Honda to update US version of Honda Civic on 29th November?

Before being accused of being blogger who merely condemn car without looking, this piece of new came from the Autoblog. The news is said to come from David Hendly, AVP of Honda National Sales. Taking the excerpt from the articles, Honda dealers are urged to clear the stock of the 2012 Honda Civic as soon as possible as the 2013 model will make life hard for the 2012 model when they are parked side by side in the showroom floor. The enhanced model will be announced on 29th November, which is the opening day of the Los Angeles Motorshow. According to the articles:

"The changes made to the 2013 model will make the outgoing 2012 Civic a difficult model [to] sell when they are side to side."

Another source of article, cited from Hondasacuras said:

When it arrives on your lots you will see dramatic improvements to the exterior styling that moves Civic into a more premium sporty direction. The interior has even more upgrades and improvements to bring more sophistication and quality to its appearance.

While there is no mentioned specifically about what the upgrades details are, it is clearly visible that our Asian version looks markedly more upmarket than its sibling in the US. For one, the front end is treated with different headlight (with amber lens thanks to US regulation) and a different front bumper (almost similar but with blander lower portion with straight lip and empty grille garnish). Asian version gets a more upmarket headlight with clear lenses and sportier bumper with meshed grille insert and more pronounced lower lip. The rear end is differentiated by the reflector insert in the slightly redesigned trunk lid which lift the outlook somewhat.

It is harder to comment on the interior as we have no chance to touch and feel the cabin plastic, however we noted that the climate control panel is different. Malaysian press said that the plastic material is due to different cost structure which was stressed very hard so we have to take their word for it.

MMN thinks the update will consist of a better aesthetic and materials found in the Asian car. However for full confirmation, wait till Los Angeles Motorshow then. For comparison between the appearance between Asian and US Civic, refer below:

Comparison of Asian and US Civic Si - front end

Comparison of Asian and US Civic - rear end

Comparison of Asian and US Civic - interior

9th Generation Honda Civic Launched in Malaysia

Honda Malaysia today has revealed the 9th generation Honda Civic to Malaysia market. Comes in 4 variants, the pricing starts at RM115,980 for the 1.8S, rising to RM131,980 for 2.0S and topped by the 2.0 Navi at RM136,980. There's also a Hybrid version selling at RM119,980 for the environmentalist. For the current generation, there are also 3 variants on offer, namely 1.8S, 1.8 S-L and 2.0S after the Hybrid version was discontinued. Contrary to the current Civic, the tax-free Hybrid is no longer the cheapest in the range.

Externally, the 2012 Honda Civic retained the Civic FD sillhouette but with an added surface interplay. The entire front fascia comprises of headlights and grille is similar in concept with the Insight model, while the front bumper fascia is multi-faceted with many main surfacing to impart a more imposing front end. However, the new look has lost the low-slung look of the FD Civic. Finally, the fender size has been shrink as it no longer wrapped the whole headlight top edge like the FD size.

The rear end also gets the multi-faceted look, where the upper part of the rear bumper follow the plane of the rear combi before joining the lower portion that has more horizontal line. These lines seamlessly blend the rear wheelarches which in turns in blended with the rising sills along the lower edge of the door. The glass house too has been revised whereas the rear window ends with a kink, akin to the current Honda City. The 2.0L model is adorned with the 17" alloy wrapped by 215/45 R17 tyres. The entry-level 1.8S model make do with a smaller 16" wheel shod with 205/55 R16 tyres.

It is the interior that sets the previous generation Civic apart from its competitor. The new Civic continues that trend too by retaining the multiplex instrument panel. The design language is similar to the Honda CR-Z, but with the panache removed. Gone (compared to CR-Z) is the glossy black panel, intricate switches arrangement and fancy aircon dials. However, the single-piece control panel concept is still there where it housed the aircond duct on the far right , sweeping inwards with the lower meter screen before being ended with another aircond duct and audio system. It is a plain flat fascia. The fancy climate control are gone too, replaced by a more formal looking climate control panel. Another items that has gone to history is the egg-shaped gear level, circular alloy look gear console and reverse-lower portion hand brake where all of them has been replaced by a more formal looking item. Perhaps Honda is moving away from the sporty look to a more executive look with this generation of Civic, akin to the ES generation from 2001. There was a worry about interior plastic quality, but our press (tested the car in Thailand) and Oz press said this is no a concern at all.

