The Honda Rafaga is a compact 4-door sedan manufactured and marketed by Honda, a Japanese car manufacturer, from 1993 to 1997. Honda based the Rafaga model on the same platform used in the Honda Inspire, the CE4/5 platform, and they marketed it only for the Japanese market.
History of the Honda Rafaga
Honda introduced the Honda Rafaga in January 1993 as a compact 4-door vehicle marketed solely in Japan. The Rafaga model had the same platform as the Honda Inspire, Honda Vigor, and the second-generation Honda Ascot. If you're wondering about the meaning of Rafaga, it's a Spanish word for "gust" or "blustery". A sibling car to the Ascot, the Rafaga was Honda's third sedan offered through Honda Primo's dealerships. The Rafaga was a step up from the Honda Integra in Japan, where it was marketed via Honda Verno dealerships. The Rafaga's front and rear wheels were supported by double wishbone suspension, similar to previous Honda vehicles. Upper strut braces for the front suspension were standard equipment in the "2.5 S" trim level. During Japan's "bubble economy," the car manufacturer discontinued the Honda Rafaga and the Honda Ascot. They replaced them with the Honda Torneo in 1997. Surprisingly, the demand for the Accord stayed robust.
Price
Honda retailed the Rafaga model with a price of ¥1,788,000, which could go up to ¥2,458,000, depending on the trim level. At the 2022 Japanese Yen conversion, it ranges from ¥1,888,100 to ¥2,595,600 ($14,900 to $20,400).
Features of the Honda Rafaga
The sedan's cabin was very roomy and comfy. There were front and rear disc brakes with vented front brakes. It had an anti-lock braking system (ABS) as well. Standard equipment includes power steering for a much more pleasurable driving experience. Honda used lower and higher wishbones in the front suspension of the Honda Rafaga. Lower and upper transverse triangle levers and trailing levers make up the rear suspension. In an accident, Honda made sure that the Honda Rafaga had airbags on both sides of the vehicle. Anti-roll bars were also standard in the suspension. Shock absorbers with spring springs and telescopic springs provided a comfortable ride that "swapped" the road's irregularities. A leather steering wheel is an option, while the velour interior finish is standard. The carmaker also installed a climate control system and air conditioning in the vehicle. They also offered a liquid crystal display and a navigation system in the manufacturer's list of options.
Specs and Performance of the Honda Rafaga
Honda installed two engines for the Honda Rafaga, and they are the 2.5L G25A Straight-5 and 2.0L G20A-5 Straight-5 engines. The Rafaga delivers 180 hp (132 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 167 lb-ft (226 Nm) of torque at 3,800 rpm. This Honda Rafaga accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 132 mph (213 kph). The car's curb weight is 2,954 lbs (1,340 kg). Honda manufactured the Rafaga model with a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission. Additionally, the drivetrain installed was a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout.
Release Date
Honda released the Honda Rafaga on October 14, 1993. When the recession took place in Japan, the company decided to discontinue the model in 1997 and replaced it with the Honda Torneo.