Honda Press Drive Silverstone, November 2008

Re-styled Civic for 2009

Words and photos by Glen Smale

Honda’s European-designed but British-built Civic has been refreshed in time for the autumn 2008 new model season, in direct response to customer feedback. The Civic, introduced three years ago, has undergone only minor changes in order to bring it up-to-date.

The 5-door remains as practical and flexible as ever – a stalwart model for families and ‘young-at-heart’ customers who want reliability and flexibility in an ultra-stylish package. The Type S will increasingly appeal to a younger customer base with sportier features which not only bring it closer to the Type R, while still offering sensible ownership costs that are lighter on the pocket.

Both models will appeal to the increasing number of downsizers thanks to a new 1.4-litre petrol engine that has a lower starting price and is super-economical to run.

The stylish and practical Civic 5-door has been a firm family favourite since its launch in 2006. For 2009 it will get a new frugal engine and bespoke transmission, as well as subtle interior and exterior enhancements, ensuring this success continues. Key features include:

• New economical 1.4-litre i-VTEC engine
• Bespoke, conventional automatic transmission for 1.8-litre models
• Powerful yet economical 1.8-litre i-VTEC and acclaimed 2.2-litre i-CTDi
• Practical 5-door body shape with flexible interior and class-leading load space of
485-litres (seats up, to window)

For the record, the Swindon-built Civic is sold in sixty countries, although most sales are in the EU. With 45% of Civic buyers being female, a 5-door variant is a must when doing the school run.


Revised i-SHIFT

Honda’s next-generation 6-speed i-SHIFT automated manual transmission is available with the new 1.4-litre engine offering improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 49.6mpg (combined) and 132g/km respectively.

How it works – The driver can choose between either Auto Mode for a more relaxed driving style, or Manual Mode for a more involving drive, using the sequential gearshift or steering wheel mounted paddles. The left paddle controls the down-shifts while the right paddle is for up-shifts.

Automatic Mode is selected by moving the gearshift to the left of the gate, while sequential changes in Manual Mode are made by moving the lever either forwards (up changes) or backwards (down changes) in the main gate or by using the paddles.


Championship White Civic Type R

In response to customer demand, Honda has created a high spec’ Type R GT in Championship White – a version of the FN2 Civic Type R in Honda’s traditional racing colours. Honda enthusiasts have been eager to get their hands on a Type R in White ever since the latest body shape was introduced in 2007. This car will be available to order from the end of 2008 with all models built at Honda’s manufacturing plant in Swindon.

A few laps around the Silverstone circuit on a wet Autumn day was enough to test the mettle of any would-be racing driver – for a bunch of motoring scribes, it was a whole bunch of fun. But then we weren’t going quite as fast as a racing driver might. The Type R was certainly a fantastic car to throw around the Northampton circuit, and very rewarding on the edge. Getting it sideways through Luffield was not difficult in the extremely wet conditions, but the error was just as easy to correct. It would have been quite a different matter in the rear-wheel drive S2000 which I drove later.

As well as the distinctive Championship White paint finish that evokes memories of Honda’s first F1 car in 1963, this Type R gets 18” white alloy wheels, a contrasting smoke chrome finish on the badges, door handles, fuel filler cap and lower front grille and exclusive Type R plaque. On sale as from January 2009 this Championship White Civic Type R GT will be priced at £20,140 OTR and £21,540 including Sat Nav.


Honda’s first diesel automatic

Honda has unveiled its first ever automatic ‘box for a diesel powertrain and it will be available in the latest Accord from January 2009.

In the last six years Honda has produced two generations of clean diesel engines – the i-CTDi engine and more recently, the i-DTEC – low in CO2, NOx and particulate emissions and now a high quality, responsive diesel automatic transmission. The eagerly-awaited diesel auto will appeal to a broader range of customers, particularly in the corporate market, where drivers prefer an automatic transmission for the many miles of motorways travelled.

A brief test around the Silverstone village and surrounding roads showed that the Accord is up there with the best in the segment. Honda have always been known for making quality vehicles, and the Accord does everything well. Above all, Honda have given the Accord a very sporty but stylish look and the new model should sway many fence-sitters.

The Accord i-DTEC automatic will go on sale early 2009 priced from £22,400 (Accord 2.2 i-DTEC ES saloon) and £23,700 (Accord 2.2 i-DTEC ES Tourer).


All-new Jazz

The previous Jazz was such a successful car that creating its successor was always going to be a challenge. But by enhancing the car’s strongest qualities, the engineers at Honda have taken Jazz on to the next stage, producing a car with even greater flexibility, more interior space and a ‘bigger car’ feel. Key features include:

• More spacious, more versatile interior
• Two new i-VTEC petrol engines with lower CO2 emissions
• Improvements to suspension to refine ride
• Improved i-SHIFT 6-speed automated manual transmission available
• Double-Trunk boot brings further flexibility to load space
• Magic Seats enhanced for ease of use
• Better driving position and visibility
• High quality interior materials and sharper cabin design