TOKYO, Japan, September 22, 2005 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of the all-new Civic and Civic Hybrid for the Japanese market. A new generation of fine midsize sedans, the 1.8-liter Civic and Civic Hybrid with its new Honda Hybrid System take both spirited performance and fuel economy to new levels. The new models feature a bold one-motion form design, with a wide stance and extended wheelbase for a more expansive interior. The new Civic will debut on September 22, the Civic Hybrid on November 22, at Honda Primo dealers throughout Japan.
This 8th-generation Civic features improvements in all measures of an automobile’s value, including driving performance, fuel economy, environmental friendliness, and packaging. The latest Civic is designed to surround its occupants with sensuous quality and to provide a ride that everyone will enjoy and appreciate.
The new Civic features a newly developed 1.8l i-VTEC engine that combines off-the-line acceleration on par with a 2.0-liter engine with fuel economy equivalent to that of a 1.5-liter engine while cruising, for category-leading1 fuel economy of 17km/l2. The Civic Hybrid is equipped with the new 3-Stage i-VTEC + IMA Honda Hybrid System that delivers both spirited performance and an ultra-high fuel economy of 31km/l3. Both models achieve an outstanding combination of driving and environmental performance.
Exterior styling features a one-motion form with the windshield thrust boldly ahead to create a forward cabin with an advanced look. Inside, a 1,750mm4-wide body and 2,700mm- long wheelbase provide a spacious interior. The advanced multi-tiered dashboard display positions the speedometer, and other frequently checked displays on an upper tier near the driver’s line of sight for minimum eye movement while driving, while the tachometer, and other gauges are located on the lower tier. The interior space is designed to provide both driving pleasure and a relaxed, expansive feeling.
To reduce burden on the driver, the new Civic and Civic Hybrid are equipped with advanced safety technologies introduced for the first time in this category1, including IHCC (Intelligent Highway Cruise Control)5 with vehicle speed and distance control functions, and Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMS)5 with E-pretensioners5, which cautions the driver of the risk of a rear-end collision, and can activate the brakes to reduce vehicle speed to mitigate damage and injuries.
The popular Civic has won fans in over 160 countries around the world and achieved cumulative world production of 16 million units6 since it was first released in July 1972.
Power train
Newly developed 1.8l i-VTEC engine (Civic)
• The newly developed i-VTEC system further improves on Honda’s original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology to allow the engine to retard intake valve closure timing under low engine-load driving conditions. Valve control is complemented by a DBW (Drive By Wire) system that provides optimum throttle valve control, significantly reducing pumping losses. This results in greater energy efficiency, for a major improvement in fuel economy while cruising. At the same time, improved intake efficiency and a higher compression ratio deliver an output of 103kW (140PS) and 174N•m (17.7kg•m) of torque, while comprehensive friction reduction measures and air-fuel ratio control result in fuel economy of 17.0km/l (5-speed automatic transmission in 10•15 mode). This exceeds Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 5%7. The engine also achieves outstanding emissions performance, with emission levels 75% below 2005 Japanese government standards.