One strong point of the Honda Civic is its spaciousness and this new Civic is no different. The 2.0L model gets an added luxury touch with the inclusion of leather upholstery while the cheaper 1.8S model make do with the fabric. The 2.0L Civic gets a dark cabin while the 1.8L version gets a lighter hue, but no beige this time around.

For the chassis, Honda engineers has decided to combat the trend of scaling up the car with each iteration of generations. So for this generation, they have loped off 30mm from the wheelbase, giving it 2,670mm in total, all without the loss of spaciousness. Overall length is 4,525mm, width 1,755mm and height 1,435mm. Chassis hardware is similar to the outgoing model with McPherson strut up front and multi-link at the back. Braking power is supplied by ventilated disc up front and solid back at the back.

In the powertrain department, it is a mixture of old and new. While the 1.8L lump is carried over, the DOHC 2.0L in previous Civic made way to the R20 from Accord/CR-V model. The 1,798cc lump kicks out 141PS@6,500rpm and 174Nm@4,300rpm of power and torque. The 1,997cc R20 punches 155PS@6,500rpm and 190Nm@4,300rpm. Both engine are mated to the 5 speed automatic transmission where the 2.0L version gets paddle shift control. Both engine are rated at EURO 3 emission performance. Fuel tank is 50L. The Hybrid version is powered by 1.5L gasoline engine paired to an electric motor and the combo produces 110PS@5,500rpm of power and 172Nm of torque between 1,000rpm and 3,500rpm.

In terms of equipment level, there are no major surprises and it mirrors the one in current Civic. The new item is the ECON button to boost your economy and the 2.0 Navi gets the 6.1" touch screen entertaintment system with navigation function.

Similar with the revamped Honda City recently, Honda is offering a 5 years warranty and unlimited mileage with the service interval of 10,000km. Some more photos can be found after the jump.

New Honda Civic is coming in July - 3 version, priced from circa RM118k

The 9th generation Honda Civic will finally arrived in Malaysia in July. The popular C Segment (current FD that is, the new one remain to be seen if it will still capture our market) will be introduced in 3 variants, namely an entry level 1.8L, mid range 2.0S and topped by the 2.0 Navi. Prices are expected to be increased by around RM3k from the current model.

The Malaysian CKD model is virtually identical to the Thailand version (as depicted above), saved for the interior colouring. According to the Honda's SA, there will be no beige-coloured cabin this time around. . While the 1.8L will be fabric upholstered, both 2.0L version will be leather covered.

Regarding the equipment level, the 1.8L version will shod with 16" alloy wheel and the side mirror will not feature the side repeater. Both of the 2.0L version will shod with 17" alloy (as above) and will featured an integrated repeater. Distinguishably, our version of Honda Civic will also comes with the audio system with the jumbo-sized button. However, opting for 2.0 Navi will get rid of this, and in comes the touch screen system with GPS-enabled.

To recap, the new Honda Civic is 4,525mm long, 1,755mm wide and 1,435mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,670mm.  Objectively, the new Civic is 30mm shorter in wheelbase, 5mm shorter overall and 15mm taller than the current FD Civic. As for the chassis hardware, the new Civic continues to be suspended by McPhersons strut up front, while rears are taken care by the double wishbone geometry. Brakes are disc all round, with the front one ventilated.

Powering the new Civic is the updated R-series engine, R18Z in the 1.8L version and an R20A for the 2.0L one. The 1.8L is 1,798cc in capacity and still producing 142PS@6500rpm and pulled 174Nm@4300rpm. The 2.0L version has shifted from the current K20Z engine to the newer R20A engine, whose 1,997cc lump now produced 155PS@6500rpm and 190Nm@4300rpm. Both are paired to the 5 speed automatic transmission.

