Honda: Civic News
09-03-2003, 05:24 PM
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Honda: Civic News
Right now the Honda Civic is easily the most successful British-built Japanese-branded car in the UK. Two years since it was launched, the current model still leads the pack for interior space, fuel efficiency and its combination of occupant and pedestrian safety. And then there’s the Type-R version. Yes it would be wrong for Honda to change the fundamentals of such an innovative design. But with the imminent arrival of the next generation Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra, there’s a challenge to be met.
Honda has responded with a raft of revisions that take the 2004 Civic up to a higher plane. The net result is a Civic that looks much fresher and more distinctive, is more responsive and more fun to drive, and which is significantly more refined.
More sporty appearance
All models gain sharper frontal styling for a more distinctive, sporty look. The 3 door now features a mesh grille, while the 5 door has a new three bar grille in place of the single slat grille; both gain a more prominent ‘H’ mark. The front bumper now has a wider intake with lines that sweep up into the wheel arch.
All Civics get new projector style headlamps of either two-light or three-light design, depending on model. As well as enriching the car’s appearance, the new units achieve both higher intensity and wider beam width on main beam as well as dip, than the units fitted to the current Civic.
Capturing some of the visual excitement of the Type-R, the Sport grade uses the new front spoiler design from its more powerful sibling together with a unique colour front grille, 3-light projector headlamps, side sill garnish, 205/55 R16 tyres and newly designed 5-stud 16 inch alloy wheels.
Top grade models also get door mirror-mounted side indicators first introduced in the new Accord range. Both stylish and practical, they consist of a strip of LEDs for added visibility when turning. Body colour side sills add further definition to the flanks.
At the rear, 5 door models get a new tailgate pressing and rear bumper with a styling motif mirroring that at the front, and a tailgate spoiler is added. Tail-light clusters on both 3 and 5 door models have been restyled.
A more sporty drive
Within their size classes, the Civic’s petrol and diesel engines were already at the top of the class for performance, so the line up remains unchanged.
Extensive fine-tuning of the toe control link MacPherson strut / reactive link double wishbone suspension and EPS power steering system for both 3 and 5 door models endow the 2004 Civic with much crisper handling.
All models gain stiffer steering and suspension mounting points, a new variable ratio steering rack, increased steering caster angle - and recalibrated spring, damper and anti-roll bar settings. Values are specific for 3 and 5 door models, as they are for the Sport, Type S and Type-R variants.
The aim of these changes is principally to improve on-centre steering feel at high speed, steering response and linearity, while simultaneously also improving ride comfort and smoothness.
As before 15 in wheels are fitted to the majority of the range, however both the Sport and the Type S VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), have 16 in rims.
And a more comfortable one
Improving ride quality and reducing noise levels has been a top priority for Honda engineers working on the 04 year Civic. Upgraded and more extensive noise insulation materials, as well as a front subframe dynamic damper have been employed to quell noise and vibration from all sources. Particular attention has been paid to reducing wind and road noise, engine noise at full throttle - and even the stone chipping sound experienced when driving over loose surfaces.
The net result is a Civic which exhibits "class above" refinement, being superior to direct competitors and as smooth and quiet as many vehicles from the
D sector.
The inside story:
Changes to the spacious cabins have been aimed at delivering a lighter and more elegant ambience with careful co-ordination of colours and textures. Seats are finished in a new fabric and their shape has been improved for greater comfort. There is now more chrome-finished detailing, matched to a new centre console colour of Magnum Silver (applied to specific grades).
On Executive grades a new titanium leather interior with dark titanium centre console is also available. Other upgrades include a rear seat centre cup holder incorporated in the back of the armrest and a larger sized seat back pocket. Civic 3 door models are equipped with a sports steering wheel while 5 door models feature a new 4-spoke steering wheel with built in audio controls.
The Sport grade is distinguished with red seat inserts and red door panels (matched with black) and a steering wheel similar to that of the Type-R.
All Civic 5 door models now have self illuminated meters similar to those of the Honda Accord and Civic IMA, while all 3 door models now feature white dials. Most Civics now feature a combined trip / fuel consumption mpg display with an outdoor temperature readout.
All UK Civics now feature a larger boot volume thanks to the provision of a Spacesaver spare wheel throughout the range. Actual volume goes up by 55 litres for 3 door models and 45 litres for the 5 door, or 21% and 14% respectively.
Revised Type-R
The exciting and iconic Civic Type-R doesn’t go unchanged and new for 2004 are a lighter flywheel and clutch assembly. Reducing inertia makes the engine more responsive and coincidentally shaves 0.2 secs off the 0-62 mph time (now 6.6 sec). There are also new brake callipers that incorporate the Type-R logo for added exclusivity.
