Collision Repair
Redesigned Classic Continues to Impress –
Since its inception in 1972, the Honda Civic has gone against the grain. Rather than be developed according to the vision of company founder Soichiro Honda, the first Civic’s development team traveled to various world markets and then set about creating a car that “is needed right now.” With the ninth-generation of the Civic set to go on sale shortly, it seems the original give-the-people-what-they-want mentality still prevails.
In January 2011, the Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan made their world debut at the North American International Auto Show, offering a glimpse at the styling direction of the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 model.
“The Civic is known for providing a balance of ‘just-right’ packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet.”
With a wide array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic lineup intends to meet the needs of compact-vehicle buyers. The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two sporty “Si” performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant. The Civic line offers a balance between fuel economy, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance.
The exterior styling of both Civic concept models showcases the sedan’s and coupe’s clean, yet powerful, lines with steeply raked windshields, wide stances and pronounced character lines along the profile. The lower character line on both models broadens toward the rear fenders to enhance the dynamic feeling of forward energy. The front fender surface treatments form a complex, three-dimensional look to further enhance the image of sophistication and structural depth against the deeply set headlights.
The Civic’s family of engines with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC(R)) technology become even more fuel efficient for 2012. The upcoming Civic Hybrid offers the latest generation of the compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist(TM) (IMA(TM)) gasoline-electric hybrid system and features the first application of a lithium-ion battery in a Honda hybrid.
Building on its emphasis on fuel-economy, most upcoming Civic models receive Honda Eco Assist(TM) technology, already available in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids.
All 2012 Civics are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA(R)) as standard equipment. Additionally, the ninth-generation Civic continues to provide Honda’s exclusive and innovative Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure for frontal collision energy management. Expectations are high that this new Civic incarnation will score well in government crash test ratings.
The 2012 Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan will be available in Spring of 2012. Visit a neighborhood Honda dealership to learn more about the features of these concept vehicles or visit www.honda.com. Courtesy of Honda Motor Co.
