Honda Ascot

Honda Ascot
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1989-1997
Assembly	Sayama, Saitama, Japan
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Chronology
Successor	Honda Torneo

Honda Ascot (CB)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1989-1993
Body and chassis
Class	compact
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FF layout, transverse engine
Related	Honda Accord (CB)
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L F18A I4 SOHC 2.0 L F20A1 I4 SOHC twin carburetor 2.0 L F20A1 I4 SOHC PGM-FI 2.0 L F20A1 I4 DOHC PGM-FI
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,720 mm (107.1 in)
Length	4,680 mm (184.3 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,390 mm (54.7 in)
Curb weight	1,360 kg (2,998.3 lb)

Honda Ascot Innova
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1992-1996
Body and chassis
Class	compact
Body style	4-door "hardtop" sedan
Layout	FF layout, transverse engine
Related	Honda Accord (CB) Rover 600
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L F20A5 I4 SOHC 2.0 L F20A5 I4 DOHC 2.3 L H23A I4 DOHC
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,720 mm (107.1 in)
Length	4,670 mm (183.9 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in) 1,715 mm (67.5 in) (2.3 L engine)
Height	1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Curb weight	1,370 kg (3,020.3 lb)

Honda Ascot (CE)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	1993-1997
Body and chassis
Class	compact
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FF layout, longitudinal engine
Related	Honda Rafaga
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L G25A1 I5 2.0 L G20A1 I5
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,770 mm (109.1 in)
Length	4,555 mm (179.3 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Curb weight	1,280 kg (2,821.9 lb) (G20A engine) 1,380 kg (3,042.4 lb) (G25A engine)
Chronology
Successor	Honda Torneo

The Honda Ascot is a compact sedan manufactured by Honda and marketed only in Japan from 1989 to 1997. The first generation produced two versions based on the Honda Accord CB series called the Ascot and from 1993 to 1996 a "pillared hardtop" called the Ascot Innova. The Innova shared much of its mechanicals with the European-market Accord manufactured at the Honda UK facility in Swindon, England, and was essentially the badge engineered Rover 600. The second generation was a platform improvement, shared with the Japan-only sedan called the Honda Rafaga. 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 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 Civic, 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 an Accord-based compact sedan for the dealership channel. Honda adopted a rather simple solution of creating a "sister car" to Accord, the Honda Ascot. Technically, the Ascot was identical to the Accord sedan, and the interior, including the dashboard, was shared with the Accord. The exterior sheetmetal was unique to the Ascot, with cosmetic differences provided for a different look, befitting the Ascot's upmarket role as the top-of-the-line model of Honda Primo, which sold small, entry-level products. The headlight units were borrowed from the Honda Inspire, adding to its luxurious appearance, as well as installing LED high mounted brake light in the trunk rear spoiler.

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