Honda will display a range of new products, concept cars and the ASIMO robot in Geneva next month. For many people it will be the first opportunity to see the new Insight and final edition of the S2000. There is also a new high-performance diesel Accord.

The Accord Type-S is an addition to the range for drivers who want a more sporting car. It features a 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine tuned to produce 178bhp, which is 30bhp more than the standard diesel model. Cosmetic changes include new, 18-inch alloy wheels, clear indicator lenses and Type-S badges. Two new colours are offered - White Pearl and Basque Red - and both saloon and Tourer versions will be built, though an automatic transmission is not offered with the more powerful engine.

Once homologation is completed Honda will release performance and emissions data. Expect to see the Accord Type-S on sale later this year, probably by the summer, with prices to be announced just before the car reaches the market.

Honda's new hybrid, the Insight will also star on the show stand in Geneva. ASIMO, Honda's humanoid robot will be introducing the new petrol-electric car. When it goes on sale in the Spring the Insight will be the cheapest hybrid car on the market, undercutting the Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius, both of which retail for over £17,000.

The third new production car on the stand will be the recently announced Honda S2000 Edition 100 - the special series of 100 cars produced to mark the end of the roadster's ten-year production run.

The Insight will not be the only hybrid on Honda's stand, as the CR-Z hybrid concept will be at the show. A production version of the concept has been confirmed and if it looks like the show car it will be a successor to the 1980's Civic CR-X coupé. Completing the line-up in Switzerland is Honda's fuel-cell powered FCX Clarity.

The Geneva International Motor Show opens to the press on March 3rd and runs until 15th March. Keep an eye on our news pages for all the big stories from the show.

John Lambert - 6 Feb 2009