A $10,000 lawsuit has been filed against Honda Motor Co. by a Los Angeles woman who claims her Civic Hybrid doesn’t meet its gas mileage outlook.

The claim was filed on Tuesday in American Honda headquarters city of Torrance, CA small claims court by 46 year old Heather Peters. Peters claims that the 50 mpg that her 2006 hybrid used to get has been reduced to 30 mpg, and sites battery deterioration as the cause. The former lawyer is looking to be reimbursed for additional fuel costs and the difference in purchase price between the hybrid and petrol Civic models.

While several class-action suits are being filed on behalf of Honda hybrid owners for the same reason, Peters decided the $200 cash payout and $500 – $1,000 towards a new Honda the suits are offering wasn’t satisfactory.

Click here for more news on the Honda Civic.

Prior to Peters filing her lawsuit, she notified Honda in a letter of her intentions if she received no response from the automaker. After several attempts and no response, she proceeded to file, although according to Honda, no contact had been made until late November.

In addition to her suit, Peters also started a website, dontsettlewithhonda.org to encourage people in her situation do act as she has.

The case will be ruled by Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Douglas Carnahan this week.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoNews

It turns out that the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid will be a very important ‘green’ model for the Japanese brand. Despite being the first on the market with a gasoline-electric hybrid in the United States with the first-generation Insight, Honda’s recent hybrid models have started falling off.

However, the 2012 Honda Civic is the first test of whether Honda’s new strategy of lithium-ion batteries can take off.

Previous Honda hybrids have fallen short in fuel-economy as the new Honda Insight did with the Toyota Prius. Other models like the Honda Accord Hybrid didn’t do too well in the power section.

Click here for more news on the Honda Civic.

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid average 44 mpg in both city and highway driving, beating the previous Civic Hybrid’s 40/43 mpg (city/highway) rating. Prices for the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid start at $24,050.

Refresher: The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is powered by the company’s IMA system with a new lithium-ion battery pack that replaces the nickel-metal hydride pack used in the previous two generations of Civic Hybrid. The 2012 Civic Hybrid also gets a larger 1.5L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine making 110-hp at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 1,000-3,500 rpm. The electric-motor provides an addition 23-hp. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid averages an EPA-estimate fuel-economy of 44/44 mpg (city/highway) or 44 mpg combined. Prices start at $24,050.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive news

2012 Honda Civic HF

Though auto-makers all over the globe were affected greatly, Honda has experienced significant shortages due to the earthquake in Japan. It has informed US dealers on Monday that it expects to run short of  Honda Civic models, due to a cease in production.

Though the Civic is assembled in the US, many parts come from Japan, and the company wants to avoid producing units it cannot completely build. The company will also only be able to import a limited number of vehicles from Japan, which means that dealers won’t be readily able to order the Fit, Insight, CR-Z, and Civic Hybrid.

The Acura TSX and RL models will also be on severe backorder.

Click here for more news on the Honda Civic.

“Our goal remains to normalize overall production sometime around the end of the year,” John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda, wrote in the dealer memo.

These stoppages in production come at a bad time – as gas in America is soaring rapidly to $4 per gallon, smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles would fare well. This leaves the American manufacturers in a strong position though, as they are now offering smaller cars with better quality, and at an affordable price.

2012 Honda Civic Sedan / 2012 Honda Civic Coupe:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: MSNBC

2012 Honda Civic 'To Each Their Own'

The 2012 Honda Civic lineup consists of five different models (seven if you count the coupes as different models) and to market the diverse lineup, Honda’s long-time ad agency, RPA has launched a new campaign called “To Each Their Own.”

With a tagline that reads “We’re all different. That’s why there are five different Civic,” the campaign focuses around the idea that consumers are all different and there’s a Civic for each one of them.

Click here to learn about the full 2012 Honda Civic lineup.

The stars of the 2012 Honda Civic ‘To Each Their Own’ Campaign include:

• Jack: An urban woodsman who drives a Civic Hybrid.
• Mitch: A zombie salesman drives the Civic Sedan.
• Teeny: A monster college student that owns a Civic HF.
• Aiko: A young Ninja girl with a Civic Si.
• Cesar: A Champion Luchador who drives a Civic Coupe.

Check out all the commercials after the jump.

2012 Honda Civic ‘To Each their Own’:

2012 Honda Civic ‘Ninja’:

2012 Honda Civic ‘Date with a Woodsman’:

2012 Honda Civic ‘It’s good to be a Zombie’:

- By: Omar Rana

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

At the 2011 New York Auto Show, Honda unveiled the entire 2012 Honda Civic lineup, which is on sale at dealerships nationwide.

