Media Release 25 January 2006

2006 Civic Raises the bar

The 2006 Honda Civic range raises the bar for the small and medium size vehicle classes. Style, driving performance and leading specification put the Civic well ahead of its class. The most outstanding features of the 2006 Civic include its expressive exterior styling, a high-tech and spacious interior, and fun-to-drive performance through-out the range.

Redesigned from the ground up the 8th generation Civic has an injection of sports styling and performance. With appealing curves and lines inside and out all suggestive of handling you will just want to drive when you sit behind the wheel of the 2006 Civic range. Specification levels are only bettered under the $80,000 class by Honda’s own Accord Euro. The Civic has always been a technology leader, from the first generation 1973 EB Civic with the introduction of the CVCC engine, through 16 valve VTEC, and flat floor technology in the last model, and the 8th generation is no exception. The 06 Civic takes on the offerings of prestige models.

Exhilarating performance is provided across the Civic range with a choice of an all new 1.8L NP4 engine that produces power of 103 KW and 177nm’s of torque that is equivalent to that of most 2.0L engines yet with the cruise economy of a 1.5 L engine; or a 2.0L NP2 engine derived from the Award winning Accord Euro and tuned for the Civic. The 2.0 L engine produces 114 Kw and 192Nm of torque.

Both engines are i-VTEC variants with Drive by Wire electronic throttle control.

This same exhilarating performance is delivered in the 06 Civic Hybrid which features a new Integrated Motor Assist powertrain, producing equivalent outputs to the 1.8L engine.

All of these new engines from Honda feature i-VTEC engine management systems. VTEC in itself is leading technology providing valve lift which increases fuel efficiency and economy. The 1.8L Engine features Variable Capacity Management, the 2.0L features Variable Timed Camshaft and the IMA Hybrid features Variable Cylinder Management, together with valve lift management.

The use of i-VTEC produces leading fuel economy and performance.

Buyers of the all new Civic are also treated to a plethora of specification making the Civic the best value vehicle in its size. Together with solid driving performance you will be surrounded by safety and comfort features including front, side and curtain airbags, VSA (on Auto models), Cruise Control, ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, leather steering wheel, climate air conditioning, CD player with auxiliary audio input, alarm and immobiliser, active headrests and alloy wheels. The 2.0S adds leather, sunroof, HID headlights, ducktail spoiler,

The Civic instrument panel as been designed both for driving comfort and to reduce fatigue. The instruments are split into two areas, those less used items are in the traditional position and the critical items closer to the screen and in the peripheral vision when looking at the road. This allows drivers to read the speed without having to significantly adjust their focal point away from the road.

Honda’s G-CON technology “Catchers Mitt” collision compatibility body design is included in the Civic. The design allows for a collision where the structures of the cars are not height compatible and would otherwise result in intrusion into the passenger compartment.

Adding to the model line up is a range of Sports models which include front, side and rear under spoilers together with boot spoiler. There is also a 17” charcoal alloy wheel available to complete the look.

“The Civic re-enters the New Zealand market and steps up to set the benchmark for a true driver’s car, with performance matched by specification. The Civic represents outstanding value for money” said Graeme Seymour, Managing Director of Honda New Zealand. “We are shaping tomorrow with leading-edge looks, more power, sharper handling and a big injection of high-tech to re-engineer the 8th generation Civic as a true drivers car. When you get behind the wheel you just won’t want to stop”

The model range is 1.8S, 2.0S and Hybrid, with sport variants available for each.

Honda’s Price Promise commits to bringing transparent, reliable and consistent pricing to the market and the Civic is no exception. Pricing is as follows:

Civic Sports Sedan / Manual / Auto
1.8S / $26,000 / $28,000
1.8S Sport / $28,500 / $30,500
2.0S / $32,000
2.0S Sport / $34,500
Hybrid / $33,800
Hybrid Sport / $36,300

The Civic has already received several international awards in the short time since launch:

  • 2006 North American Car of the Year
  • 2006 Motor Trend Car of the Year
  • Good Design Award 2005 (Japan)
  • 'Top Safety Pick - Gold' Award,from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (USA)
  • 'Best New Alternative Power' By Automobile Journalists Association of Canada
  • Civic Hybrid - Most Advanced Technology RJC Technology of the Year
  • Car of the Year Japan Special Achievement Award – Most Advanced Technology Award;
  • Japan Automobile Hall of Fame Car of the Year;

For Further information:

Graeme Meyer

Marketing Manager

Honda New Zealand

Email:

Phone 09 262 3131 / 0274 943165