FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
Honda Malaysia today made waves in the automotive industry, particularly for the C-segment category, with the official launch of the highly anticipated 10th Generation Civic.
In developing the All-New Civic which represents one of the most comprehensive and ambitious new-model developments ever undertaken by Honda, the Company’s engineers set out to benchmark the Civic not only against the C-segment vehicles but also European premium compact vehicles. As a result of these efforts, Honda is able to offer a Civic that will be the game-changer in the C-segment in terms of design, dynamic performance, fuel-efficiency, spaciousness, interior quality and safety features – all in a very attractive price package.
Addressing the media for the first time, Mr. Katsuto Hayashi, the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “The All-New Civic will be an important model for Honda Malaysia to further provide Joy to our customers. Being the No.1 Non-National car brand in 2015, the expectations from our customers have also increased. Our sales this year (up to May 2016) puts Honda as the No.2 overall car brand (National and Non-National) with a 14% market share which translates to 30,401 units sold. We will work harder to constantly achieve Customer Satisfaction”.
Mr. Hayashi added, “The automotive sector in Malaysia has evolved over the past 3 years. When we launched the City in 2014, it dominated the B-segment with competitive value added features that was a class above. This attracted C-segment buyers to purchase the City as it offered superior space and class leading safety. The launch of our popular HR-V filled the gap in the Compact SUV segment while the introduction of a more affordable CR-V 2WD variant attracted the conventional family sedan buyers. While these factors facilitated a growth for the B-segment (+32%) and price reduction for SUV vehicles, it also affected the C-segment which caused the segment share to suffer a decrease of 19%. The C-segment in Malaysia has been on a decline in recent years.”
With this All-New Civic, Honda Malaysia believes it will have the opportunity to revive the declining C-segment. The Civic has sold over 80,000 units in Malaysia since its introduction in 2001. “We are confident that the All-New Civic will not only live up to its name but also be the game-changer in the C-segment with its stylish design, new powertrain and class leading advance features. The revolutionary All-New Civic has elevated the value of its predecessors and brought a whole new level of refinements and competitiveness to its segment,” said Mr. Hayashi.
The brand new 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged engine which is developed under Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology provides ‘Joy to drive’ with its dynamic performance and excellent fuel economy. Honda Malaysia is the first Japanese mass market manufacturer to introduce a turbo engine in the C-segment. The other engine variant is 1.8L i-VTEC. Both engines are mated with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for a smooth driving experience and fuel efficiency. Both variants of the All-New Civic are “Energy Efficient Vehicle” certified and Honda is in line with the Government’s direction to offer EEV vehicles to the public.
In achieving “Superior Comfort”, the challenge for Honda engineers was to combine sleek and aerodynamic exterior design with D-segment level of spaciousness and comfort. With Honda’s vehicle packaging expertise and Civic’s longer wheelbase and wider body, the All-New Civic is able to deliver best in class package. High quality and soft padding finishing are applied generously in keeping with the cool personality and premium character of the All-New Civic. To achieve cabin quietness and further enhance ride quality, the All-New Civic interior package is fitted with light-weight sound proofing system. This includes underbody covering and high noise isolation door system. Overall, Honda has managed to reduce the Noise, Vibration and Harshness to achieve all road quietness which set the All-New Civic a class above the rest.
The All-New Civic offers “Advanced Interface” via its 7” Advanced Display Audio which appeals to the new generation. It is completely redesigned to be the most convenient and connected Civic ever. Some of these features which are also Civics’ first include:
- Remote Engine Start
- Walk Away Auto Lock
- Electric Parking Brake
- Auto Brake Hold
The unseen but crucially important aspect which is safety is not forgotten by Honda.
All variants of the All-New Civic are equipped with top class safety features:
- 6 Airbags (Dual Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, and Side Airbags)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- ISOFIX
The All-New Civic is available in five colours, Dark Ruby Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and two brand new colours, Lunar Silver Metallic and White Orchid Pearl. These two new colours on the All-New Civic will eventually be applied to other models under Honda Malaysia’s production.
The All-New Civic 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged variant is equipped with a smart monitoring system, giving peace of mind in maintaining the efficiency of the engine performance. This feature will indicate the timing of oil change and notify customers with an indication lamp on the speedometer on their service status. At 88 Honda dealers nationwide, customers can enjoy 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage with a service interval of 10,000km.
The monthly sales target of the All-New Civic is 1,200 units and the prices of the 3 variants are:
- RM113,800 for 1.8S (On-the-road with insurance)
- RM127,800 for 1.5 Turbocharged (On-the-road with insurance)
- RM135,800 for 1.5 Turbocharged Premium (On-the-road with insurance)
With this significant launch, the iconic Civic ushers in a new era. The All-New Civic will change the way Malaysian customers experience and drive a vehicle, up the expectations of customers towards a C-segment vehicle and literally change the game altogether.
Photo Gallery: 2016 Honda Civic Malaysia
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