“The all-new Civic builds on the popularity of the previous generation with a complete technology makeover, higher level of refinement and style while improving its position as an excellent value,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Civic offers the most diverse model lineup in the industry to best meet the needs and preferences of individual customers.”

2012 Honda Civic Lineup:

• 2012 Honda Civic Sedan / Civic Coupe – $15,805 / $15,605: The 2012 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe are powered by a 1.8L inline 4-cylinder engine making 140-hp at 6,500 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque of 4,300 rpm. Both models receive an EPA-estimated fuel-economy rating of 28/39 mpg (city/highway) and 32 mpg combined when mated to an automatic transmission (standard on Civic EX Sedan and all EX-L models). A manual transmission is standard on the Civic DX and LX (automatic transmission available).
• 2012 Honda Civic HF – $19,455: The 2012 Civic HF is an entirely new model as a value-oriented, high fuel-economy sedan with the best highway fuel economy rating (41 mpg) for a conventional, gasoline-only powered vehicle with an automatic transmission.
• 2012 Honda Civic GX Natural Gas (Arrives late 2011): The 2012 Honda Civic GX Natural Gas is a CNG-version of the same 1.8L 4-cylinder Honda Civic model. Mated to a 5-speed automatic the Civic GX Natural Gas averages an EPA-estimated fuel-economy rating of 27/38 mpg or 31 mpg combined. The Civic GX includes Honda’s ECO Assist technology. The Civic Natural Gas engine incorporates unique features to operate exclusively on CNG.
• 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid – $24,050: The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid uses the company’s IMA system with a new lithium-ion battery pack that replaces the nickel-metal hydride pack used in the previous two generations of Civic Hybrid. The 2012 Civic Hybrid also gets a larger 1.5L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine making 110-hp at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 1,000-3,500 rpm. The electric-motor provides an addition 23-hp. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid averages an EPA-estimate fuel-economy of 44/44 mpg (city/highway) or 44 mpg combined.
• 2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan /Civic Si Coupe – $22,405 / $22,205: Power for the 2012 Honda Civic Si models comes from a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 201-hp at 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm (up 4-hp and 31 lb-ft of torque from the outgoing model. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the 2012 Honda Civic Si models average an EPA-rated fuel-economy of 22/31 mpg (city/highway) or 25 mpg combined.

Hit the jump for the high-res galleries and the press release for more details.

2012 Honda Civic Sedan / 2012 Honda Civic Coupe:

2012 Honda Civic HF:

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid:

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe:

2012 Honda Civic Sedan / 2012 Honda Civic Coupe:

2012 Honda Civic HF:

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid:

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe:

Press Release:

All-New, More-Refined 2012 Honda Civic Improves with Purposeful Technology for Personalization, Safety and Efficiency

To each their own – Civic offers wide variety of choices

The all-new, ninth-generation 2012 Honda Civic, arriving at dealers nationwide starting on April 20, debuts with a new, sleek style and a fuel-efficient, technologically advanced lineup.

“The all-new Civic builds on the tremendous popularity of the previous generation with a complete technology makeover and a higher level of refinement and style,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Only the Civic provides the most diverse car lineup in the industry to best meet the needs and preferences of individual customers.”

The Civic range consists of sedans and coupes powered by conventional gasoline, high-performance, hybrid, and compressed natural gas engine choices. Technology and features new to the Civic include an available “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID), an available Eco Assist™ system and a new Motion Adaptive Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system that works in conjunction with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), included as standard equipment on all models. All Civic models achieve higher EPA fuel economy ratings¹ compared to the 2011 models, up by as much as 8 percent on the highway in Civic Sedans and Coupes equipped with automatic transmissions.

For 2012, the Civic Sedan and Coupe continue to be available in trim level choices of Civic DX (basic features), LX (popular features), EX (full features) and EX-L (luxury features). The new i-MID on Civic LX-and-above models provides a convenient platform for integration of vehicle information and compatible personal electronics with a driver-oriented 5-inch color LCD display and intuitive steering wheel controls. All 2012 Civic models, except the Civic Si, receive Eco Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button while also providing visual feedback to promote or confirm an efficient driving style.

