NEW DELHI, India, July 4, 2006– Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, launched the Honda Civic, with advanced 1.8 L i-VTEC engine, sleek, aerodynamic exteriors and futuristic interiors.
The Civic, which will be available in manual and automatic versions - 1.8S MT and 1.8S AT - was unveiled by Takeo Fukui, President and CEO, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
The heart of the Civic is the all-new aluminum i-VTEC engine, which delivers class-leading power of 132 PS (130 bhp) at 6300 rpm, while giving unparalleled fuel efficiency. Drive-by-wire technology enhances the efficiency of the engine, resulting in quick response and robust acceleration.
Honda Civic is the only car in its segment to be equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission with a unique “Paddle Shift” option, which can be operated using the F-1 Racing inspired paddle switches, located just behind the steering spoke. The paddle shift, a first for India, provides the convenience of an automatic with enhanced driving pleasure of a manual.
With its aesthetically appealing mono-form sport design, having a dynamic flowing upper body and a solid and muscular lower body, the Civic is sure to be the most eye-catching car on Indian roads. The kick-up type headlamps and the attractive front grille will make it stand out in any car park.
If the exteriors attract, the interiors are sure to mesmerize the customer. The Civic’s interiors are new-age and user friendly. The dash-board is designed like the cockpit of an aircraft, with a multiplex meter – another feature offered for the first time in India – which is located exactly in the line of vision of the driver.
Overall Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a key priority at Honda. Therefore, the Civic in India will be fully loaded with a range of safety features, including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution System), Dual SRS airbags and pre-tensioner seat belts. The Civic also has the collision-safe G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body with a crush-proof survival zone. The external body structure of the Civic ensures pedestrian safety too.
The Eighth Generation Civic, which made its debut in India today, has won rich accolades ever since its global launch a few months ago. It has already been voted the “Car of the Year” in competitive markets like the US and Canada and “Most Advanced Technology Car” in Japan. It also won the "Top Safety Pick - Gold" Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in California
Speaking on the occasion of the Civic launch, Takeo Fukui said, “With the launch of the latest generation Civic in India, we are reinforcing our commitment to our Indian customers, who have given tremendous support to all our cars. I am sure the Civic will meet the aspirations of our discerning customers.”
Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., called it a significant milestone in HSCI’s journey in the country. “The Civic’s design and performance levels are years ahead of its time and we are sure it will appeal to our customers in India. It is global technology that we have brought to India. But based on our market study and the needs of our customers, we have added some new features in the car, such as rear-seat audio control and reading light for rear passengers.”
Honda Civic is being manufactured at HSCI’s facility in Greater Noida, U.P. Initially the car will be manufactured with 68% localization, which will be increased to 80% within the next two years. The car will be sold through the company’s vast distribution network of 51 authorized dealerships, across the country. HSCI has already expanded and strengthened its dealer network in preparation for the launch of the Civic. This network is likely to go up to 66 facilities by the end of the current financial year.
Distinctive Features of the Civic:
- Power Train: The 1.8 L i-VTEC engine is the most advanced engine technology available in the segment. It combines Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology with VTC (Variable Time Control), delivering both powerful performance and superior fuel economy. The i-VTEC engine used in the Civic has the complete lower block made of aluminum, with sleeves treated with Molybdenum disulfide that reduces friction in the engine. The piston oil jets result in better lubrication and performance. Aluminum VTEC rocker arms, integrated cylinder head and exhaust manifold, plastic head cover and intake-manifold have helped in reducing the weight of the engine. Drive-by-wire technology further helps the accelerator motion to be conveyed to the throttle valve by electric signals, thereby ensuring faster engine response.
- Exterior Design: Honda Civic comes with a unique Mono Form Sport design with a dynamic flowing upper body and a solid and muscular lower body. The aggressive headlamps and the typical Honda front grille design give the Civic a sharp and powerful profile. On the sides, chrome lines and grip-type chrome door handles create a premium and refined impact.
- Additionally, the round 4-eye graphic taillight and elliptic dual exhaust pipe lends the car a sporty rear styling. Even the opposed flat-blade wipers of the Civic are unique and cover an additional 17% wiping area as compared with conventional wipers.
- All new 5-spoke (15”) alloy wheels contribute to better weight to power characteristics and improved thermodynamic characteristics, at the same time adding to drivability and visual appeal of the car.
- Interior Design: Honda Civic comes with a new-age interior design, which is sophisticated and exciting. The tilt and telescopic steering wheel, with a smaller diameter, has a completely new design. Its elliptic and thicker grip lends it an advanced and sporty feel.
- The futuristic and refined new design of the MT/AT shift lever, the Z-arm parking brake lever and inner door handles catch attention immediately. The compact layout of the brake lever allows larger compartment space. Even the exclusive type seats of Civic give a feeling of secure holding from the shoulders.
- The cockpit of the Civic has an advanced design as in a personal aircraft, with a multiplex meter as a characteristic feature, offered for the very first time in India. The speedometer is positioned higher than usual so that the driver does not have to take his eyes off the road to read the driving information.
- The completely ergonomic design-integrated audio and A/C equipment is arranged at optimum positions on the instrument panel to the left of the driver. The high-function audio equipment has a MP3/WMA compatible 6-CD player.
- Audio controls on the rear-seat armrest is a feature specially designed for Indian customers, who usually occupy the rear seat in this segment.
- The Automatic Climate Control Air Conditioner adjusts the compressor operation and fan speed depending on the exact temperature desired by the user.
- The Honda Civic is loaded with numerous other utility features - ample cabin illumination, ratchet lever type seat height adjuster with adjustable range doubled to 50mm, organ-type accelerator pedal for reduced fatigue during long drives, super utility center console in addition to storage space all around the cabin, flat rear-seat floor with no center tunnel for easier rear-passenger movement, etc.
- The Civic comes with an optimum combination of length, width, wheelbase and height, providing an optimum legroom, shoulder room and headroom. The trunk opening is the widest in the segment. The trunk lid interior is fully trimmed for better NVH.
- Measures like Torque Rod Mount system for engine noise reduction and sound absorbing material for reduced outside noise intrusion provide excellent NVH control.
- Safety and Environment: Overall Safety of vehicles is a key priority at Honda. Usage of adequate material along with Body Design & Construction Technology elements ensure relatively lower weight of Honda vehicles resulting in maximum safety for occupants. Brake Assist is a unique safety feature in the Civic, which helps the driver achieve full braking potential of the vehicle by increasing brake system pressure in a panic situation. ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution System) stabilize car motion by dealing with varied driving situations and road conditions. The Civic’s collision-safe G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body with a crush-proof survival zone, along with Dual SRS airbags and pre-tensioner seat belts, minimse injury levels in the event of an accident. The impact-absorbing external body structure further ensures pedestrian safety.
- Suspension: The Civic uses a McPherson Strut front suspension which ensures improved return of the steering wheel and stable straight run at high speed. The trailing arm type double-wishbonerear suspension results in low road noise and improved lateral rigidity of wheel and extra stability.