Learn to Speak Honda
Explanation of technical terms and abbreviations used in Honda vehicles
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Our anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents wheel lock-up during emergency braking, allowing you to steer around obstacles. So you stay in control regardless of weather conditions.
ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control)
During stressful highway driving, our adaptive cruise control technology helps you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusts it as needed. Adaptive cruise control must be activated by the user.
ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering)
Our vehicles are designed to keep you safe in the event of a frontal collision and their frame structure is specially designed to reduce the effects of impact. The innovative body design ensures that impact energy is absorbed over a large area, protecting the interior space and thus you and your passengers. ACE technology can also minimize damage to other vehicles at the accident scene in addition to redirecting force from frontal impacts.
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
The advanced driver assistance system includes the lane keeping assist system (LKAS) and the collision mitigation braking system (CMBS).
Active Front Headrests
Active front headrests protect your head, neck and spine from impact if someone hits you from behind. During a rear-end collision, the occupants' bodies are pushed into the seat back. This pressure is then mechanically transferred from the lumbar area through linkages that push the headrest up and forward, reducing the distance between the head and headrest and thus reducing the risk of neck hyperflexion.
Active Safety
Our active safety technologies can completely change the situation in a fraction of a second before an accident. They include the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and vehicle stability assist (VSA). Each of them is primarily designed to prevent accidents and keep you safe.
Aerodynamics
Enjoy smoother, quieter driving with better fuel economy. Our vehicles are designed to be aerodynamic, and our engineers work hard to reduce the drag coefficient (Cd) to the lowest possible value. It's a technical process, but the lower this value, the less air resistance the vehicle has to overcome.
BA (Brake Assist)
Brake assist recognizes when emergency braking occurs and automatically increases braking force. This strong braking helps shorten the stopping distance.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless communication standard used to connect mobile phones or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to compatible vehicles. It allows you to keep your hands free and focus on driving.
CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System)
Our collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) warns you of an impending collision or, if it's too late to warn, automatically starts braking. A small radar mounted behind the grille acts as an eye that continuously sends out a signal and evaluates the returned response. The system can detect an obstacle, calculate the distance between it and the vehicle, and the approach speed. If the system detects an obstacle above a certain threshold, it alerts you with a flashing light and alarm. If you don't respond, the system will apply light braking and gently tug your seatbelt. If you still don't respond and a frontal collision is imminent, both front seatbelts will tighten and the vehicle will brake hard. The CMBS reduces impact speed and thus potential accident consequences.
Common Rail
A common rail diesel engine provides rapid injection of very precise amounts of fuel into the combustion chamber. As a result, the fuel turns into an aerosol that allows for more efficient combustion. The result is a quieter, more economical engine that also produces fewer emissions.
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an intelligent representative of automatic transmission. With smooth shifting through an almost infinite range of gear ratios, this transmission offers perfectly smooth operation with high efficiency and better fuel economy.
Double Locking
A thief trying to steal your vehicle from outside or inside by breaking a window won't be able to access the vehicle because only you and your remote control can operate the double locking function.
Double Wishbone Suspension
This suspension arrangement provides maximum steering precision with forgiving handling characteristics that allow you to continue enjoying the drive.
EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Works together with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to deliver braking force exactly where it's needed. This system distributes braking force between front and rear wheels, maximizing brake effectiveness.
ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
This computer is responsible for the engine and controls all its functions.
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Electric power steering (EPS) uses an electric motor instead of hydraulics to assist with steering, putting less load on the engine than conventional hydraulic systems, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of designing the optimal environment for humans. At Honda, we use ergonomics to make your vehicle as safe and comfortable as possible. You'll find that controls and instruments are logically arranged in the vehicle, and we're confident they're easy to understand and use. We've paid attention to the smallest details – from steering wheel controls to the driver's seat, which is designed for comfort as well as driver alertness.
ETCS (Electronic Throttle Control System)
This system, also known as electronic throttle control, uses electronic sensors to detect throttle position and sends a signal to the engine control system. The result is instant and smooth response when you touch the accelerator pedal or handle, without the need for a mechanical connection.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reliable indicators of vehicle performance. The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) ensures that all vehicle manufacturers measure fuel consumption the same way using an industry-standard test, so you can reliably compare different models.
Grade Logic Control System
This intelligent integrated system, used in some automatic transmissions, determines the optimal gear when driving uphill in hilly terrain and on routes with many curves.
HID (High Intensity Discharge) Headlights
HID headlights contain xenon gas instead of a bulb, which is ignited by an electric spark, creating truly white light that illuminates the road ahead. You get headlights that produce significantly brighter light and provide better visibility.
Hill Start Assist
This system provides assistance during tricky uphill starts and holds your vehicle in place for a moment while the driver moves from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
Hybrid
Our hybrid vehicles are designed to use both petrol and electricity, producing fewer emissions while achieving better fuel economy.
