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The 3 and 5-door versions of the Honda Civic are to undergo a mild restyle to keep the radically designed coupéesque hatchback at the leading edge of car design.

The biggest change is the adoption of a new 1.4 engine equipped with Honda’s celebrated i-VTEC technology, which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as increasing torque and power outputs over the previous 1.4 unit. The new engine will now be available in the 3-door Type S model, as well as the 5-door, giving customers a broader body style choice for a lower capacity Civic. The new engine also has improved noise vibration and harshness (NVH) performance which is complimented by a number of NVH reducing measures applied across all 3 and 5-door Civics.

Manual versions of the latest Civic will gain the Shift Indicator Light system (SIL) first seen on the new Accord, which combined with the existing Eco lights provides drivers with unambiguous feedback to achieve better fuel economy. Diesel versions will benefit from slightly revised gearing, which gives a small improvement to the CO2 output of these models.

The 5-door version will adopt a different grille, with cut outs either side of the ‘H’ badge punctuating the continuous clear line across the Civic’s front. Exterior plastics have been given a fresh texture, which combined with a new rear combination light cluster, give a heightened sense of quality to the stylish hatchback. Inside the car has been given a new feeling, with new darker brushed metal effect trim and a matt finish applied to the area surrounding the instrument binnacle. The seats are also given a new look with different seat fabrics, further altering the ambience of the cabin.

In response to customer feedback, iPod connectivity is now offered on higher grades, allowing customers to control, charge and enjoy their player effectively. On the iPod enabled grades the player can be placed in the centre console where auxiliary, USB and power outlets are discreetly fitted. The device can be controlled through the stereo controls and track information is displayed on the stereo or navigation if fitted. Higher grades will also benefit from the standard fitment of rear parking sensors, complete with graphic display contained within the Multi-information Display in the centre of the rev counter.

Honda will offer four transmissions on the 2009 model with the 6-speed manual carried over from before. The first change is a new i-SHIFT Automated Manual Transmission, which comes in a single mode form for the 1.4 5-door or Type S or dual mode for the 1.8 litre engine available for Type S only. Both transmissions change gear more rapidly and with improved shift quality and logic. The 1.8 litre version features a second sportier mode for more enthusiastic driving, giving the driver even greater control. New for this model year will be the availability of a 5-speed automatic exclusively for the 5-door 1.8 litre model gearbox, which has been added to offer customers a comprehensive choice of transmission solutions.

Crowning the range, a new higher specification Civic Type R special edition will see the high-revving 3-door given a Limited Slip Differential to further sharpen the car’s handling. During testing the special edition Type R was 1.44 seconds per lap quicker round the Japanese Tsukaba circuit than the standard car.

Special edition Type Rs will be distinguished by their Championship White paint finish, which evokes memories of Honda’s first F1 car in 1963. This iconic colour has never been offered on a Civic in the EU before and the new body colour will be complimented by the white 18″ wheels fitted to the top Type R. To provide contrast to the white body, the special edition cars will have a smoke chrome finish on the badges, door handles, fuel lid and front grille. The new range-topping Type R will be equipped with an unchanged 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine, which produces 200 PS at a spine tingling 8000 rpm.

The Type S 3-door model will more closely resemble the Type R, with a mesh grille and clear rear combination lamp to further distinguish it from the 5-door version. Body coloured bumpers and skirt are also derived from the Type R, giving the 3-door model a sportier and more aggressive stance. The Type S will also gain the same interior upgrades found in the 5-door model as well as retaining the stylish Alcantara seats.

On-sale dates for the 2009 Civic will be announced shortly.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 at 4:05 pm and is filed under Honda. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.