Honda Malaysia continues to let the all-new Civic's intuition take over

2012-07-12 06:23:08 Author: admin Source:

The all-new Honda Civic presents a whole new level on the inside and out and promises a continuity of legacy from its predecessor in terms of looks. Honda Malaysia has made available four Civic variants which include the 1.8L variant, 2.0L, 2.0 Navi and Hybrid for the domestic market.

For the past 40 years, the Civic has been one of the most desired mid-size sedan globally. This proclamation certainly rings a bell in the U.S.A. where some 163,000 of the 9th-Generation Civic are already delivered to customers between January to June this year. Cumulatively, the Civic has sold more than 19.7 million units worldwide across Honda's mid-size sedan generations. For the country, the Civic has accumulated 58,000 units since the debut of the 7th-Gen Civic in 2003, while the Civic 8th-Gen, introduced in 2006, recorded an impressive 49,000 units. The 8th-Gen Civic's numbers propeled Honda to the top of the ranks in the mid-size sedan segment.

The new Civic takes up the previous edition's overall impression, though remodeled with more refinements and obvious exterior and interior posterities. Deemed a mid-sized sedan with "Smart Advanced Technology", the new Civic introduces Advanced Smart Sedan for present-day needs. Outlook-wise, the new Civic brings about a  smarter appearance and a host of improvements, noticeable at the front-end, side- and rear-profile. The front fascia retains the chrome upper grille with a large Honda insignia from the 8th-Gen; at the same time, newly designed headlights (halogens for 1.8 and HIDs for 2.0) and round-shaped foglights infuse an updated front end. At the side, the shoulder line now cuts from the rear light to the headlight, lending the Civic a sporty and dynamic profile. From the rear, a reworked bumper, new combination lights that extend to the boot cover and a tip spoiler give the Civic an overall clean rear end. To top it off, Honda Malaysia includes 16-inch alloy wheels for the 1.8L and 17-inch wheels for the 2.0L.    
 

Inside, a driver-centric cockpit, complete with a two-tier dashboard, matches a conducive interior environment for the driver and front passenger alike. With a multiplex meter, the cockpit resembles a high-tech console that links the main display screen and a series of other control functions, even on the steering. The multiplex is another one those transferred from the 8th-Gen, however the 9th-Gen's multiplex gets a refreshing blue ambient light when the car's turn on, along with an array of information and indicators.

The five-inch color intelligent multi information display (i-MID) enables informative readings such as fuel consumption, audio details and other supporting information. The smart interface concept also promotes safe driving while prompting interactivity between driver and the car. For GPS buffs, the 2.0l Navi's built-in navigation system, through the touch display, offers easy navigation from one destination to the next. Other notable functions are; power seat, headlight auto-off timer, smart entry, push start button and cruise control

Honda has opted for a simplistic dashboard, highlighted by lower air-condition vents for the passenger and slightly elevated a/c vents for the driver. Push start (for 2.0l only) on the left and an ECON button for those conscious about fuel consumption is located on the right hand side of the steering, while an ordinary gearknob takes up place at the bottom of the center console. The center console houses an easy enough operable standard head unit for a single CD compatible with WMA, MP3, iPod and certain USB devices. The 2.0l Navi Civic of course features a 6.1-inch touch-screen display for DVDs, DIVx and a reverse camera. There are six speakers all around the confines of the Civic.
 
Taking smart technology and fuel saving further, the 9th-Gen Civic is Honda’s first non-hybrid vehicle fitted with an ECON button. When activated, the ECON button combines and performs a series of ECO Assist functions including optimizing control of the Drive By Wire (DBW), Automatic Transmission (AT) Shift Map, air conditioner, engine and related powertrain components. Furthermore, there is a driver feedback function – the ambient meter display with changing background colors provides real-time guidance to drivers on best ways to achieve higher fuel efficiency.

Speaking of hybrids, the previous generation Civic hybrid was one of the first hybrid cars to arrive in the country. Now, the new Civic hybrid brings a bigger and better version to the Honda Hybrid family, featuring a 1.5 i-VTEC engine that is connected to a ligther and more effective electric motor. At the same time, the new Civic hybrid is the first in the country to be fitted a lithium-ion battery; a lighter, longer lasting option to the Ni-Cds. Related features for the Civic hybrid include Smart Entry and a push start button.     
 

In the powertrain department, the new Civic 1.8l and 2.0l have single-overhead cam  SOHC i-VTEC engines, mated to 5-speed automatic transmission and 5-speed auto transmission with paddle shift respectively, The 1.8 outputs 141 PS and 174 Nm of torque, while the 2.0 surges up to 155 PS and 190 Nm of torque. 
 
Already a Euro NCAP 5-star for safety recipient, the new Civic incorporates the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, front and side airbags, rear-center head rest, 3-point ELR safety belt, rear ISOFIX for children, anti-lock brakes with EBD, VSA and more.

The all new Civic retails for RM 115,980 for 1.8l, RM 131,980 for 2.0l, RM136,980 for 2.0l NAVI, and the Civic hybrid goes for RM 119,980. Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Taffeta White are color choices for the petrol variants; Frosty White Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Taffeta White are offered for the hybrid Civic. All packages comes with 5-year unlimited warranty, including IMA battery, and extension of preventive maintenance interval from 5,000 to 10,000km, as well as free labor up to six visits for every alternate paid service until 100,000km.

View the new Honda Civic gallery here: http://motorsportchannel.com/web/2012/0712/4898.html