Honda is serious about regaining market share, if the price of the new Civic is any indication.
Starting from $20,990 for the entry-level Civic VTi-L manual, the new range looks ready to take on all comers, including Korean brands.
“The iconic Civic nameplate is an Australian favourite," said Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins in a press release issued today. "This ninth-generation Civic has undergone significant engineering development, with increased fuel efficiency, smoother handling, improved driving dynamics, a smarter cockpit and Honda’s ECO assist system.
“We are confident our customers will agree that the Civic is a brilliant package and delivers exceptional value for money. The Civic will be in Honda dealerships in early March.”
The new range will comprise three grades, the basic VTi-L, the upmarket Civic Sport and the eco-sensitive Civic Hybrid. Both the conventional models carry over 1.8 and 2.0-litre engines with very lightly revised output figures (104kW versus 103kW for the old 1.8, 190Nm versus 188Nm for the old 2.0-litre). Fuel consumption is said be reduced, however. The 1.8 produces 174Nm and the 2.0-litre develops 114kW, both figures identical to the earlier respective engines.
The Hybrid is now powered by a 1.5-litre engine, rather than the 1.3-litre of the superseded model. Power and torque figures for the 1.5 are 82kW and 172Nm, respectively. Honda naturally makes the claim for the new internal combustion engine that it delivers better straight-line performance. Fuel consumption across the range is helped by the adoption of electrically assisted steering.
All models are five-star rated by ANCAP and feature six airbags as standard, in a body constructed extensively from high tensile-strength steel, which aids ride and handling in addition to its contribution to crash safety.
Standard comfort and convenience features include multi-mode information display, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, iPod connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls. Civic Sport also comes with leather seat upholstery, electric sunroof, rain-sensing wipers and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Civic prices
VTi-L manual $20,990
VTi-L auto $23,290
Sport Auto $27,990
Hybrid CVT $35,990
Metallic paint adds $475 to the purchase price.
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