Door mirror-mounted indicators, a front spoiler similar to that on Sport models, a front grille unique to Type-R, and three light blue projector style headlamps complete the picture. Inside, there are now red seat inserts and door panels, as well as red headrest aperture, to further emphasise the car’s out and out sporty nature.
The Type R benefits considerably from the NVH (noise vibration and harshness) tuning applied to the whole range.
Sales of the 2004 Civic Type-R begin in February 2004.
New Type S with VSA
A new top-of-the-range Civic 5 door model will be available from April 2004. As the name suggests, this 2.0 litre i-VTEC engined sports model incorporates Vehicle Stability Assist, and is designed to counteract understeer and oversteer tendencies through a combination of individual wheel braking and engine torque reduction. The Teves supplied system also incorporates a Drive By Wire (DBW) throttle and Traction Control.
The VSA model has several other dynamic attributes. These include a close ratio gearbox with 6% "shorter" fourth and fifth ratios to benefit acceleration, bigger (16 in) alloy wheels shod with 205/55-Series tyres and correspondingly bigger ventilated front brake discs.
Safety and Environment
When the current Civic range was first launched, it set new standards with its ability to combine excellent occupant protection with an unprecedented level of pedestrian safety. Specifically it combined a 4 star Euro NCAP occupant safety rating with a 3 star pedestrian result - a feat which even now, only one other manufacturer has been able to emulate.
Whether petrol or diesel-powered, the Civic continues to set the standard for low fuel consumption (= low CO2 emissions) by which other compact hatchbacks are judged.
New model line up and equipment
The table below shows the revised Civic line up for 2004 together with a brief specification and equipment summary. Prices will be announced nearer to the November 2003 launch date.
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Natalia Rose (11-14-2020)
09-03-2003, 06:06 PM
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The Third Ball
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the 5 door wagon looks like a frikkin corolla.
the changes on teh 2 are "eh" at best
the changes on teh 2 are "eh" at best
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09-04-2003, 09:50 AM
#12
6 Forward 1 Back
The Civic here never looks as agressive as the ones built in Europe. They are very conservative. Check out the 2004 refresh:
09-05-2003, 03:52 PM
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eeek... the back reminds me of the old civic hatchback.. but with the whole package.. it looks wayyyy too much like a fuckin echo or focus... ewww
i want to spew
overall: i dont like the look
i want to spew
overall: i dont like the look
10-08-2003, 08:28 PM
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Review (from Europe): Honda Civic Type R
Honda Civic Type R
By Dan Strong
Three years ago, Honda launched its clinically efficient Civic. There was no doubting the hatchback's practicality, but it never managed to offer enough character to steal sales from Ford's all-conquering Focus.
All that could be set to change with the Civic's first major facelift, which has brought in 500 subtle changes to keep small hatchback buyers interested. These include suspension modifications, upgraded trim and subtle styling tweaks to update the front and rear lights and reshape the bumpers.
With production of the revised version already underway, we grabbed the keys to the first car off the line - a flagship Type R - to see if Honda has added even more pizzazz.
Despite a dedicated band of followers, Honda's hot hatch hasn't had it all its own way. Compared to Ford's Focus ST170, the steering didn't offer enough feedback. Next to the Peugeot 206 GTi 180, the chassis lacked sparkle.
As a result, Honda's dragged the Type R back to the drawing board ready for launch next year, stiffening the suspension, revising the steering and up-dating the engine. The finishing touch is a 15mm drop in ride height to complete the car's more aggressive look.
There's no doubt that the facelift adds a fresher, more modern appearance, although the jury is still out on the delicately styled front lights.
The deeper front spoiler does add road presence, as do the twin exhausts and prominent rear wing. Inside, the sculpted bucket seats look smarter, but offer just as much support, while new silver trim adds an air of quality.
But the Type R has always been about driving, so is there a marked improvement on the open road? With a lighter flywheel and clutch, the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine gains 3bhp and seems even keener to rev than before. Straight-line performance is improved and it's now possible to sprint from 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than before. The top speed is unchanged at 146mph.
The way that the engine revs to its 8,000rpm red line remains simply sensational. Now, however, it feels smoother and even more responsive.
On the road, drivers will instantly notice improvements to the steering. The sporty Civic feels more responsive than before, and though the electric power assistance masks much of what is going on at the front wheels, it's more involving to drive.
Stiffer suspension helps to generate huge amounts of grip. At speeds where the old model would start to understeer, the new version chews at the tarmac, refusing to budge from the chosen line. Thankfully, the hot hatch's brakes remain extremely effective. Backed by ABS, the system stays potent, even when worked hard.
