JIMS 2008: HONDA CIVIC 4-DOOR Capturing attention
The classy Civic sedan in is the backbone of Honda’s car range, and more than half of Honda’s total worldwide sales are achieved with this model.
The eighth-generation Civic sedan maintains a Honda tradition as the company’s showcase of innovation, fine engineering, outstanding quality, and fun-to-drive character – encapsulated in an elegant design with advanced safety features.
The Honda Civic sedan exudes the classic looks and elegance of an upper-class saloon in the compact car segment. The immaculate styling lines are well-defined, while larger wheels fill their arches neatly and streamlined light clusters enhance the athletic feel.
It is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, with a sweeping roofline, sharply raked windscreen and short overhangs to accentuate the advanced profile and athletic stance.
Bearing all the confidence of a classic saloon, it still possesses strength and dynamism in its design – along with a linear unity that gives it a look of flowing aerodynamic agility. Lightweight materials make it supremely efficient, easy to handle and highly economical.
In front, pleasingly shaped headlights slant boldly up to either side of the flat “floating” centre grille and flush surfaces emphasize the unity of the elegant nose. The headlights and grille blend gently into the hood and up to the expansive windshield for a distinct aerodynamic, high-performance feel.
The side view shows the body’s character line extending from the low front to the bumper at the back to express speed, power and pace.
The new Civic is a perfect example of how an original can be refined and improved, without compromises on styling and technology.
Honda’s ground-breaking VTEC engine has evolved to the latest “intelligent” 1,8 litre i-VTEC powerplant fitted to the Civic. It has proved to be extremely reliable through the years, with a long list of ingenious features to ensure durability.
An all-aluminium block and oil pan with reinforcements, high-rigidity precision-balanced crankshaft, as well as the extensive use of low-friction materials bear testimony to the engineers’ passion for long-lasting efficiency.
The five-speed manual transmission features a low-friction design with single cone synchronisers in all gears and high capacity bearings throughout. The five-speed automatic transmission employs electronic control, and a wide range of advanced technology for smoother shifting and reduced friction for better efficiency and durability.
This fascination with first-class materials and design is carried through to the Civic body, with its revolutionary ACE structure and high-tensile steel. It keeps the Civic occupants safe, while repair costs are reduced by careful attention to minute detail in the design.
The top grade materials used in the cabin guarantee that Civic owners will enjoy driving their cars for many years. Even the solid feel and closing sound of the doors have been engineered to put the new generation Civic at the top of its class.
Highly favourable ratings received in independent quality and customer satisfaction studies — where Honda walked off with top honours – ensures that the Civic will deliver superior reliability and low total ownership costs.
Voted South Africa’s Car of the Year in 2007, the Honda Civic Sedan remains at the top of its class as a smart, versatile and ultimately desirable sedan. It also took the top spot in the upper small car category of JD Power’s annual customer satisfaction survey, ahead of the Mercedes-Benz A-class and the Toyota Corolla .
