, to be sold in the Honda Verno stores, which differed from the Ascot only by different external trim details. Both models were replaced by the Accord-based Honda Torneo
in 1997.
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
saloon car manufactured by Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
and marketed in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
only from 1989 to 1997. There were two generations of the car, based on the contemporary Honda Accord
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
and Honda Inspire
Honda Inspire
The Honda Inspire is a luxury sedan introduced by Honda in 1990 and based on the Honda Accord chassis. The first Inspire debuted in 1990 as the Accord Inspire, a sister nameplate to the Honda Vigor, then the Honda Vigor was exported to the USA as an Acura...
, respectively. Additionally, from 1993 to 1996 a "pillared hardtop
Hardtop
A hardtop is a term for a rigid, rather than canvas, automobile roof. It has been used in several contexts: detachable hardtops, retractable hardtop roofs, and the so-called pillarless hardtop body style....
" model based on the Accord was marketed in Japan as Honda Ascot Innova, being equivalent to the Swindon
Swindon
Swindon is a large town within the borough of Swindon and ceremonial county of Wiltshire, in South West England. It is midway between Bristol, west and Reading, east. London is east...
-made European-market Accord at that time.
The "Ascot" name was chosen with reference to the Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races...
and Ascot tie
Ascot tie
An ascot tie, or ascot, is a narrow neckband with wide pointed wings, traditionally made of pale grey patterned silk. This wide, formal tie is usually patterned, folded over, and fastened with a stickpin or tie tack. It is usually reserved for wear with morning dress for formal daytime weddings and...
, in order to add the model an alleged air of class and elegance.
First generation (CB1/2/3/4)
The first Honda Ascot was borne out Honda's strategy to diversify its sales channels in Japan. In 1985, two separate dealer networks were established, under the names of Honda Clio and Honda Primo, in addition to the already existing Honda Verno network. While the Primo stores handled kei cars, as well as the Honda CivicHonda Civic
The Honda Civic is a line of subcompact and subsequently compact cars made and manufactured by Honda. The Civic, along with the Accord and Prelude, comprised Honda's vehicles sold in North America until the 1990s, when the model lineup was expanded...
, the Clio stores focused on larger models, including the top-of-the-line Honda Legend
Honda Legend
The Honda Legend is a mid-size luxury car made by the Japanese automaker Honda. It was the result of Project XX, a joint agreement started in November 1981 with the Austin Rover Group of Great Britain and was mechanically related to the Rover 800 series....
. With the arrival of the fourth-generation Honda Accord
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world....
(CB), its sales were assigned solely to Honda Clio.
That meant, however, that the Honda Primo network needed a flagship car for the dealership channel. Honda adopted a rather simple solution (quite common in such cases in the JDM
Japan domestic market
The term Japanese domestic market refers to the local market in Japan for Japanese-made motor vehicles and components. Within the car and motorcycle hobbyist import scene, this term, and the related term Japanese domestic model, most commonly refer to Japanese-brand automobiles and parts designed...
market) of creating a "sister car" to Accord, the Honda Ascot. Technically, the Ascot was identical to the Accord saloon, and so was most of the body, but some cosmetic differences provided for a different look, befitting the Ascot's upmarket role as the top-of-the-line model of Honda Primo. The Ascot had a six-light greenhouse
Greenhouse (automotive term)
The greenhouse of a car comprises the windshield, rear and side windows, the more or less vertical pillars separating them , and the car's roof....
compared to the regular Accord's four-light layout, and featured a different front end with a more formal grille, as well as a revised rear end with a unified light belt. The styling approach was also duplicated on the smaller Honda Concerto
Honda Concerto
The Honda Concerto was an automobile produced by Honda from 1988 to 1994. Like its predecessor, the Honda Quint and Honda Ballade sedan , it shared its platform with a Rover product, namely the Rover 200 and Rover 400...
, a platform shared with the Honda Civic of the same time period.
The Ascot was launched on September 13, 1989, and the television commercial
Television advertisement
A television advertisement or television commercial, often just commercial, advert, ad, or ad-film – is a span of television programming produced and paid for by an organization that conveys a message, typically one intended to market a product...
s initially featured the "Take the A-Train" jazz standard
Jazz standard
Jazz standards are musical compositions which are an important part of the musical repertoire of jazz musicians, in that they are widely known, performed, and recorded by jazz musicians, and widely known by listeners. There is no definitive list of jazz standards, and the list of songs deemed to be...