With the best city, highway and combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating1 for any currently available sedan (44 mpg), the Civic Hybrid introduces the latest generation of the fuel-efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA®) system – now with a lithium-ion battery for the first time on a Honda hybrid vehicle. Plus, an entirely new model, the Civic HF, debuts as a value-oriented, high fuel-economy sedan with the best highway fuel economy rating1 (41 mpg) for a conventional, gasoline-only powered vehicle with an automatic transmission. The Civic Natural Gas (previously named Civic GX) remains the only manufacturer-built, natural gas-powered car currently available in the United States and is now available with a navigation system that includes public refueling stations for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The performance enthusiast-inspired Civic Si Coupe and Civic Si Sedan, each with a larger 2.4-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 22 percent more peak torque than before, debut as the most powerful production Civic Si models ever introduced.

The 2012 Civic represents another important milestone for Honda’s best-selling compact vehicle, and reconfirms the company’s commitment to excellence with efficient i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine technologies for economy and performance, along with an engaging driving experience and advanced standard safety features. Notable traits include its distinctive “one-motion” aerodynamic exterior styling from front to rear bumper and a functional, spacious interior.

The i-MID provides access to multiple information screens and customizable features. Compatible music players attached through a USB audio interface can display available track information and artwork on the i-MID, with album and track selection possible through steering wheel controls.

Futuristic “One-Motion” Profile

Designed with a sleek windshield rake, a sweeping roofline and a new interpretation of the previous generation’s “one-motion” profile, the lines of the 2012 Civic Sedan suggest a sophisticated and athletic appearance. The Civic Coupe with its shorter length and unique front and rear styling result in a more aggressive and dramatic styling demeanor. Both vehicles feature a low and wide stance that contributes to a distinctive visual presence, while thinner A-pillars stretch further toward the front of the vehicle than before to improve visibility and the perception of interior space. The C-pillars also stretch further toward the rear of the vehicle compared to the previous generation to better complete the flowing one-motion appearance.

The 2012 Civic embraces Honda’s tradition of making its vehicles fun to drive by continuing to use a fully independent suspension design, a premium and exceptional feature in the entry compact segment. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspensions are tuned for sporty driving fun, yet provide refined ride comfort. Ride and handling improvements are made possible by a 10-percent more rigid unit-body structure resulting from enhanced structural designs and increased use of high-strength steel (55 percent on the sedan compared to 50 percent on the previous model).

For safety, a wide variety of standard equipment includes Honda’s exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision energy management and vehicle-to-vehicle frontal crash compatibility. ACE enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. Standard safety equipment includes VSA that integrates with the new Motion Adaptive EPS system; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; front side airbags with occupant position detection system (OPDS); side curtain airbags; and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Civic’s hood and front fender areas are designed to deform if contacted by the head of a pedestrian in a frontal collision.

Advanced Interior Design

The Civic’s 5-passenger interior is a careful blend of form and function, with an intuitive “two-tier” layout that prioritizes frequently referenced instruments like the speedometer up high in the driver’s line of sight with less frequently referenced information positioned down lower. A “smart interface” approach divides the vehicle controls into smartly grouped zones for audio, air conditioning and vehicle controls. Ergonomically shaped dials, buttons and the gear shifter operate with solid precision and have a tactile feel.  Building on the successful packaging of the previous generation, the 2012 Civic Sedan passenger volume of 94.7 cubic feet (Civic LX Sedan) increases by 3.7 cubic feet, and gains have also been made in front shoulder room (+2.9 inches) and rear legroom (+1.6 inches).

Civic LX and above models are equipped with audio systems that range from a 160-watt AM/FM/CD unit (Civic LX, EX Sedan, EX-L Sedan, HF and Hybrid) to a 360-watt AM/FM/CD unit with a subwoofer (Civic EX Coupe, EX-L Coupe, Si). Standard audio features include WMA and MP3 audio file capability, Radio Data System (RDS), Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC), an audio input jack and a USB audio interface. The Civic EX and above models add Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and audio streaming, front tweeters, and the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice activation and a 6.5-inch TFT color touch display. The navigation system can now overlay FM Traffic data on its maps, a free public resource available in participating major metropolitan areas for freeway congestion, collisons and construction zones.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System debuting on the 2012 Civic features 16 GB of flash memory in place of the DVD-based system used previously. Like other Honda navigation systems, this new system allows simple, intuitive operation and has an extensive on-board database. The system features more than 10 million points of interest and the voice activation is capable of recognizing numbers, street names and cities. For ease-of-reference, the i-MID can display turn-by-turn directions in conjunction with the navigation screen.

Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe

The Civic Sedan and Coupe models are designed to provide an optimal balance of comfort, value and performance. The Civic Coupe with its 1.9-inch-shorter wheelbase than the Civic Sedan offers a more sporty character, although both share nearly identical chassis construction. The Civic Sedan and Coupe models are powered by a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with a 16-valve i-VTEC valvetrain and a dual-stage intake manifold. The engine produces 140 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm. Both models receive an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating1 of 28/39/32 miles per gallon when equipped with an automatic transmission (standard on Civic EX Sedan and all EX-L models). A manual transmission is standard on the Civic DX and LX (automatic transmission available).

Civic HF

The Civic HF is a value-conscious “high fuel-economy” sedan positioned between the Civic LX and Civic EX. It is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, exclusive 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels and aerodynamic enhancements under the body and an exclusive rear spoiler. The Civic HF Sedan is EPA rated for 41 miles per gallon² on the highway – an additional 5 percent above a similarly equipped Civic Sedan’s 39 miles per gallon.¹

Civic Si

The Civic Si Coupe and Sedan models prioritize handling and performance with a sport-tuned suspension and a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. More powerful than the 2.0-liter engine in the previous generation, the new engine produces 201 horsepower @ 7000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. torque @ 4400 rpm, an improvement of 4 peak horsepower and 31 lb-ft. of peak torque compared to the previous model. A sport-minded 6-speed manual transmission with a helical-type limited-slip differential (LSD) is standard. The LSD helps the Civic Si accelerate powerfully when exiting corners as both wheels can deliver more equal torque distribution to the road compared to a conventional open differential. The tall sixth-gear ratio allows for relaxed highway cruising. Unique Civic Si exterior features include fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45R17 tires (summer tires available), a body-color deck lid spoiler with an LED center brake light, and a chrome exhaust finisher. Inside is an exclusive aluminum shift knob with leather, textured aluminum pedals, and firmly bolstered perforated cloth sport seats with suede-like trim and red stitching. The steering wheel is leather-trimmed with red stitching. The i-MID on the Civic Si includes a new Sequential Rev-limit Indicator and Power Monitor.

Civic Hybrid

The 2012 Civic Hybrid uses the latest version of the company’s IMA parallel hybrid system to increase efficiency using an electric motor placed inline between the engine and transmission. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard equipment. For 2012, a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, up from 1.3 liters in the previous generation, provides a broadened mid-range power band and the switch to lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries from nickel-metal hydride results in enhanced IMA electrical power assist. The Civic Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating1 of 44/44/44 miles per gallon. Compared to a 2012 Civic Sedan with an automatic transmission, the EPA fuel economy rating represents a city increase of approximately 57 percent and a highway increase of approximately 13 percent.

Combined, the engine and IMA produce 110 horsepower and 127 lb-ft. torque. The Civic Hybrid is available as an Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV).

Civic Natural Gas

Available nationally to qualifying Honda dealers, the Civic Natural Gas is powered by a dedicated natural gas variant of the 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine similar to the one used in the Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe. The Civic Natural Gas engine produces 110 horsepower and 106 lb-ft. of torque. Compared to the previous generation, torque output below 4000 rpm has been increased for greater drivability. The Civic Natural Gas has an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating2 of 27/38/31 miles per gallon and is equipped with an automatic transmission as standard equipment. The Civic Natural Gas is the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled³ in America and the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2 Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards. The 2012 Civic Natural Gas will become available at the retail level in significantly more states than the current four (California, New York, Nevada and Utah) when it goes on sale in the fall. The increased availability of the Civic Natural Gas helps bring inherently clean-burning natural gas technology to an even broader audience while also supporting diversity in transportation energy resources.

Manufacturing and Warranty

Currently more than 95 percent of all Civics sold in the United States are produced3 and assembled in the United States and Canada using domestic and globally sourced parts. Civic Sedan and all Civic Natural Gas models are produced at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana (HMIN). Additional Civic Sedan and all Civic Coupe and Civic Si models are produced and assembled at the Honda of Canada Manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. The Civic Hybrid is produced in the Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuka, Japan manufacturing facility. The 2012 Honda Civic is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

- By: Omar Rana

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

After showing us the 2012 Honda Civic Concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Honda today officially took the wraps off of the 2012 Civic, which it says is ‘designed to even better meet the diverse needs of the compact-vehicle buyer.’ Big news for 2012? The 2012 Honda Civic will be available in 5 trim-levels including the new Civic HF and the Civic Hybrid, each delivering an estimated fuel-economy of 40 mpg on the highway.

