Predictions for 2019 model. Anything that would make you wish you waited?

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weave

weave

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What's your predictions about what might be different in the 2019 model? While it's pretty much a sure thing it won't be a radical redesign, there are some tweaks that could make it much better. Right now I don't think there's anything that would make me wish I waited, but there's a few things that might make me wonder.
  • Better entertainment system or head unit
  • In-car hot spot capability like some other Hondas
  • Better battery range. Personally I'd be OK with shaving a gallon or two off the gas tank in exchange for longer battery range -- but that would increase costs as well most likely.
  • DC fast charging. While it's not as big of a deal with a PHEV, I've certainly run across stations where there's only CHAdeMO support.
Speaking of the head unit, every review laments the lack of physical knobs for volume and tuning. I haven't found that to be a problem because I use the controls on the steering wheel -- either for volume changes or right-left switching between presets. If the passenger wants to muck with it, then it's not as big of a deal. So if they added that I'd be like "meh" honestly.
 
  • Lumbar Support
  • cooled seats
  • physical volume and mute button
  • 10 gallon fuel tank
  • More battery range
  • Alert that warns you that the lane your trying to merge into is occupied
  • Better stereo speakers

Of all those, the only one that would make me wish I had waited was increased battery range.
 
I love the 2018, so nothing that would have made me wait but wish;

Physical vol or at least mute button (that 1 sec delay for sound to cut off from panel can feel like an eternity when you are accidentally blaring)

Side and rear blindspot. I have purchased a BSS1-LPB however and will let this forum know how it works once installed.

A larger tank (which the weight conscious could only fill partly) could have pushed this car into super-range territory, instead of typical-range.

That’s it. I consider this car SUCH a steal compared to the others. Wouldn’t wait a year to drive it just to get some specific features.
 
Smitty74 said:
  • Lumbar Support
  • cooled seats
  • physical volume and mute button
  • 10 gallon fuel tank
  • More battery range
  • Alert that warns you that the lane your trying to merge into is occupied
  • Better stereo speakers
Of all those, the only one that would make me wish I had waited was increased battery range.
Click to expand...

I too had thought it was silly to have such a small gas tank but after a long road trip, I found it wasn't a problem at all (I easily beat the EPA mileage estimates). Conversely, one of my biggest headaches is to use enough gasoline so it doesn't go bad (I don't need any gas at all for my everyday driving). That would be worse with a bigger gas tank. Yes, I could keep less gas in the tank but conventional wisdom is to keep it full to keep it in better condition.
 
Auto high-beams
Direct TPMS with individual tire pressure monitoring
Mute button
Wireless charging
USB ports for rear passengers
 
I would say better headlights. Both high and low beams. LEDs are normally very bright but the styling of the Clarity lights (very narrow row) limits their range.
 
In addition to others suggestions,
1 Factory installed ‘Backup’ sensors in front and rear bumpers to help with parking: I have terrible depth perception. The Honda Accord touring has these.
2 Update the ACC software. Evidently the Accord has the latest and it is more responsive than on the clarity
 
1. Replace turn signal camera with blind spot monitoring and those mirror indicators
2. Physical volume knob or simply the system from the new Accord
3. Wireless Android Auto/Apple car play
4. Heated steering wheel
5. For Canadians, power memory seats
6. Rear USB ports
7. Steering wheel from Accord/Insight
 
In Ontario nothing will make anyone here want a 2019 because we no longer have the 13k rebate. Let's assume they keep the price close within 1k. I'd like front parking sensors only , change lane camera to real blindside with rear cross. Add a 50 watt subwoofer. Power memory seats and updated infotainment. I think that is enough to keep costs the same .
 
That would actually make me feel better. :p I just got mine two weeks ago and I was thinking about waiting to see what was in the 2019 model -- but since 2018 didn't come out until December I can't imagine 2019 will come out soon. Plus Summer is a good time to buy due to discounts. I'd probably end up having to buy at retail if I got a 2019 right at release date.
 
  • From Rick in Austin TX, Clarity touring 2018:
  • ---------------(5=high, 1=low)----------------------------------
  • (3) In-car hot-spot capability (I added my own hot-spot)
  • (3) Lumbar Support
  • (4) Cooled seats
  • (4) Physical volume and mute button
  • (5) 10 gallon (or larger) fuel tank (same as Prius / Volt)
  • (5++) Side and rear blind-spot monitoring
  • (3) Auto high-beams
  • (3) Direct TPMS with individual tire pressure monitoring
  • (3) Wireless charging but with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
  • (3) USB ports for rear passengers
  • (3) Heated steering wheel
 
I like the small engine, small gas tank design with the bias toward EV, I think this is the future.
Wish list is active grill shutters, exhaust heat recovery (like on accord hybrid), softer control (feathering) for adaptive cruise braking and accel.
If they made it look pretty, I couldn't find it in the parking lot.
 
Hey, you callin’ my car ugly?!?
I’ll whup you with my charging cable like Indiana Jones!
Just kidding Atkinson.
Seriously though, I like the aforementioned improvements, especially the heated steering wheel and blind spot monitoring. I’ll add give me a fifth regen chevron and I’d hardly ever have to pedal brake.
And I’d like many more features like brake hold, LKAS and Sport regen ro name a few to be selectable in software set up so I could configure the car to start just the way I want it.
That would not cost much where as all our other physical wishes would certainly drive up the price way more.
 
The biggest likelihood for something new in 2019? A price drop - which could make 2018 buyers unhappy.
 
bfd said:
The biggest likelihood for something new in 2019? A price drop - which could make 2018 buyers unhappy.
Click to expand...

Probably would, but would be balanced by having the tax credit (+/- state credit) locked in—you never know—, and getting to drive it for a year.:)
 
Rick Reagan said:
  • From Rick in Austin TX, Clarity touring 2018:
  • ---------------(5=high, 1=low)----------------------------------
  • (3) In-car hot-spot capability (I added my own hot-spot)
  • (3) Lumbar Support
  • (4) Cooled seats
  • (4) Physical volume and mute button
  • (5) 10 gallon (or larger) fuel tank (same as Prius / Volt)
  • (5++) Side and rear blind-spot monitoring (radar) Standard!
  • (3) Auto high-beams
  • (3) Direct TPMS with individual tire pressure monitoring
  • (3) Wireless charging but with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
  • (3) USB ports for rear passengers
  • (3) Heated steering wheel
  • (5) --> A 5th or more aggressive regenerative breaking step (almost to a dead stop, so that 1 foot driving is possible
  • (5) --> A built-in dashcam minimum front facing, prefer 360 degrees (see Waylens or Owl Dual dashcam)
  • (5) --> A Donut spare tire! (at least an option)!
Click to expand...
 
  • Get rid of the knee-knocking center console on the driver's side
  • Donut spare tire
  • Side blind spot monitoring
  • Wireless Android Auto / Apple Car Play
BUT, it must be said that none of these would make me wish I waited. In addition to enjoying the car and its economy, I am also enjoying the $2500 Texas rebate, which is highly likely to be gone (funding depleted) by the time any 2019 Clarity is available.
 
My prediction, based on low sales and anecdotal evidence of lots of 2018's left on dealer lots (in the U.S.), is that there won't be any 2019 Clarity. They will skip a year or discontinue the model. I hope I'm wrong.
 
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