HONDA SAYS: Honda South Africa has added a 1.8 i-VTE C VXi automatic-transmission model to its five-door Civic Hatchback range. At the same time, the range has also undergone a series of subtle visual updates also equipped with a number of unique features to further enhance its appeal.
These include a standard iPod USB connection and an auxiliary input socket for other MP3 and music players. The sound system is also equipped with six loudspeakers.
Rain-sensing automatic windscreen wipers have been included in the package as standard, as have automatically actuated headlights. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a tyre deflation warning system, and rear parking sensors are standard, too.
Further, the extras include an impact-sensing door unlocking system, and a second 12-volt power socket in the console box.
Exterior changes comprise a revised front grille, redesigned front bumper, and a new light cluster integrated into the rear spoiler. The handsome hatchback runs on new 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with 225/45 R17 tyres.
The advent of the upgraded Civic 1.8 i-VTEC Five-Door Hatchback range also marks the availability of a new, striking colour: Premium White Pearl. The new hue will add further lustre and appeal to this latest five-door Civic.
The special white colour is joined by Deep Sapphire Blue Pearl, Urban Titanium Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl. Still on offer are Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, and Milano Red.
Inside, the interior finishes feature a new gunmetal hue, while the upgrade model also includes the luxury of full leather upholstery, heated front seats, climate control, a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, and cruise control.
Front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard, while Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is also included.
The automatic Civic hatch employs the same, advanced powerplant as the manual model. The sophisticated 1 799 cc four-cylinder unit is equipped with Honda’s i-VTEC ‘intelligent’, electronically controlled valve timing system, ensuring a perfect combination of power, performance and economic fuel consumption.
Credited with 103kW of maximum power and a 174 Nm torque peak, the fuel-injected engine propels the Civic Hatch 1.8 VXi Auto from zero to 100 km/h in only 8.9 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 205 km/h.
Combined-cycle fuel consumption is a frugal 7.2 litres/100 km, while the CO2 emissions rating comes to 172 g/km. The addition of an automatic gearbox derivative to the Civic 5-Door hatchback range comes in the wake of increasing demand for an automatic model in the highly competitive C-segment hatchback market.
“While that sector has always been dominated by manual-transmission models, there is a growing trend favouring the convenience and user-friendly operation of automatic models,” comments Honda SA sales and marketing director, Graham Eagle.
The decision to introduce an automatic gearbox version of the Civic was strengthened by the highly positive market response to the introduction of an automatic model in the new Honda Jazz range, he adds.
“To date, Honda has sold more auto-transmission models of the Jazz than all of its competitors combined, proving the increasing appeal of self-shifting models. We believe that adding an automatic model to our Civic hatchback range will greatly enhance its exposure against its rivals.”
The new Honda Civic 1.8 VXi Five-Door Hatch is offered with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and is available from all authorised Honda dealers nationally. Retail prices are R267 900 and R279 900 for the manual and auto versions respectively.
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