The extra capacity has been obtained by a 2mm increase in bore size to 102mm

The engine's camshaft is next to the cylinder head to reduce engine height and there's a semi-dry sump that stores the engine oil in a separate tank.

The liquid-cooled, overhead valve, single-cylinder engine is mounted longitudinally in the frame to allow direct shaft drive to front and rear wheels.

The Rincon has an automotive-style transmission with a hydraulic torque converter, three hydraulic clutches and an electronic control unit (ECU) that monitors throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine revs, gear selector position, brake application and engine oil temperature before automatically selecting one of three forward gears and one reverse gear.

The sealed drum brakes at the front of the 2003 model have been replaced by disc brakes to match those at the rear; the callipers have patented built-in scrapers to remove mud, snow and ice from the inside of the wheel, which Honda says improves braking in extreme conditions as well as the life of the brake pads.

The Rincon has an automotive-style transmission with a hydraulic torque converter

The brake pads are also 50 percent thicker than before and now produce an audible warning when nearly worn out.

The Rincon has conventional a double–wishbone suspension in front, with new independent rear suspension, also using a double-wishbone design but with forged aluminium knuckles and A-arms to reduce unsprung weight.

The rear knuckle pivots use light metal bushings in place of conventional ball joints and radius arms to reduce toe-in as the rear suspension travels through its stroke.

Honda UK marketing manager Iain Radcliffe said: "The 2006 Rincon has all the speed and handling characteristics of a sports quad combined with the ability to undertake the work responsibilities of a utility machine.

"It fulfils both criteria with more performance than its predecessor; it's a state-of-the-art machine that raises the bar for leisure ATVs without raising the cost.

• The 2006 Rincon will be released this week in South Africa at the same price as its predecessor – R75 500.

• Specifications:
  
  Motor: Liquid-cooled OHV semi-dry sump, longitudinally mounted, single-cylinder four-stroke.
  Capacity: 680cc.
  Bore x stroke: 102 x 82.6mm.
  Valvegear: OHV with four overhead valves per cylinder.
  Induction: Electronic fuel-injection with 40mm throttle body.
  Ignition: Fully transistorised with electronic advance.
  Starting: Electric with auxiliary recoil.
  Transmission: Automatic with hydraulic torque converter, three forward gears, reverse and electronic controls. Final drive via front and rear drive-shafts with torque-sensitive front differential.
  Suspension: Independent double wishbone front and rear.
  Brakes: dual 180mm discs with single-piston floating callipers at front, disc with single-piston floating calliper at rear.
  Tyres: Front: 25 x 8-12 radial. Rear: 25 x 10-12 radial.
  Wheelbase: 1290mm.
  Seat height: 876mm.
  Fuel capacity: 17 litres.
  Dry weight: 272kg