For all
those CIVIC-minded people
By Sanjeeve Gooneratne
The all new 8th generation Honda Civic is gracing
the roads of Sri Lanka in four exquisite models, from 1.8v- man,1.8v
aut ,1.8s man, 1.8s aut and a power packed 2.0l engine.
The 1.8 delivers an amazing 140bhp and the 2.0
delivers an astounding 160bhp proves testimony for its superior
performance and nippy acceleration with its standard advance I-VTEC
technology, and what is so incredible about this automobile is the
1.8 ltr will give you fuel efficiency of a 1.5ltr, so why settle
for less power!!!
The shape and contours of the new Civic has evolved
over the years and is now presented to the market with unbeatable
looks moving away from its traditional contours and lines contributed
immensely towards achieving the greatest milestone an automobile
could ever achieve "The Car of the Year 2006" awarded
by the Motor Trend Magazine USA.
Honda has always been concentrating on "MM
theory - "Maximum Man - Minimum Machinery" , which is
very well depicted in the new Honda Civic, focusing so much on cabin
space, passenger comfort and driver excitement, with minimum space
for machinery.
One of the many distinguishing features of The
new Civic is the radical new two tier blue instrument panel and
a three spoke sporty steering wheel, the tachometer visible through
the steering wheel and a prominent digital speed readout viewed
above the steering wheel - just below the base of the windscreen
- where it's visible with minimal deviation of the driver's eyes
from the road. All other controls are arranged for maximum ergonomic
effectiveness, including the brilliantly compact handbrake, which
frees up the entire between-seats area for storage. Audio system
and cruise control (a standard fitment on some models) buttons are
fitted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
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Mechanically, the new Civic is a world leader.
The all new 1.8-litre single camshaft i-VTEC engine, fitted to the
1.8V and 1.8S , is so advanced that it uses the upcoming piston
to push unburnt fuel back into the combustion chamber through a
partly open inlet valve, where it mixes with the incoming fuel for
even greater combustion efficiency and lower emissions.
Automatic transmissions are the new five-speed
units with Formula One style paddle shifters on the steering wheel
for manual changes in the (S) type. A system called 'Gear Logic'
is used to provide the best possible gear for the driving situation,
resulting in intuitive gear shifting.
The Civic, especially when its price is considered,
it provides an almost irresistible combination of style, comfort,
interior space and driving pleasure. It tracks around bends with
precision, and its sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension
soaks up irregularities without disturbing the cornering line. The
engines are smooth and responsive, and the five-speed automatic
is class-leading.
With the launch of the 1.8ltr the 2006 Civic is
fast becoming the market leader in 1.8ltr category, repositioned
at higher niche, clearly a few steps ahead than the previously sold
1.5exi in all spheres.
The selling price inclusive of VAT would start
from Rs 4.8m for a 1.8v manual and will go upto Rs 5.4m for a 1.8s
automatic and Stafford Motors Co., could also get down the 2.0 ltr
with a i-vtec dohc engine for Rs 5.9M but will be strictly on order
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