Honda Cars PH launches 2.0-liter Civic, other 1.8-liter variants

**ratchet23** · July 16th, 2012 05:07 PM

Source: TopGear Philippines - Honda Cars PH launches 2.0-liter Civic, other 1.8-liter variants - News | TopGear.com.ph

Honda Cars PH launches 2.0-liter Civic, other 1.8-liter variants

Now that operations at Honda's manufacturing facility in Thailand are back to normal, Honda Cars Philippines has brought in the full lineup of the all-new Civic, most notably including the 2.0-liter Civic EL variant. In February, HCPI launched the 1.8-liter EXI variant sourced directly from Japan. At a simple press event held today at Honda Cars Global City, the company officially unveiled the rest of the Civic lineup assembled and imported from Thailand.

Those variants are the 2.0-liter EL, the 1.8-liter E, and the 1.8-liter S. HCPI is just running out its stock of the Japan-made 1.8-liter EXI, which HCPI calls the "special-edition Civic"; Thailand won't make a similar variant, according to HCPI public relations head Mitch Malto.

You already know that the 1.8-liter engine is rated at 139hp and 174Nm of torque. The bigger 2.0-liter powerplant found under the hood of the Civic EL produces 153hp and 190Nm of torque.

For your quick reference, here are the unique features for each of the new variants from Thailand:

* 2.0 EL - five-speed AT with paddle shifters; 17-inch aluminum wheels; projector-type HID headlamps; fog lights; black leather seats; and Brilliant White paint job.

* 1.8 E - five-speed AT with paddle shifters; 16-inch aluminum wheels; projector-type halogen headlamps; and gray fabric seats.

* 1.8 S - five-speed AT or five-speed MT; 15-inch aluminum wheels; projector-type halogen headlamps; and gray fabric seats.

All variants come with the Econ button. Available colors are Urban Titanium, Carnelian Red, Crystal Black, Taffeta White (for 1.8 E and 1.8 S variants), Brilliant White (for 2.0 EL variant only), Frosty White (for 1.8 E variant only), and Alabaster Silver (for 1.8 S variant only).

The prices? The 1.8 S MT goes for P908,000; 1.8 S AT, P948,000; 1.8 E AT, P1,008,000; and 2.0 EL AT, P1,145,000 (additional P20,000 for Brilliant White color). The Japan-sourced 1.8 EXI AT still sells for P1,074,000.

"The all-new Civic has been well-received and has sold more than 1,200 units to date," said HCPI president and general manager Tatsuya Natsume. "Our factory in Thailand is fully operational with production in full swing. This enabled us to finally launch the full lineup of the all-new Civic. With the availability of a full variant lineup, new Civic buyers will have more options in their choice of features and prices."

**mda** · July 16th, 2012 05:49 PM

There's good value in the 1.8S models I think.

Still competition from the Lancer and the Elantra though.

Any information on the onboard goodies? (MID, VSA, etc)

**niky** · July 16th, 2012 05:54 PM

Still... 908k for fabric seats and a stick? When everyone else is pushing hard to launch at under 800k? The relatively loaded 1.8 EXi from Japan (yeah, fabric seats, but it came with a back-up camera and an extensive trip computer) lured people with the "JDM" tag, but the 1.8S won't have that luxury.

I know they're doing this to clear some space for the Jazz, but 900k+ for a bare model might be a bridge too far... even if it comes with Halogens.

Then again, the car buying public isn't exactly logical... so let's see how it goes.

**renzo_d10** · July 16th, 2012 06:07 PM

Niky, don't forget that it's a Honda.

You probably know how people see [H]'s locally.

Just look at the CRV. Ridiculously priced and it's selling well. Even better than the better-looking & cheaper xtrail.

Smh.

**crazy_boy** · July 16th, 2012 06:21 PM

is there any truth that Honda (Global) will be coming out with another all new civic next year? i remember reading in a US site that this model is a flop in US.

**basti08** · July 16th, 2012 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by crazy_boy

is there any truth that Honda (Global) will be coming out with another all new civic next year? i remember reading in a US site that this model is a flop in US.

I don't think so, not really all new but the freshening might take earlier than usual. Verdict: Buy the Special Edition (upgrade with the EL's 17")while supply lasts.

**ratchet23** · July 16th, 2012 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by renzo_d10

Niky, don't forget that it's a Honda.

You probably know how people see [H]'s locally.

Just look at the CRV. Ridiculously priced and it's selling well. Even better than the better-looking & cheaper xtrail.

Smh.

yup, from the article, honda has sold 1200+ units for few months despite having that 1.070m pricetag.

**basti08** · July 16th, 2012 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by ratchet23

yup, from the article, honda has sold 1200+ units for few months despite having that 1.070m pricetag.

1200 units here in RP?

**ratchet23** · July 16th, 2012 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by basti08

1200 units here in RP?

yes sir...,

"The all-new Civic has been well-received and has sold more than 1,200 units to date," said HCPI president and general manager Tatsuya Natsume. "Our factory in Thailand is fully operational with production in full swing. This enabled us to finally launch the full lineup of the all-new Civic. With the availability of a full variant lineup, new Civic buyers will have more options in their choice of features and prices."