Tokyo, September 3, 1998 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced improvements to both the class-beating Civic 3-door and its 4-door cousin, the Civic Ferio. Several refinements have been made to the interior and exterior styling of both vehicle series. In addition, several Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) models are now available on certain 1.5L 4-door and 3-door grades instead of the 1.6L versions as before. LEV vehicles boast exhaust emission levels which are about one-tenth of the levels stipulated by existing Japanese regulations. An extra sports Vi-RS grade has also been added to the Civic Ferio series. The new Civic and Civic Ferio series will be available from September 4 at Primo dealers throughout Japan.
Civic Ri (LEV)
Civic Ferio Vi-RS
Main changes:
- LEV engines are now available on certain more affordable 1.5L models instead of the 1.6L models as before. (Civic: Ri; Civic Ferio: Mi/ML)
- New Vi-RS sports model added to Civic Ferio series
- Exterior design changes made to front and rear (all models)
- Design changes made to central interior panels (all models)
- New seat upholstery design
- Some models feature both Grade Logic Control system (Honda Prosmatec) and Honda's unique advanced continuously variable automatic (Multi Matic-S) transmission, which offers stepless shifting pleasure (Civic: VTi/Ri; Civic Ferio: Vi-RS/Vi/Mi). Moreover, a special switch mounted on the steering wheel allows easy changes in driving mode.
- Driver's seat manual seat-height adjuster now enables the adjustment of the front and rear parts of the seat separately
- Additional external color options: Sunlight Yellow, Clover Green Pearl, Royal Grape Pearl, and Taffeta White
- Body colored side protection panels (Civic: VTi/Ri; Civic Ferio: Si/Vi-RS/Vi)
- Next-generation Honda Car Navigation system now offered as an option, including extra-wide 6-inch screen allowing use of "InterNavi" internet functions and twin maps, together with an internal CD-player plus AM/FM cassette radio
Principal features of new Civic Ferio Vi-RS:
Functions:
- Honda Multi Matic-S continuously variable automatic transmission, featuring exclusive AMSS (Acceleration Map Select System) designed to give sportier performance off the block and when passing
- Disc brakes on all four wheels, with specially enlarged front discs (increased from 13" to 14")
- Front strut tower bars to boost body rigidity
Exterior styling:
- Front and rear under spoilers, rear spoiler and body colored side protection panels create a sporty silhouette
- Exclusive individually-styled mesh-type front grille with elegant Vi-RS emblem
- Newly-designed exclusive 15-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55R15 tires
- Tinted glass (rear doors/rear window)
- Exclusive color option: Royal Grape Pearl (Vi-RS)
Interior styling:
- High-quality leather-bound steering wheel that fits snugly in your hands.
- Metallic-finish central console and power-window switches panel for that extra sporty feel
- Body-hugging driver's seat for an enhanced sporty experience
Principal factory options:
- Honda car navigation system
- Electronic glass sunroof
Domestic monthly sales target:
4,000 units