Click here for more news on the Honda Civic.

“The Civic is the only model in the industry that can deliver on all fronts – fuel economy, sporty performance, smart packaging, alternative fuel and long-term value,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co.,Inc. “For the ninth-generation Civic, we are emphasizing improved fuel economy across the board, from the hybrid sedan to the sporty Si model.”

2012 Honda Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas Specifications:

• 1.8L i-VTEC 4-cylinder making 140 horsepower – mated to 5-speed automatic transmission.
• ECO Assist technology
• EPA-estimated Civic HF highway fuel economy: 41 mpg / EPA-estimated Civic Sedan, Coupe highway fuel economy: 39 mpg

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Specifications:

• 1.5L i-VTEC 4-cylinder (gasoline/electric) making 110-hp mated to a CVT transmission, lithium-ion battery
• ECO Assist technology
• EPA-estimated Civic Hybrid combined fuel economy: 45 mpg

2012 Honda Civic SI Specifications:

• 2.4L i-VTEC 4-cylinder making 200-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque mated to 6-speed manual.
• EPA-estimated Civic Si highway fuel economy: 31 mpg

Hit the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2012 Honda Civic:

- By: Omar Rana

Honda Insight - Honda Civic Hybrid - Honda CR-Z

Earlier this morning we learned that Honda is considering getting rid of the Civic in Japan – but for the rest of the world (especially all of you hybrid lovers), Honda’s got something special up its sleeve. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid will lead the new Civic lineup and will challenge the Toyota Prius head-to-head. Basically, Honda will now have two models gunning for Prius’ top-hybrid spot including the Insight and the upcoming Civic Hybrid.

The 2012 Civic will use Honda’s in-house developed IMA hybrid system found in the CR-Z, Insight and current Civic Hybrid. However, next year, the Civic Hybrid will upgrade from 1.3 liters to 1.5 liters and will become the first Honda hybrid to get lithium-ion batteries. The system is expected to significantly improve the car’s all-electric range.

Along with the Civic Hybrid, the United States market is expected to get a sedan and coupe version of the Si.

Sources say that Honda isn’t making any significant changes to the next-generation Civic, meaning you shouldn’t hold your breath for something totally revolutionary. We’ll find out when the car makes its debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

2006 Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda Civic Hybrid owners are shocked by a new fix for the hybrid sedan that addresses an issue with the nickel-metal hydride battery pack in the vehicle. According to Honda, thousands of Civic Hybrid owners may be experiencing accelerated deterioration of the car’s crucial and expensive nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

Honda has already started offering a software upgrade to owners of 2006-2008 Civic Hybrids to fix the problem. The nickel hydride batteries in the Civic Hybrid power a small electric motor fitted between the engine and transmission that adjusts increases power. The motor also reverses polarity when the car is decelerating to turn kinetic energy into electrical energy that recharges the batteries.

Honda has started mailing letters to more than 100,000 Civic Hybrid owners. Those who bought their Civic from the 2009 model year and onward have nothing to worry about because Honda has already implemented the software update on those units.

Last month, Honda recalled 383,000 vehicles over a faulty ignition interlock feature.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoObserver

Honda EV-N Concept

Yesterday, we briefly reported on Honda’s future goals to add a plug-in hybrid and an electric-vehicle to its U.S. lineup in the near future. The Japanese automaker today officially confirmed that it will add a new battery-electric vehicle and a new plug-in hybrid vehicle, to the U.S. market in 2012.

President & CEO Takanobu Ito, in Tokyo, Japan also announced application of a lithium-ion battery in the next-generation Civic Hybrid in 2011.

Here is a complete list of the what you can expect from Honda by 2012:

• By the end of 2010 and continuing through 2011, Honda will roll out a battery-electric vehicle demonstration program in the U.S. with participants, including: Stanford University, Google Inc. and the City of Torrance, Calif.
• The City of Torrance will receive a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for evaluation by the end of 2010.
• A battery-electric commuter vehicle will be introduced in the U.S. market in 2012.
• A new plug-in hybrid system for mid-size to larger vehicles will be introduced in the U.S. market in 2012.
• Honda’s first hybrid application of a lithium-ion battery will debut in the next- generation Civic Hybrid to be introduced in 2011. The lithium-ion battery was developed through the Honda and GS Yuasa joint-venture company, Blue Energy Co., Ltd.

