Honda Launches the 9th Generation Civic & Civic Hybrid


[Automotive News]
I bet almost everyone has owned a Civic or had a family member or relative own one at one point of time. Cumulatively, the Civic has sold more than 19.7 million units worldwide since the launch of the 1st generation Civic back in 1972. Such is the popularity of the car that every new launch is eagerly anticipated. The 9th generation Civic was launched in the US a couple months back and many of my friends were wondering if the Malaysian version would be similar (albiet right-hand drive of course). In US, which is the biggest market for the Honda Civic, over 163,000 units has been sold in the first half of this year alone.
Anyway the wait for over as Honda Malaysia launched the highly anticipated 9th generation Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid on 12 July 2012. In Malaysia, since the launch of the 7th Generation in 2003, the Civic has sold over 58,000 units to date. It has been simultaneously recognized as the market leader in non-national mid-size sedan segment. The success of the model was evident as there was a rather long waiting period for the 8th generation Civic launched in 2006 which saw sales of close to 49,000 units.

The new Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid
En. Rohime Shafie, President & COO of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, MD & CEO of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Masayuki Sano, Large Project Leader of the new Civic, Mr. Katsunori Ishii, Vice President of Honda Malaysia (L-R)

Each generation of Civic evolves with a specific development theme in mind and the 2012 Civic’s concept is “futuristic and distinctive compact,” a direction that introduces new values that reach ahead of present-day needs.
Built based on the popularity of the 8th Generation, the Civic has been remodeled with a higher level of refinements and style.
“The All-New Civic has elevated the values of its predecessor on all fronts – fuel economy, performance, advanced smart technology and long-term values. More sophisticated and smart, the All-New Civic conveys a highly energetic appearance in its class,” Mr. Ueno remarked on the direction of the new Honda Civic.
The designers also incorporated the concept of the new Civic being a “Advanced Smart Sedan” during the development, which resulted in a series of new technologies including a futuristic cockpit and a 5-inch intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID) to promote smart and efficient driving.

The Honda Civic looking sporty with the optional Modulo kit

Eco Assist
The All-New Civic is Honda’s first non-hybrid model fitted with Eco Assist functions, which helps driver improve the vehicle fuel efficiency. With its interactive function – changing colour background of the ambient meter display, it guides drivers to achieve better fuel efficiency thus helping to save fuel.

Interior
In addition to the exterior and interior makeover, the safety standard in the All-New Civic has been enhanced. The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is now integrated with the Motion Adaptive EPS (Electric Power Steering) system that helps drivers to control during oversteer and understeer conditions. The new Civic has obtained a 5-star EURO NCAP safety rating for occupants and pedestrian. The refined Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure provides improved crash compatibility between vehicles of different size and ride height.

Hybrid – Save Fuel!
Along with the petrol model, the new Civic also has a Hybrid variant featuring a larger 1.5L i-VTEC engine that is connected to a lighter, enhanced and more powerful electric motor. The new Civic Hybrid is the first in Malaysia to be fitted with a lithium-ion battery that can preserve more electricity with its compact size. Enhanced with smart technology, the new Civic Hybrid is the first hybrid to offer Smart Entry and Push Start Button in Honda’s Hybrid line-up for a more premium feel.

Powerplants
Available in 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.0L with NAVI and Civic Hybrid, each variant is designed to better meet different individual needs and preferences. The line up is designed to appeal to both male and female.

Special After-Service Package
Honda Malaysia is introducing a new and attractive after-service package to provide an enhanced ownership experience to the customers:
1. 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage*
2. 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage* for IMA battery
3. Extension of preventive maintenance interval from 5,000km to 10,000km
4. Free labour service up to 6 visits for every alternate paid service until 100,000km
*subject to Honda’s terms and conditions of course

Colours
The Honda Civic petrol variant is available in Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Taffeta White.
The Honda Civic Hybrid variant is available in Frosty White Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Taffeta White.

Price (On-the-Road with Insurance)
1.8S – RM115,980.00
2.0S – RM131,980.00
2.0 Navi – RM136,980.00
1.5L Hybrid – RM119,980.00

More info at http://www.honda.com.my
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The new Civic Hybrid – Desirable!