It's not all good news - the stiffer suspension has had an effect on ride quality. Even on motorways the set-up makes the Type R feel hard-edged. However, we can't help but feel that's all part of the Civic's character, and a small price to pay for better handling.
Traditionally, performance cars get softer each time they evolve. Marketing and product development departments favour refinement over outright performance in the pursuit of sales.
However, Honda's engineers have clearly decided the Type R needed greater focus if it was to challenge for the class crown. With its revised suspension, steering and engine, it's certainly taken a step in the right direction - and the price is the same as the old model's, at £16,000. We can't wait to introduce the car to its rivals to see just how good it really is.
10-09-2003, 03:33 AM
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Intrested when they are bringing the "R" to USa, I would like to take a look at it, but I still dont like where the shift is located, not feeling that too much!!
10-09-2003, 05:20 AM
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Floyd Mayweather Jr.
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Too late for Honda should have brought it over 2 years ago. If they brought it over here now it wouldn't sale. Only loyal Honda fanatics would buy it. Too much comp from more powerful cars like the SRT4 and WRX just to name a few. When will Honda realize in today's market you have to have a turbo, RWD or AWD to compete...FWD is dead!
10-09-2003, 07:09 AM
#23
Stay or leave
Who the hell cares what they do in Europe with that ugly ass Civic. They have totally ruined the SI reputation with looks at least. I don't care if they make that car as fast as the freakin SRT Neon, its still one of the most ugly cars on the road. Europe you can keep the Type R, as a matter of fact, take all the SI's back over there too!
10-10-2003, 10:15 AM
#27
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Honda of America needs to wake the F#%K up and realize something. We in America know that the rest of the world gets the good stuff, while we're stuck with the lame Short Bus Civic Si, and the one wheel drive RSX Type S.
Every Type R you shipped to the states sold in a heart beat, same for the 6th Gen Civic Si (which in many ways was a baby Type R).
And now that every other auto maker has followed Honda's lead and brought over their hot models (or in the case of Dodge, created a new one), Honda seems perfectly willing to just give the market it created away to others.
Who the heck is calling the shots for Honda of North America and what are they smoking?
*rant mode off*
Every Type R you shipped to the states sold in a heart beat, same for the 6th Gen Civic Si (which in many ways was a baby Type R).
And now that every other auto maker has followed Honda's lead and brought over their hot models (or in the case of Dodge, created a new one), Honda seems perfectly willing to just give the market it created away to others.
Who the heck is calling the shots for Honda of North America and what are they smoking?
*rant mode off*
11-05-2003, 06:49 AM
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2004 Civic Si with Honda Factory Performance Package
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY HONDA
2004 Civic Si with Honda Factory PerformanceÔ Package
The 2004 Civic Si went on sale in September with larger 16-inch wheels and tires for crisper handling and increased grip; redesigned headlights and taillights for a more modern look; new silver trim on the instrument panel and doors; and a new side sill garnish. Beginning in mid-December, the 160-horsepower hot hatchback can be equipped with a new Honda Factory Performance accessory package sold at Honda dealers nationwide. The kit includes suspension elements that lower the car approximately one inch and enhance handling performance with aggressively tuned shocks and springs. The Honda FP kit also adds 17-inch wheels and high performance tires. The MSRP for the package will be approximately $4,000 plus dealer installation. The 2004 Honda Civic Si display car at SEMA features the complete HFP package.
Chassis/Suspension Modifications o HFP suspension (track-tuned shocks and springs)
o 17x7 alloy wheels
o High performance Yokohama AVS ES 100 215/45-R17 87W tires
Exterior Modifications o Hatch spoiler
o Under-body aero kit
o HFP badging
o Integrated exhaust finishers
Interior Modifications o HFP shift knob
o Carbon fiber trim kit
o Engine cover
o HFP emblem kit
11-05-2003, 06:50 AM
#29
The Creator
11-06-2003, 04:40 AM
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Lots of JDM parts on my
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Man, I wish they would just bring the Type-R over. I suppose the car will appeal to the younger crowd. Heck, I would take one for a daily driver.
11-07-2003, 06:10 AM
#35
Find beauty in dissonance
Originally posted by heyitsme
so 23k for an si now? can't believe no typeR's are here yet, fawkin honda.
so 23k for an si now? can't believe no typeR's are here yet, fawkin honda.
Hell, you can get a RSX-S for invoice now, 22k.
01-24-2004, 04:40 PM
#40
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i'd sport the R. 8500 rpm shifts. 
