Honda unveils the New Honda Civic at Frankfurt

  • Sep 13, 2011
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A 2.2 liter i-DTEC diesel engine churning out 150 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque is possibly the most desirable hatchback the country can have. However, we in India would have to wait for a while. Probably.

The all new 2012 Honda Civic has been launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 13 th September. Designers at Honda wanted to keep the new Civic sporty and filled with gadgets. However, to hold the elements of the character, the car has been tailored to communicate the new model’s dynamic feel.

The development of the new Civic took over four years and nearly all the components are new. Particular focus was on suspension set-up to improve ride and handling, Interior plastics, improving the aerodynamics for a better fuel efficency. Add to that, the 2.2 liter Diesel i-DTEC engine that produces 150 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque, quite a lot for a hatchback. The petrol mill will come in 1.4 liter and 1.8 liter versions. All engines come with a six speed manual gearbox, advanced fuelling control technology and a host of equipments for a more environmental friendly vehicle as per Honda’s motto. A five speed automatic gearbox will also be there with the 1.8 liter version.

“To achieve a good CO2 figure, you need to optimise every aspect of the car,” says Katsushi Watanabe, Development Leader for the engine. “Reducing the emissions was our key target and we’re proud to say that we have achieved this without compromising the high performance character of the engine. We want our customers to have fun when they drive this car.” Extensive wind tunnel testing was done to keep the emissions as low as possible. The 2.2 liter diesel mill emits only 110 grams to a kilometer.

Inspirations include a ‘blended wing body’ aeroplane in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance. Most of the components of the new Civic have been redesigned to improve handling, comfort and reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions. Retaining a class leading cabin, boot space and practicality, the design silhouette of the car remains the same.

2011 Frankfurt Motor Show: Hot launches & brilliant concepts, click here

Speaking of ride and handling, the suspension has gone through significant changes to enhance comfort and body control. While retaining the rear torsion beam suspension system, the latest set up uses cleverly fluid filled compliance bushes to improve overall ride and handling, particularly at high speeds. The NVH levels have also been significantly reduced by real time tests on European roads and the manufacturer’s anechoic (echo-free) R&D facility to fine tune the cabin insulation.
The new Civic’s aerodynamics also played a key role in maximizing its refinement. As a matter of fact, the development team behind the new Civic called upon their Formula One experience to help deliver a car having low coefficient of drag with excellent high speed stability.

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The new ‘Lean Energetic’ design of the Civic expresses the emphasis on the environmental concern which exists today and the vitality that Honda as a team possess. The initial sketches focused on elegantly flowing lines, a model designed by the engineers at University of Cambridge with the parts like the bumper and Fender blending in seamlessly in the overall design. This concept is clearly a clear break in a new direction rather than the sheer strength that the machine has. The new Civic is termed as way smarter by the maker himself. The new rear combination light that works as an aerodynamic spoiler, managing airflow over the body is the perfect example to it.

The new Civic is designed specifically for the European market and will be offered as a five-door hatchback and will hit showrooms by early 2012. Hopefully, it may eventually reach Indian soil and be the next best mass-market car.


2011 Frankfurt Motor Show: Hot launches & brilliant concepts, click here


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