Honda rafaga

The 4-door sedan was sold only on the domestic market of Japan, produced from January 1993, and had a 5-cylinder engine similar to that used on Honda Inspire and Honda Vigor cars . The basis for the Rafaga was the second generation CE series Honda Ascot. “Rafaga” in Spanish means “rush” or “raging”. The engine has a longitudinal installation, and the same configuration used on the Vigor and Inspire. The Rafaga was third in the Honda sedan hierarchy, and its sister car, the Ascot, was sold on the dealership network as the Honda Primo. Rafaga was sold in Japan by dealers like the Honda Verno, and was a level above the Honda Integra . Like other Honda cars, the Rafaga uses a double wishbone suspension for the front and rear wheels. In Japan, the small G20A engine was operated on conventional fuel, and the larger G25A on better quality.

Rafaga and Ascot remained small Honda sedans for the Japanese market, because the size of the Honda Accord grew due to the needs of the North American market. The wheelbase of the Rafaga is smaller than that of the Inspire and Vigor, and is 2805 mm, differing by 35 mm, which left almost no space for rear passengers. In addition, due to the longitudinal installation of the 5-cylinder engine, as well as the requirements for the total length of the car for compact cars, the space of the rear passenger seats was reduced, resulting in a modest sales level.

The grille has the shape of an inverted triangle, flowing into the front bumper, and a small Honda “H” logo at the top. The Rafaga also has a long and low engine compartment due to the placement of the engine, and a short trunk, which adds aerodynamics to the car. Rafaga according to Japanese law is a compact sedan, and in fact, he ousted the previous generation Honda Accord, which slightly increased in size. A compact sedan like the Honda Verna and Honda Primo was sold.

The interior contained wooden incorporations of the production of Japanese furniture makers Tendo Mokko on the dashboard, as well as the center console, in addition, there was an option "2.5 S" with leather trim. In 1994, two airbags for the front passengers and an ABS system were installed, and a glass hatch also appeared. The presence of two engines of different volumes gave Japanese buyers a choice, depending on the willingness to pay annual taxes; a larger 2.5 liter engine has higher standard equipment, which justifies a high tax payment.

With the onset of the economic downturn in Japan, known as the “ Japanese financial bubble, ” the demand for the Accord remained strong, and production of Rafaga and Ascot was discontinued, in 1997 Honda Torneo replaced them.

• Honda | ASCOT / RAFAGA History ( j .)
• Versions and models of Honda Rafaga (CE) - Automobile Catalog (eng.)