HONDA CIVIC | The New Civic Lineup
HONDA CIVIC
The Civic's New Lineup
At the 2011 New York Auto Show, Honda unveiled all five production models of the new Civic and simultaneously launched sales across the United States.
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Comfortable Space in a Compact Body
The models announced this time are five types: a gasoline model, a low-fuel-consumption gasoline model "HF (High Fuel-economy)", a hybrid model equipped with a lithium-ion battery, a sporty "Si" coupe, and a CNG (compressed natural gas) model "Natural Gas".
The new Civic, while maintaining a compact, mono-form body, achieves improved visibility and a comfortable living space through the adoption of a more steeply raked A-pillar, a lower floor, and a revised front and rear tandem distance.
Interior equipment includes the "Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)", which allows for easy operation of audio and other functions via steering wheel switches. For driving support, the standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system on all models is newly combined with Motion Adaptive EPS, enhancing driving stability on rough roads and other conditions.
A Hybrid Featuring Lithium-Ion
The hybrid model is the first in Honda's hybrid lineup to use a lithium-ion battery. The powertrain combines a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with a maximum output of 110 hp at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 171 Nm at 1,000-3,500 rpm, with a lightweight motor producing a maximum output of 23 hp at 1,546-3,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 105 Nm at 500-1,546 rpm. While improving performance, the fuel economy is rated at 44 mpg by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, reportedly one of the top figures for a hybrid sedan.
The "Si" Reborn with Even More Sportiness
Next, the sporty "Si" model is equipped with Honda's first 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine, producing a maximum output of 201 hp at 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 4,400 rpm. This represents a 4 hp increase in maximum output and a 22 percent increase in maximum torque compared to the previous model. Fuel economy is rated at 37 mpg, and it is exclusively paired with a 6-speed manual transmission for the Si model. To further enhance sporty driving, it features dedicated suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels, with the ride height lowered by approximately 1 cm compared to the regular gasoline model.
Natural Gas: Enhanced Power and Cleaner Driving
The CNG fuel "GX", sold in some U.S. states such as California, has been renamed "GX Natural Gas". The new model is scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2011 or later, with plans to further expand its sales network.
The Natural Gas model is powered by a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, similar to the gasoline model, producing a maximum output of 113 hp. While further detailed information has not yet been released, Honda states that it "achieves even more powerful and cleaner driving than the previous model."
Finally, the gasoline models are available in four grades: "DX", "LX", "EX", and "EX-L", differing in transmission, interior parts, and equipment specifications. The engine is a 1.8-liter i-VTEC with a dual-stage intake manifold, producing a maximum output of 140 hp at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 173 Nm at 4,300 rpm. A 5-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission are available, with the AT version achieving 32 mpg. The low-fuel-consumption "HF" model records an excellent 41 mpg, benefiting from dedicated 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels, a special spoiler, and aerodynamic parts.