Aggression unleashed

Honda Cars Philippines launches sportier, more upscale Civic

Amidst the City, Jazz, Accord, CR-V, and even the CR-Z, the Civic is undoubtedly the face of Honda, especially in the Philippines. Through the years, it has earned its rightful place in the hearts and minds of Filipino buyers with its sporty DNA, driver-centric attributes, and affordable pricing. However, the entry of the 9th-generation Civic in 2012 underscored a difficult time at Honda. Not only did they have to resort to launching a single variant, imported from Japan (due to a flood-caused plant shutdown in Thailand), it was received lukewarmly especially with its less than sporty design.

Despite selling almost 5,000 units to date, Honda Cars Philippines is rectifying the main criticism against the Civic. Now, they are aiming to bring sporty back by refreshing it for the 2014 model year. The new, refreshed Civic now embodies a more complete package that offers sportier styling and more technologically advanced features to match the spirited driving performance that the brand has always been known for. With a strengthened partnership with M-Tec Company Limited, makers of MUGEN and Honda Access Asia and Oceana Company Limited, makers of Modulo, the new Civic comes with a redesign that’s more aggressive and dynamic.

With the grand concept of “More Sporty Civic,” the Honda’s 2014 compact sedan is now offered with factory-installed accessories in two of the three variants. The top-of-the-line 2.0 EL is now offered with a Mugen body kit composed of a sports grille, front spoiler, rear apron, side skirts, wing-type trunk spoiler, and of course, the Mugen trunk emblem. This goes hand-in-hand with the new two-tone black-and-silver 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/45R-17 tires. Meanwhile, the midrange 1.8 E now comes standard with a Modulo body kit consisting of a front airdam, rear apron, side skirts, a wing-type trunk spoiler, and a Modulo trunk emblem. The 1.8 E rides on a new three-dimensional, multi-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55R-16 tires. Both models also have front fog lamps, chrome door handles, power retracting side mirrors with integrated side turn lights as standard equipment. Not to be outdone, the base 1.8 S gets a new honeycomb grille with a single-bar accent.

Inside, the 2014 Civic gets a swathe of new and exciting features. Some interior panels have been revamped for a more upscale look and feel, with the 2.0 EL Mugen receiving high-luster piano black accents on the doors, steering wheel, and center console. This goes hand-in-hand with the black leather seating with white stitching. The 1.8-liter variants receive a two-tone gray and black cabin with high-quality moquette fabric seats. Debuting on the 2014 Civic is a new 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with the same intuitive look and feel first seen in the City subcompact. This new infotainment system features functions such as Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio streaming connectivity. The new Civic can connect and mirror a smartphone or tablet’s display via its new HDMI port. Other input options include two USB ports and an auxiliary audio jack. The 1.8 E Modulo and 2.0 EL Mugen get a six-speaker sound system as standard.

Capping off the Civic’s revamped interior features is a new multi-view reverse camera that comes standard on the 1.8 E Modulo and the 2.0 EL Mugen. And speaking about the 2.0 EL Mugen, it’s now 5-star ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) compliant thanks to its suite of six airbags, anti-lock brakes with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and front passenger seatbelt reminder.

Mechanically, the 2014 Civic remains unchanged, coming in both 1.8 and 2.0-liter flavors, both mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter remains rated at 155hp and 190Nm of torque, while the 1.8-liter pumps out 141hp and 174Nm. Improving the Civic’s long-distance driving comfort, the 1.8 E Modulo and 2.0 EL Mugen now benefit from standard cruise control aside from the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

“The new Honda Civic is poised to show off its distinct and unique characteristics that only Civic can claim,” said Toshio Kuwahara, president and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. “The new Civic embodies a complete package that meets the dynamic needs of our valued customers,” he added.

The new 2014 Civic is offered in five colors: Modern Steel Metallic (1.8 E Modulo, 2.0 EL Mugen), White Orchid Pearl (1.8 E Modulo, 2.0 EL Mugen), Carnelian Red Pearl (1.8 S and 1.8 E Modulo), Taffeta White (1.8 S), and Crystal Black Pearl (all variants). The suggested retail prices are as follows: P978,000 (1.8 S), P1,118,000 (1.8 E Modulo), P1,368,000 (2.0 EL Mugen).