Didnt think they were bring out a new model, this one isnt very old. Or do you mean the Hybrid?
RE-STYLED CIVIC FOR 2009
Honda’s British-built Civic range will get a subtle refresh this autumn, in direct response to customer feedback.
The Civic has been a resounding success in the UK since it was launched three years ago, proving critics wrong with a stylish design that still looks as good as it did at launch. Therefore only minor changes, such as premium plastics and new trim materials, have been required to bring the car bang up to date.
A new 1.4-litre engine has been introduced on both 5-door and Type S models providing a more affordable option for younger customers or those looking to downsize. For the first time a conventional automatic transmission is now available on the Civic 5-door model, while a revised i-SHIFT automated manual transmission is available across both body shapes.
The revised range will go on sale later this year.
Â*
Low emission, frugal engine joins Civic line-up
The newest addition to the Civic engine line-up is Honda’s 1.4 i-VTEC petrol engine – an entry level, Euro 5 engine with improved CO2 emissions, fuel economy, torque and power – that will appeal to customers wanting the Civic’s stylish looks and practicality at a lower price point.
Compared to the previous i-DSI unit which produced 83 PS and 119Nm, power is up to 100PS at a slightly higher 6000rpm and torque is 127Nm at 4800rpm.
Engine improvements
As well as VTEC valve-train technology, other enhancements include an improved combustion chamber shape, drive-by-wire throttle, a composite intake manifold with resonator chamber that offers good low and mid-range torque and a narrow timing chain and tensioner that reduce weight.
Friction reducing technologies include roller-tipped rocker arms, an offset crankshaft/connecting rod design, plateau honing of the cylinders for a smoother surface and a special piston surface coating which is better at oil retention and optimised piston ring tension.
Elsewhere, high-strength con-rods, forged as one unit, and then ‘cracked’ in two, create a lighter and stronger rod with perfectly fitted bearing cap that significantly reduces the weight of moving parts for increased efficiency.
CIVIC 5-DOOR FAMILY PRACTICALITY
The futuristic yet practical Civic 5-door has been a firm family favourite since its launch in 2006 and the revised model’s subtle changes will continue this success.
As well as the option of the new 1.4-litre engine, the Civic 5-door will now be available with a newly-developed, conventional automatic gearbox and a revised i-SHIFT automated manual transmission.
Uprated exterior plastics and a new rear combination light cluster have been used to make the car’s overall appearance more premium, while changes to the grille have been made to aid cooling and accommodate the new auto ’box.
Inside, a brushed metal effect trim and matt finish, as seen in the Type R, have been applied to the instrument console. Replacing the Piano Black, these are easier to clean and maintain. New seat fabrics have also been introduced.
Rear parking sensors and iPod connectivity are now offered on higher grade models as standard – the USB port allows the iPods to be operated through the main audio system and steering wheel controls, while lower grades have iPod playback capability through the auxiliary port.
Transmission
For the first time on Civic, a conventional 6-speed automatic gearbox will be available. This has been developed exclusively for the 5-door 1.8-litre model to suit customer driving styles and preferences. The Civic 5-door will also retain the smooth 5-speed manual transmission available since launch.
Revised i-SHIFT (6-speed automated manual transmission)
Honda’s next-generation 6-speed i-SHIFT automated manual transmission can also be paired with the 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines, offering reduced CO2 emissions.
Improvements from the previous i-SHIFT unit include: reduced gear change times, smoother shifts and more intelligent automatic mode shift logic.
The driver can choose between either Auto Mode for a more relaxed driving style, or Manual Mode for a sportier driving experience, using the sequential gearshift or steering wheel mounted paddles – the left paddle controlling down-shifts and the right paddle for up-shifts.
Automatic Mode is selected by moving the gearshift to the left of the gate, while sequential changes in Manual Mode are made by moving the lever either forwards (up changes) or backwards (down changes) in the main gate or by using the paddles.
The shift lever requires only a short movement to select the next gear for easy and comfortable use and reverse gear is in the conventional manual position for familiarity when driving.
The conventional clutch pedal is replaced by a Transmission Central Unit that controls the clutch via an actuator with hydraulic power generated by a DC motor