Upgrades to Orthia and Partner Series

January 22, 1998, Japan

News Release

Tokyo, January 22, 1998 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that it has made improvements to two of its passenger vehicle series, the Orthia sports utility wagon and the Partner commercial vehicle. The Orthia series is also being extended with the launch of the 2.0GX Aero. The new Orthia series will be available from January 23 at Primo and Verno dealers throughout Japan, with the new Partner series being available nationwide from the same date at all Honda auto dealers.

Orthia 2.0GX Aero

Orthia 2.0GX Aero

Main features of Orthia series upgrade

  • Special heat and UV-absorbent glass now fitted as standard throughout the series
  • Collapsible power door mirrors (1.8GX)
  • Tinted glass (rear doors/rear quarter light/rear hatch) and side protectors matched in color to the body (1.8GX/2.0GX)
  • 14-inch aluminum wheels (2.0GX-S)
  • VICS (built-in, with remote control) now available as an option with the car navigation system (all grades)
  • Sun visors with large built-in vanity mirrors (passenger side)

Main features of new 2.0GX Aero model (FF/4WD)

Exterior features

  • Refined front and rear under spoilers, plus side spoilers; side and fog light protectors matched in color to the body
  • Headlights with frosted sub-reflectors
  • Elegant full wheel covers
  • Tinted glass (rear doors/rear quarter light/rear hatch)

Interior features

  • Sporty feel enhanced by carbon-look panel interior:
  • Special meters
  • Central paneling
  • Central console
  • Window switches panel
  • High-quality leather-bound steering wheel

Monthly domestic sales target for the Orthia series:

2,000 units

Main features of Partner series upgrade

  • ABS brakes (1.5GL/1.6EL/1.6GL/1.6LEV)
  • Manual air conditioning system now fitted as standard (1.3UL/1.5EL)
  • Front power windows and power door locks now fitted as standard (1.5EL/1.6LEV)
  • 14-inch aluminum wheels (2.0 GX-S)

Monthly domestic sales target for the Partner series:

750 units