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-   -   Honda: Civic News (https://acurazine.com/forums/automotive-news-6/honda-civic-news-161081/)

gavriil 09-03-2003 05:24 PM

Honda: Civic News
 
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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.

cusdaddy 09-03-2003 06:04 PM

looks very nice IMO

Sarlacc 09-03-2003 06:06 PM

the 5 door wagon looks like a frikkin corolla.
the changes on teh 2 are "eh" at best

charliemike 09-03-2003 06:54 PM

Jeezus, they look like ass ... I'd never guess that the TSX and that thing are from the same company.

pimpscls 09-03-2003 09:13 PM

yukk

Red Nj-s 09-03-2003 09:33 PM

I kinda like it. It looks like a less good looking interpretation on the new Golf.

farberstyle 09-03-2003 11:05 PM

didja guys see the type-s badge? with vsa to boot.

Black CL-S 4-Life 09-04-2003 05:51 AM

No thanks...

DISRUPTV 09-04-2003 07:17 AM

i'd rock the 2dr si

Red-CL 09-04-2003 07:38 AM

It looks like an Echo.

Shawn S 09-04-2003 08:13 AM

UGLY.... Looks like lots of makeup on an ugly fat chick.
She's still UGLY !!!

And it still has the "BIG BONER" shifter. :ghey:

Speed_Racer 09-04-2003 09:50 AM

The Civic here never looks as agressive as the ones built in Europe. They are very conservative. Check out the 2004 refresh:

http://www.cmarquez.com/Cars/civic.jpg

danny25 09-04-2003 11:54 AM

that 4 door looks way too much like a Toyota. The only one I like is the 2 door coupe Speed Racer posted.

Ashburner 09-04-2003 12:28 PM


Originally posted by Red-CL
It looks like an Echo.
:werd:

1SICKLEX 09-04-2003 12:35 PM

Dang, from bland to ugly. Not good. RIcer tails now standard.

mantis23 09-04-2003 12:37 PM

if you dont have anything good to say, then dont say anything at all...so I wont say anything.

heyitsme 09-04-2003 12:44 PM

fp package

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i think honda must be very confused about this segment if they plan on charging for this package instead of making it stock.

cor 09-05-2003 03:52 PM

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

gavriil 10-08-2003 08:28 PM

Review (from Europe): Honda Civic Type R
 
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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.

1SICKLEX 10-09-2003 03:14 AM

Europe loves Honda's Type-R models. Good for Honda. Now it is beyond me that everyone is bringing their hot models here in the USA but not them? Weird.

CLASSYCLS 10-09-2003 03:33 AM

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!!

Black CL-S 4-Life 10-09-2003 05:20 AM

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!

Reddly9007 10-09-2003 07:09 AM

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!

Red Nj-s 10-09-2003 07:41 AM

Sweet. I love the look aof that civic too for some reason. That first picture is insane!

CLS2001_97124 10-09-2003 07:45 AM

I'll stay with the EK body style...

heyitsme 10-09-2003 08:00 AM

honda is so lame in the us, have no idea why they stopped bringing a typeR here, even if it was just the rsxr.

80's Boy 10-10-2003 10:15 AM

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*

gavriil 11-05-2003 06:49 AM

2004 Civic Si with Honda Factory Performance Package
 
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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

soopa 11-05-2003 06:50 AM

Full Size Images:

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Collective27 11-05-2003 01:12 PM

That looks like UTTER SHIT.

cusdaddy 11-05-2003 02:28 PM

terrible

danny25 11-05-2003 03:42 PM

nothing can make that car look better.

DigiBox 11-06-2003 04:40 AM

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.

heyitsme 11-06-2003 03:39 PM

so 23k for an si now? can't believe no typeR's are here yet, fawkin honda.

Bluto 11-07-2003 06:10 AM


Originally posted by heyitsme
so 23k for an si now? can't believe no typeR's are here yet, fawkin honda.
An Integra Type-R was 24.5. What is Honda thinking? 4k for a HFP package that does not add much performance.

Hell, you can get a RSX-S for invoice now, 22k.

Black CL-S 4-Life 11-07-2003 01:40 PM

Honda Honda Honda....:shakehd:

heyitsme 01-24-2004 12:48 PM

04 R

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pimpscls 01-24-2004 02:11 PM

not bad

chef chris 01-24-2004 02:39 PM

Quite nice.

mattg 01-24-2004 04:40 PM

i'd sport the R. 8500 rpm shifts. :boink:


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