1^st November, 2000

More room and refinement for Civic in 2001

Honda just may be setting a new small car standard with the launch of its 2001 Civic.

Class-leading interior space, new levels of refinement and safety, and fresh, innovative packaging are likely to see the new Civic remain one of Australia’s definitive small cars.

The 7^th generation Civic has been simplified to just two body styles and specification levels – a new five-door Civic Vi Hatch and four-door Civic GLi Sedan – to replace the two-door coupe, four-door sedan and three-door hatch of Honda’s previous Civic lineup.

Both new bodies offer outstanding interior space and safety engineering, despite the Civic’s compact dimensions. More room is devoted to the interior, thanks to a distinctive short nose design, new flat floor and compact engine and suspension arrangements.

The new Civic body is also stronger and more refined, with torsional rigidity increased by more than 53 per cent.

Honda’s G-Con technology – including dual airbags and three point seatbelts – is also part of the Civic’s long list of safety features.

Greater body rigidity, new engine mounts and numerous insulation measures have translated to significant NVH improvements. The generous use of melt sheeting, rubber mat insulators and urethane foam have cut passenger cabin engine noise by 3.0 dB and road noise by 2.5 dB.

The Civic’s underfloor is cleverly repackaged for optimum cabin and cargo space. New compact rear double wishbone suspension and a blow-moulded resin fuel tank free space to reposition the exhaust components to the rear of the flat floor.

Fit and finish has reached what Honda claims are unprecedented levels as a result of new manufacturing techniques and equipment, developed exclusively for production of the 01 Civic.

And Civic’s engines are not only bigger, but cleaner. Engine capacity has been increased 6 per cent to 1.7-litres. Both Civic models are equipped with Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) technology.

The Civic Hatch features the latest version of Honda’s single-overhead cam VTEC system for greater power and fuel efficiency.

Compared to the superseded 1.6-litre VTi, power is increased 8kW to 96kW and torque is up 10Nm to 155Nm. Torque peaks at 4500rpm – 1000 rpm lower in the rev range for greater driveability and performance.

The GLi sedan has a 1.7-litre, 16-valve, SOHC four-cylinder LEV engine with 88kW of power and 150Nm of torque. Like the Vi, peak torque is delivered lower in the rev range for better low range performance.

Engine noise is reduced as well. An equal length intake manifold and more rigid engine walls mean that the Civic is 6 dB quieter during acceleration and at idle.

The new compact engine, high-mounted steering gearbox and compact toe-link strut-style suspension have been designed to fit within the short nose, without compromising space or safety.

The Civic Vi Hatch gains electric power steering (EPS), which Honda pioneered on the NSX.

Honda Australia’s deputy managing director, Neal Robertson, says the 2001 Civic’s innovative engineering will ensure its continued success into the new century.

"This car marks an important evolutionary step in the Civic’s 28-year history," he said.