ICE (In-Car Entertainment/Internal Combustion Engine)
This abbreviation, depending on context, refers to the vehicle's audio system or engine (usually the former, found in some Honda vehicles with Common Rail fuel injection).
i-DSi (Intelligent Dual Sequential Ignition)
This engine has lower fuel consumption and produces fewer emissions thanks to spark plug timing.
i-DTEC
The next-generation intelligent i-DTEC engine uses the latest Common Rail technology and variable geometry turbocharger, providing you with smoother, quieter yet dynamic driving.
IMA (Integrated Motor Assist)
The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), which combines a petrol engine and electric motor, harnesses the power of hybrid technology to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
i-SHIFT (Intelligent Shift)
Unlike automatic shifting, i-SHIFT doesn't have a torque converter. Instead, it uses the same clutch as the manual transmission model and can be used with paddle shifters or a sequential gear lever.
ISOFix
The ISOFix system allows for safe and easy attachment of child car seats directly to the vehicle's frame.
i-VTEC
This intelligent petrol engine, which combines Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Timing Control (VTC), allows for increased power while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System)
The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps the vehicle stay in one lane on a highway or other road with marked edges and dividing lines. A camera mounted behind the windscreen processes the image of the road ahead and then calculates the steering torque required to keep the vehicle in lane. If you approach a lane marking, you will be alerted with a continuous audible warning.
LSD (Limited Slip Differential)
The limited slip differential (LSD), found in some higher-performance vehicles, increases traction on the wheels to which engine power is transmitted.
Magic Seats
Our Magic Seats fold as easily as a wave of a magic wand. By folding these rear seats, you get a completely flat luggage compartment floor. You can also create more luggage space behind the front seats by lifting the seat cushion.
One-Touch Folding Mechanism
Our one-touch folding mechanism allows smooth and easy seat adjustment with minimal effort. After releasing the rear seat, the headrest automatically folds, the seat cushion tilts forward, and the backrest folds to the floor.
Passive Safety
This term encompasses elements of our vehicles that help protect you in an accident. Elements such as airbags, crumple zones, side reinforcements, and emergency locking retractor (ELR) seatbelts. Passive safety includes all devices that contribute to your safety while remaining passive. If they are movable, they are part of active safety.
RDS (Radio Data System)
The Radio Data System (RDS) essentially enables the transmission and display of data, such as song titles, via radio waves.
Realtime 4x4
This is an intelligent all-wheel drive system that automatically sends power to the wheels with the best grip where it's needed most. It's used during acceleration or when driving on slippery surfaces.
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Technologies such as airbags are called the supplemental restraint system (SRS). In addition to seatbelts, this includes technologies that help restrain occupants in their seats in the event of an impact.
SS (Sequential Shift)
Sequential shift (SS) allows you to manually select gears through an automatic transmission.
Torque
Torque is generally a twisting or rotational force. In relation to a vehicle, torque at low engine speeds is important for the vehicle to be able to accelerate easily from lower revs.
TSA (Trailer Stability Assist)
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is part of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ensuring the highest level of safety when towing a trailer. The TSA system can appropriately apply the brakes based on sensor signals to maintain the stability of both the vehicle and trailer while driving.
Tweeters
These are small supplementary speakers that help ensure perfect clarity of sound from the vehicle's entertainment system. These front-mounted tweeters are part of higher trim levels, helping to reduce distortion and provide perfect high-frequency sound.
Variable Geometry Turbocharger
With the variable geometry turbocharger in the i-DTEC engine, you can enjoy instant and smooth vehicle acceleration. Turbochargers use rotors to increase the pressure of air flowing into the cylinders. This increases the oxygen density in the air, resulting in better combustion and, of course, more power. Variable geometry turbochargers can automatically adjust pressure as needed.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique number used to identify vehicles. It's like a vehicle's passport.
VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)
This system detects loss of traction in corners and helps your vehicle maintain stability. The system measures the speed of individual wheels, lateral centrifugal force, and yaw rate to detect oversteer or understeer. If any of these conditions are detected, the VSA system uses ABS to apply brakes to individual wheels to help stabilize the vehicle. This function is especially useful in difficult driving conditions or if you enter a corner faster than appropriate.
VTC (Variable Timing Control)
Variable Timing Control (VTC) is a mechanism that significantly increases torque and power by changing the advance angle between the camshaft on the intake side and the crankshaft as engine speed and load change. Everything is very intelligently directed to achieve higher torque at lower engine speeds.
VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) ensures optimal engine performance across the entire rev range, exactly where you need it most. The VTEC system also ensures lower emissions and fuel consumption compared to conventional petrol engines.