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

[ratchet23]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[niky]

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.

They're rushing the Mid-Model Change... or the facelift... to address criticisms over the plastics in the interior and the relatively conservative styling.

But doing poorly? The Civic is selling like hotcakes in both the US and Canada. Top three in Canada, top five in the US... a country where "compact" cars like the Civic sell very poorly compared to the Camry, Accord and pick-ups. Granted, dealership incentives have been raised to move the cars, but considering it's more expensive than the competition to begin with, that just brings its price down to par.

The media may hate it, but the Civic is a hit. Because for customers, you're getting the great engine, cabin space and chassis from the FD Civic (with many improvements in chassis layout and interior space), along with a much more comfortable ride and seats. Won't impress typical Honda boy-racer fans, but for people moving down from an Accord or sideways from a Corolla, the Civic hits the spot.

Besides... if you want a Fast and Furious Civic... go buy a secondhand FD MT.

[ratchet23]

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]

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

1200 units here in RP?

[niky]

Better the light and gauge on the Civic because it's line-of-sight... Unlike others where you have to look down.

[eido]

^ ah so it affects city driving fc but not highway driving fc

[niky]

^ ah so it affects city driving fc but not highway driving fc

Highway also. First thing we noticed when we got the car... it was quieter at cruise with ECON on. This suggests that the throttle is not only slower to respond, it may also open less for a given steady pedal input... so you don't have to keep your foot feather light when maintaining 80 km/h on the highway. Power (and noise) is still there if you put your foot to the floor, but for the first three inches of pedal travel, you can stay in ECON mode. Again, probably something you can replicate if you drive properly... which I do... which is why I didn't observe any large difference in economy with ECON on... since I drive smoothly and conservatively with it off.

[eido]

Thanks!

Maikli

[atsuete]

Well. well well... Even Honda japan has admitted that this particular model is a piece of **** and is launching a face lifted model on nov. 29 2012 at the L.A. Auto show! Honda Brass has finally woken up and has issued orders to "Kill any mediocre cars on the pipeline!" Thank you Toyota 86. Hyundai Elantra and Subaru for showing them the way back!

[dumschmuck]

wonder when the rumored turbo civic reach us.

[snoid_zero]

Well. well well... Even Honda japan has admitted that this particular model is a piece of **** and is launching a face lifted model on nov. 29 2012 at the L.A. Auto show! Honda Brass has finally woken up and has issued orders to "Kill any mediocre cars on the pipeline!" Thank you Toyota 86. Hyundai Elantra and Subaru for showing them the way back!

let's put some pictures to it...shall we...

[mda]

Haven't seen many new Civics on the road.

Panay 1.8S, and EXi.

Haven't seen any 1.8E nor 2.0.

Tapos may discount pa yung 1.8E.

Looks like they are hardly selling?

[CruzeR911]

Hind masyadong mabenta ang civic. Mas mabenta pa nga dito sa provinve namin ang cruze. Mahal siguro masyado kahit may discount compared to other compacts out there.