page 14
AUTO March 2009 November 2018
THE VALLEY SENTINEL
2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In TRG By David and Judy Colman
Let us be perfectly clear about this - Honda’s Clarity is a plug-in hybrid that doesn’t act like one. And that’s much to its benefit. It doesn’t have squishy, unpredictable brakes. It doesn’t have an interior layout that looks like it was designed by a bathroom remodeler. Its dashboard doesn’t constantly bombard you with eco reinforcement messages. And its handling is neither treacherous nor slovenly. In other words the Clarity is miles ahead of other plug-in hybrids because it behaves like a real car, not an overpriced golf kart. But where this hybrid does pay off is efficiency. It’s capable of travelling 89 miles on a full electric charge that takes 2.5 hours at 240 volts or 12 hours on 120 volts. So if you run a 45 mile commute each day and have 240 volt chargers at either end, you can basically drive your Clarity for free. But unlike range limited pure electric cars, Clarity has a backup system under the
hood - a 1.5 liter inline 4 that will kick in when the hybrid battery discharges. In regular gas-powered mode, the Clarity still returns 42MPG. The only caveat is that the gas engine draws from a small 7 gallon fuel tank, so you will be looking for a fill up well before the odometer records 300 miles. Honda stylists seem determined these days to emulate Ray Gun styling. The exterior of the Clarity is an eye opening pastiche of samurai sword slashes, from the diagonal side sweep of the sheet metal to the fussy detailing of the front and rear fascias. One touch that set this Honda apart from anything else on the road is the semiskirting of the rear wheel enclosures. A set of turbinevane alloy rims, with silver and grey spokes alternately fluted and flat, distinguishes the wheel wells of the Clarity. These psychedelic wheels mount sizeable Michelin Green X radials (235/45R18) that dig in and get a grip when
you press Clarity through a succession of curves. Given its hefty curb weight (4,045lbs.) this full size sedan comports itself with dignity and grace. We wouldn’t go so far as to call it nimble, but it certainly merits the term sure footed. Honda thankfully provides its pilot with a “Sport” button that, when engaged, instantly causes the car to spurt ahead as the throttle setting recalibrates itself to more instantaneous response. Simultaneously, steering feedback stiffens slightly, as Clarity enters a more polished sporting dimension. Honda equips the steering wheel with diminutive paddles to control the operation of the CVT transmission. This manual oversight seems to have a rather negligible effect on the car’s actual performance. You’re never quite sure what simulated “gear” you’re in because the video display on the instrument panel does not record gear number, but rather displays a series of tiny chevrons which increase as
valleysentinel.com
you shift up and decrease as you paddle shift down. The infotainment center d e r i ve s f ro m a n e a r l i e r generation of Honda video screens which lack volume control or station changing knobs. This makes accessing desired programming difficult and distracting, especially on bumpy roads when your hand bounces from one visual icon to another. On the positive side, the steering wheel does contain a volume control rheostat which is much easier to operate than the video screen call out. The simplified interior of the Clarity is thankfully devoid of the exterior’s exuberance. In fact, this cabin is restful and well laid out. Of particular note is the suede-like material Honda has applied to the dash face and door surfaces. This helps deaden noise, provides a plush look, and melds nicely with the perforated headliner and leather trimmed seating surfaces. The rear seat backs can be partially folded forward using release levers located inside the car’s spacious, 16 cubic foot trunk. While the
pass through orifice is not large enough for mammoth objects, it will still allow long boards from Home Depot or the surf shop to be accommodated. The rear seat backs split in time honored 60/40 division. Clarity is the plug-in hybrid for ecologically conscientious buyers who seek a normal sedan environment with few Tommy Tomorrow styling cues. The exterior, however, is a bit more flamboyant so the extrovert in you won’t mistake the Clarity for anything else on the road. 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid TRG Engine: 1.5 liter inline 4 plus electric motor H o r s e p o w e r : 21 2 h p combined Torque: N/A Fuel Consumption: 110MPGe/42MPG gas only Price As Tested: $37,490 Hypes: Great Burst of e-Torque, Solid Handling Gripes: eCVT Difficult to Manage, Limited Rear Visibility, No Rear Wiper Star Rating: 9 Stars out of 10
DIABLO MOTORS
SALES • BROKERAGE • CONSIGNMENT • SERVICE • DETAIL
Happy Thanksgiving Month!
Brake Special
We are thankful for all of our awesome customers.
Includes:
Free Synthetic Oil Service Value $145
with any complete brake job, front or rear Good through 11-30-18
$99 Synthetic Oil Service with FREE Inspection
$32,900 2015 BMW 435i
WBA3T3C55FP939882
$36,900 2018 BMW 430ix Drive MSport WBA4Z3C56JEC47950
$32,900 2016 BMW 428i M-Sport WBA3V7C55G5A28534
Up to 5 quarts synthetic oil, and filter. Additional parts are extra. Applies to most vehicles. Good through 11-30-18
$299 Detail Special
Includes: -Interior and exterior cleaning -Clay bar and wax exterior -Detail engine compartment
$29,900 2016 Mercedes E350 AMG Sport WDDHF5KB4GB262833
$31,900
$29,900 2015 BMW 535i M-Sport WBA5B1C5XFD921945
2016 BMW 428i Gran Coupe WBA4C9C50GG139239
Larger/Dirtier vehicles extra Good through 11-30-18
Call (925) 830-8747 for an appointment today!
$34,900 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 5UXKR0C55F0P15126
(925) 830-8747
$29,900 2017 BMW X3 xDrive M-Sport 5UXWX9C3XH0T25328
$28,900 2016 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 1C4BJWDG9GL147880
www.diablomotors.com
2067 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon