Rafaga
The Honda Rafaga is a compact sedan produced exclusively for the Japanese market between 1993 and 1997. Introduced in January 1993, it shared its platform with the second generation of the Honda Ascot series. The name "Rafaga," meaning "gust" or "blustery" in Spanish, reflected Honda's intent to bring a new dynamic to the Japanese sedan segment. (en.wikipedia.org)
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Honda Rafaga is a compact sedan produced exclusively for the Japanese market between 1993 and 1997. Introduced in January 1993, it shared its platform with the second generation of the Honda Ascot series. The name "Rafaga," meaning "gust" or "blustery" in Spanish, reflected Honda's intent to bring a new dynamic to the Japanese sedan segment. (en.wikipedia.org)
History
The Honda Rafaga was launched in January 1993 as a compact sedan intended for the Japanese market. It shared its platform with the second generation of the Honda Ascot series. The name "Rafaga," meaning "gust" or "blustery" in Spanish, reflected Honda's intent to bring a new dynamic to the Japanese sedan segment. The Rafaga was equipped with a five-cylinder inline engine, available in two displacements: 2.0 L (G20A) and 2.5 L (G25A). These engines were installed longitudinally, a configuration shared with the Honda Inspire and Vigor models. The Rafaga was sold in Japan through the Honda Verno dealership network, positioned above the Honda Integra in Honda's sedan hierarchy. It featured double wishbone suspension at both the front and rear, providing a stable and comfortable ride. In 1994, safety features such as front airbags for front passengers and ABS were available, along with a glass moonroof. Production of the Rafaga ended in 1997, succeeded by the Honda Torneo. (en.wikipedia.org)
Generations
The Honda Rafaga was produced in a single generation from 1993 to 1997. During this period, it underwent minor updates, primarily focused on enhancing safety features and comfort. However, no new generation was introduced before its replacement by the Honda Torneo in 1997.
Key differences
The Honda Rafaga differed from the Honda Ascot in its unique exterior design, notably its inverted triangle-shaped grille and long engine compartment, resulting from the longitudinal installation of the five-cylinder engine. Additionally, the Rafaga was sold exclusively in Japan, whereas the Ascot was also available in other markets.
Photo recognition
To identify a Honda Rafaga, look for a compact sedan with an inverted triangle-shaped front grille and a long engine compartment. Models produced after 1994 may be equipped with a glass moonroof.
Important versions
The "2.5 S" version of the Honda Rafaga was equipped with a 2.5 L (G25A) inline five-cylinder engine, offering superior performance and advanced comfort features.
References
- Ascot & Rafaga 1993.10Honda Japan
- Honda RafagaHonda Japan
- https://www.honda.com/honda.com
- https://engines.honda.com/models/brochuresengines.honda.com
- https://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/auto/ASCOT/19931014/as293-006.htmlhonda.co.jp
- https://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/auto/ASCOT/19931014/as293-002.htmlhonda.co.jp
- https://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/auto/ASCOT/19931014/as293-016.htmlhonda.co.jp