Happenings

Singapore, The New Honda Civic Is Here

BY Burnpavement

The all new 9th Generation Honda Civic 4-door sedan continues the innovative Civic lineage with a new level of user friendliness and eco-consciousness.

Since its launch in 1972, the Honda Civic has earned recognition and acclaim as an icon in the automotive industry. Cumulatively, Honda Civic has reached almost 21 million customers globally. As the Honda Civic has been re-invented throughout its previous eight generations, each new model has consistently set new standards with its innovative packaging, attractive styling, high fuel economy, low emissions, fun-to-drive performance, reliability and safety.

“The 8th Generation Honda Civic was the most successful Civic model in Singapore. In its model life, Kah Motor sold almost 17,000 units,” says Mr Nicholas Wong, General Manager of Kah Motor. “The all new 9th generation builds on this tremendous success, offering new technologies and a higher level of style and refinement.”

“The new 9th Generation Honda Civic sets a new standard in user friendliness,” says Mr Vincent Ng, Product Manager of Kah Motor. “All models are equipped with an intelligent Multi-information Display featuring a 5-inch TFT display and Honda’s innovative Eco AssistTM. To best meet the individual needs of our customers, we will continue to offer a diverse Civic line-up with 4 i-VTEC engines to choose from.”

The Civic range offers 4 i-VTEC engine choices — 1.5L hybrid, 1.6L, 1.8L and 2.0L. Technology and features new to the Civic include an "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID), Ecological Drive Assist (Eco Assist) system, a new Motion Adaptive Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system that works in conjunction with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and a smart key access system is available on all models except the Civic 1.6L. All Civic models especially the new Civic hybrid achieve better fuel economy ratings compared to 2011 models.

All Civic models feature a new intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID). The new i-MID provides a convenient platform for integration of vehicle information and compatible personal electronics with a driver-oriented 5-inch color LCD display and intuitive steering wheel controls. All 2012 Civic models are equipped with Eco Assist, an innovation that can enhance fuel efficiency at the touch of a button while providing visual cues to promote or confirm a fuel efficient driving style.

With a combined fuel economy rating (tested under NEA’s FEL guidelines) of 4.4L/100km, the Civic Hybrid introduces Honda’s latest generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA®) system — now with a lithium-ion battery for the first time on a Honda hybrid vehicle. The 2012 Civic represents another important milestone for Honda's best-selling compact vehicle, and reconfirms the company's commitment to excellence with efficient i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine technologies for economy and performance, along with an engaging driving experience and advanced standard safety features.

The 2012 Civic embraces Honda's tradition of making its vehicles fun to drive by continuing to use a fully independent suspension design, a premium and exceptional feature in the entry compact segment. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspensions are tuned for sporty driving fun, yet provide refined ride comfort. Ride and handling improvements are made possible by a 10-percent more rigid unit-body structure resulting from enhanced structural designs and increased use of high-strength steel (55 percent on the sedan compared to 50 percent on the previous model).

The Civic's 5-passenger interior is a careful blend of form and function, with an intuitive "two-tier" layout that prioritizes frequently referenced instruments like the speedometer up high in the driver's line of sight with less frequently referenced information positioned down lower. A logical approach divides the vehicle controls into smartly grouped zones for audio, air conditioning and vehicle controls. Building on the successful packaging of the previous generation, the 2012 Civic passenger volume increases marginally over the 2011 model, and gains have also been made in front shoulder room and rear legroom.

The Civic 1.6 features a standard audio that features WMA and MP3 audio file capability, Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC), an audio input jack and a USB audio interface. The Civic hybrid, Civic 1.8 and Civic 2.0 add Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, front tweeters, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System and a 6.2-inch TFT color touch display. The navigation system features the popular Garmin system. A reverse camera system is standard.