For more details on the Honda Civic, please head to MMN previous posting:

Design Comparison with Honda Civic FD

Honda Civic Singaporean Specs

Honda Civic China Specs

First image of RHD 9th generation Honda Civic

We have witnessed the photo of 9th generation of Honda Civic since July 2011, but all of them are in Left Hand Drive (LHD) format, meant for Arab and mainly China market. The other photos are mostly irrelevant, as the USDM model are different aesthetically exterior wise, and the European version is simply a dream over here in Malaysia. Massive flood in Thailand did not help either, as surely this has a significant impact on Asian CKD program. Just ask Honda Malaysia when the City FL will arrive!

1.6L model photo here, it lacks the front fog lamp

Wait no more, thanks to the Singaporean market. Singapore is one the market where most car for all specs are being sold here. Furthermore, if there is a model for Asian Right Hand Drive (RHD), Singapore is very likely to have it first. So here it is, perhaps, a first ever RHD model for the ninth generation Honda Civic.

Side profile is not as solid and slab sided like FD, but sleeker. Like large Honda City though

Contrary to conservative Honda marketing in Malaysia, Singapore Civic can be quite choicely specified. For the 8th generation, not only it has a range extended down to 1.6L capacity, the interior color also is not fixed, unlike Malaysian buyer who can't choose the interior color of their Civic.

Fussier than the FD, but half a year of exposure has made the design easier to the eye

While it is not yet clear on the interior color, the Singaporean bound Civic can be bought in one of the four option. The entry level is 1.6L, followed by the 1.8L and the ICE-driven is topped by the 2.0L variant. Green environmentalist can opt to get the Hybrid version. The engines are carried-over from the 8th generation, while being upgraded for "greener" green-credential, which include items like the ECO button. More after the jump.

2012 Honda Civic Asia - clearer details on China 1.8 VTi

In mid September, we have seen the China version of the 2012 Honda Civic. It was photographed at Chengdu motorshow and the picture variations are quite limited. Almost two month down the road, the car has start to filter out to dealership and more photos are now available. This is the first time we see the new interior in black color. It managed to somewhat hide the cheapness-look to certain extent, but not by much. We can also see that the Navi screen does help a bit to reduce the awkwardness of jumbo button audio system, but again, not by much. For coverage of 2012 Honda Civic at Chengdu Motorshow, refer to my previous post at http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/09/honda-civic-sedan-debuted-at-chengdu.html#more . The review of Arab spec 2012 Civic can be read at http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/08/honda-civic-arabasia-first-design.html#more

Externally the new 2012 Civic Asia is slightly smaller than before. The length is now stands at 4535mm (5mm shorter), 1755mm wide (no change), 1450mm tall (+15mm) and rides on 2670mm wheelbase (30mm shorter). Despite this the trunk space is 14.15 litres bigger, due to more efficient packaging bringing it to 464 litres now. Weight has been trimmed by a shade too.

The weight reduction and increased in interior space is the indirect results of using High Strength Steel (HSS) in the body structure. As much as 55% of stamped panel is made from this material. The utilization of HSS typically results in lighter structure for a given strength and the reduction is reinforcement panel liberates more  usable space. Lightweight plastic parts are employed in engine bay and fuel tanks too.

Apart from that, the 2012 Honda Civic also employed more aerodynamic drag reduction device. Under bumper air guides, flat under tray and front and rear spats are among the incorporated bits and pieces that contribute to a more slippery aerodynamic profile.

In China, there are 3 variants of 1.8l namely base model 1.8 EXi, 1.8 VTi and 1.8 VTi Luxury. The 2.0l model meanwhile is available in Type S guise and Type S Luxury. The model we are looking into detail here is the 1.8l VTi.

Exterior Design - body panel, engine compartment, lighting and closure design

The new 2012 Civic is one non-adventurous example in design department, with plain styling for pretty much everywhere you look at. This has been debated in many internet media for quite sometimes. This version is however miles better than the USDM version which is plain and lack any garnishing to lift up the looks.

No horizontal bar in lower air intake like the Arab/US model. Foglamp has chrome surround

Rear end is similar to Arab model, except the Chinese lettering

The signal indicator is at the inner end of the headlamp instead of outer edge like USDM model

Good integration of headlamp with fender, hood and grille. But not for the gap between bumper and fender

Chrome garnish on the grille

More after the jump