A-train commercial. Later on, Honda decided to change the marketing image of the car, employing Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE, is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and...
to do the commercials. In August 1991, a rehashed Ascot was presented, allegedly "refined to better suit the Japanese taste". In March 1992, Honda presented an all-new Honda Ascot Innova (see below), while the regular Ascot was replaced by an all-new model in 1993.
Ascot Innova (CB3/4)
Launched on March 5, 1992, the was also based on the CB Accord underpinnings, but was given an all-new, modern-looking and rounded body, with styling similar to the Honda Prelude BB4 series (1992–1996). The Innova retained the original Ascot's six-light greenhouse layout and horizontal taillights, as well as long, sleek and low body proportions (as opposed to the second-generation Ascot's upright stance and more Accord CF-like rear end). The Innova was fitted with frameless side glazing to provide for the "pillared hardtopHardtop
A hardtop is a term for a rigid, rather than canvas, automobile roof. It has been used in several contexts: detachable hardtops, retractable hardtop roofs, and the so-called pillarless hardtop body style....
" look, thus being Honda's answer to cars like the Toyota Carina ED
Toyota Carina ED
The Toyota Carina ED was a Japanese compact car created in 1985 as a companion to the 1984 Carina sedan. It was positioned as the 4-door Celica, with a similar focus on luxury found on the Corona EXiV. Its design sought to emulate the hardtop styling of large American sedans, resulting in a small,...
/Toyota Corona EXiV
Toyota Corona EXiV
The Corona EXiV was an automobile by Toyota Motor Company. Released in 1989, it was the sporty Toyota Corona and a sister car to Toyota Carina ED. EXiV stood for EXtra impressiVe....
, Nissan Bluebird ARX
Nissan Bluebird U13
The U13 series was launched in Japan in September 1991 as a four-door sedan and four-door hardtop. The two models were visually distinct: the four-door sedan had curves where its U12 predecessor had edges, while the hardtop, called the Nissan Bluebird ARX, had more traditional styling...
and Mitsubishi Emeraude. The Ascot Innova was sold in conjunction to the Ascot, and did not replace it.
The Ascot Innova was available in two four-cylinder engine choices: the 2.0-litre F20A unit, producing 135 PS in the less expensive 2.0iC and 2.0i versions, and 150 in the 2.0Si trim, and the H-series 2.3-litre H23A
Honda H engine
The Honda H engine was Honda's high-performance engine family from the 1990s and early 2000s. It is largely derived from the Honda F engine with which it shares many design features. Like Honda's other 4-cylinder families of the 80s and 90s, it was replaced by the Honda K engine...
engine fitted in the export versions of the Prelude, producing 165 HP (the 2.3-litre versions were designated 2.3Si-Z). Interestingly, while the 2.0-litre versions maintained the 1695 mm width which allowed them to remain in the favorable tax class, the 2.3-litre Innovas were 1710 mm wide, as the engine displacement didn't allow them to remain in the lower tax band anyway.
A 4-wheel steering system like the one in the Prelude was made available for the 2.0i, 2.0Si and 2.3Si-Z versions. Apart from the cheapest 2.0iC version, which came with a 5-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
, all Ascot Innovas came with a 4-speed automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
. The Ascot Innova range started at ¥
Japanese yen
The is the official currency of Japan. It is the third most traded currency in the foreign exchange market after the United States dollar and the euro. It is also widely used as a reserve currency after the U.S. dollar, the euro and the pound sterling...
1,558,000 for the 2.0iC in the Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
sales area, while the most expensive 2.3Si-Z fetched ¥2,992,000 in Sapporo area, not including extra charges for options such as 4-wheel steering, moonroof, passenger airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
or ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
. The television advertising campaign was built around the slogan "Hardtop Innovation" and featured the American actress Geena Davis
Geena Davis
Virginia Elizabeth "Geena" Davis is an American actress, film producer, writer, former fashion model, and a women's Olympics archery team semi-finalist...
.
The Innova itself remained a JDM-only model, and a Honda Primo exclusive, with no JDM sister cars, but it spawned a very closely related European derivative, which was made in Swindon
Swindon
Swindon is a large town within the borough of Swindon and ceremonial county of Wiltshire, in South West England. It is midway between Bristol, west and Reading, east. London is east...
, UK and marketed in Europe as Honda Accord saloon in lieu of the Accord sedans sold in most other markets. The European Accord and the Ascot Innova differ only slightly, with the Accord being wider and featuring framed windows.
The European Accord was in turn the base for the Rover 600
Rover 600
The Rover 600 Series is a compact executive car produced by the British car maker Rover from 1993 to 1999.The Rover 600 exterior was designed by Rover, a re-skin of the Tochigi-developed Honda Accord, also built in the UK by Honda in Swindon...
saloon, developed under Honda's long-standing relationship with the British Rover Group
Rover Group
The Rover Group plc was the name given in 1986 to the British state-owned vehicle manufacturer previously known as British Leyland or BL. Owned by British Aerospace from 1988 to 1994, when it was sold to BMW, the Group was broken up in 2000 with the Rover and MG marques being acquired by the MG...
. The Rover 600 and the Swindon Accord also shared two engine options not available for the Ascot Innova - Honda's F18A 1.8-litre unit and Rover's 2.0-litre L-series
Rover L-Series engine
The L-Series engine is an automotive diesel engine built by Powertrain Ltd, a sister company of MG Rover.-History:The L-Series engine commenced production in January 1995 and was the first Rover designed and manufactured direct injection diesel for use in Rover Cars applications and derived from...
turbodiesel
Turbodiesel
Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
. The Ascot Innova remained in production until 1996, while the European Accord saloon continued until 1998, when it was replaced with an all-new model.
Second generation (CE)
The next-generation (CD) Accord grew in size considerably, mostly to satisfy the American market requirements, and thus became too big to fit within the favorable Japanese tax class (taxation on cars in Japan depends, among other factors, on outside dimensions). Therefore, Honda needed a slightly smaller intermediate car to cater for the JDM market, and this duty was assigned to the new Honda Ascot.Rather than being directly based on the Accord, the new Ascot was given its own platform, with the codenames CE4/5, derived from the larger Honda Inspire
Honda Inspire
The Honda Inspire is a luxury sedan introduced by Honda in 1990 and based on the Honda Accord chassis. The first Inspire debuted in 1990 as the Accord Inspire, a sister nameplate to the Honda Vigor, then the Honda Vigor was exported to the USA as an Acura...
and its sister car, Vigor
Acura Vigor
The Honda Vigor is a compact sedan sold in Japan from 1981 to 1995. It was sold in North America from 1992 to 1994 as the Acura Vigor, a mid-size luxury car. It was replaced in North America with the Acura TL and in Japan with the Honda Saber...
. Like the Inspire, Vigor and the even larger Honda Legend
Honda Legend
The Honda Legend is a mid-size luxury car made by the Japanese automaker Honda. It was the result of Project XX, a joint agreement started in November 1981 with the Austin Rover Group of Great Britain and was mechanically related to the Rover 800 series....
, the CE Ascot had its engines mounted longitudinally
Longitudinal engine
In automotive engineering, a longitudinal engine is an internal combustion engine in which the crankshaft is oriented along the long axis of the vehicle, front to back....
, contrary to the Accord and most other FWD
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
cars, employing the transverse setup
Transverse engine
A transverse engine is an engine mounted in a vehicle so that the engine's crankshaft axis is perpendicular to the long axis of the vehicle. Many modern front wheel drive vehicles use this engine mounting configuration...
.
The new Ascot had a rather formal upright appearance, being shorter but taller than both the CD Accord, Ascot Innova and the Inspire, thus continuing the first Ascot's role as a premium formal sedan. It was fitted with the 5-cylinder inline
Straight-5
The straight-five engine or inline-five engine is an internal combustion engine with five cylinders aligned in one row or plane, sharing a single engine block and crankcase...
Honda G engine
Honda G engine
The Honda G series engine is an inline 5 cylinder gasoline engine, originally used in the 1992 Acura Vigor, Honda Rafaga, Honda Ascot and Honda Inspire. It carried over to the Vigor's successor the 2.5TL, which ran from 1995-1998....
, also employed by the Inspire and Vigor, in two displacement versions - 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre, with the gearbox slotted underneath it. The Ascot also spawned a sister car, the Honda Rafaga
Honda Rafaga
The ' series CE4 and CE5 was an intermediate 4 door sedan sold only in Japan by Honda, and used the same 5 cylinder engine that was used in the Honda Inspire and the Honda Vigor and shared a platform with the Honda Ascot. "Rafaga" is Spanish for "gust" or "blustery". The engine is installed...
, to be sold in the Honda Verno stores, which differed from the Ascot only by different external trim details. Both models were replaced by the Accord-based Honda Torneo
Honda Torneo
The Honda Torneo was a mid-size family saloon car first introduced in 1997. The vehicle's name, "Torneo", is Spanish for "tournament". As Honda decided to consolidate models being offered in Japan, the Torneo replaced the Honda Ascot and Honda Rafaga. The Torneo was very similar to the JDM Honda...
in 1997.