Honda EV-N Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

The 2010 Honda Insight is the first of four gasoline-electric hybrids Honda has planned to bring to the roads by 2012. Early next year, Honda will unveil the production version of the much-anticipated CR-Z sports hybrid. That will be followed by a hybrid version of the Fit and the next-generation Civic Hybrid.

According to Japan’s Nikkei business daily, the Honda Fit subcompact hybrid will arrive in the autumn of 2010 followed by the next Civic Hybrid.

The 2010 Honda Insight hybrid, which is priced at 1.89 million yen ($19,960 USD), became the first hybrid ever to top the best-seller list in Japan in April 2009. Without citing any sources, Nikkei said that the Honda Fit Hybrid will carry a price tag of 1.5 million yen ($15,800 USD). Expected annual sales are estimated at over 50,000 units.

Spokeswoman Akemi Ando said that Honda has yet to decide on the schedule, price or sales target for the Fit Hybrid.

At this point, you guys are probably wondering what Toyota has up their sleeve to compete with the Honda Fit hybrid. As Toyota continues to fight the 2010 Honda Insight with the 2010 Toyota Prius, Toyota is also working on a hybrid version of the Yaris.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

Honda is offering new incentives on the 2009 Honda Civic sales and leases. Qualified buyers can now get 1.9 percent financing for 24 to 36 months. For 37 to 60 months Honda is offering 3.9 percent financing.

Qualified buyers can also go for Honda’s new lease incentive of 36-months for $189 a month with $1,999 down. That’s pretty good comparing to the previous lease terms of $199 per month with $2,799 down. The Civic Hybrid is also included in the promotion.

Why the new incentive all of the sudden? According to Honda spokesman Chris Martin, Honda is doing its best to keep demand steady for the Civic. “We just opened a new factory in Indiana, and gas prices are coming down,” Martin told Automotive News.

2009 Honda Civic:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

There was hardly anything new for the 2009 Honda Civic but work is underway on the next-generation Civic and AutoExpress has some new details. The next-generation Honda Civic will take major design cues from the recently seen Open Study Model Concept that made its debut at the London Motor Show.

The hatchback variant will add some new elements as well as carry over some from the current Civic like the single strip lights at the rear. The front fascia, however, will be inspired by the OSM concept.

Sources are saying that Honda will also throw in a 1.5 liter IMA hybrid engine powered by lithium-ion batteries that produces more than 150-hp.

For all you high-performance hatchback lovers, a new Type R is also in the works which will be powered by a 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine that could also get Honda’s new 4-cylinder hybrid electric-motor currently in development.

Honda Open Study Model :

Source: AutoExpress

For all you compact fuel-efficient fanatics Honda has revealed its 2009 Honda Civic lineup with some new exterior styling (which probably no one will notice), colors and more technology features such as Bluetooth and a USB audio interface. The new 2009 Honda Civic LX-S Sedan now gets alloy wheels as standard while the new Civic DX Value Package gives the DX sedan air-conditioning and an audio system as standard.

The 2009 Honda Civic is available with four engine choices including a base 1.8L i-VTEC producing 140-hp mated to a 5-speed manual or an optional 5-speed automatic. The choices top out at a 2.0L VTEC that produces 197-hp mated to a 6-speed manual. The 2009 Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 15 kw electric motor producing a total of 110-hp. The new Civic Hybrid returns a EPA-estimated fuel-economy of 40/45mpg - city/highway. The 2009 Civic GX is powered by a natural gas version of the 1.8L i-VTEC engine and is mated to a 5-speed automatic. It returns an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 24/36mpg.

The 2009 Honda Civic will arrive in dealerships later this year.

Click through for more pictures and the press release for more details.

2009 Honda Civic:

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid:

Press Release:

2009 Honda Civic Lineup Receives New Exterior Styling; Available Technology Features Now Include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB Audio Interface

08/19/2008 – TORRANCE, Calif. -

The Honda Civic is enhanced inside and out for 2009 with new exterior styling, colors and available tech-friendly features like Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a USB Audio Interface 1. An exclusively-equipped Civic LX-S Sedan debuts with alloy wheels and sportier interior styling. A new Civic DX Value Package (DX-VP) Sedan builds on the Civic DX Sedan’s standard features by adding air conditioning and an audio system.

“The Civic lineup uniquely embraces traditional gasoline, hybrid, high performance and natural gas technologies like no other vehicle in the world,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The exterior styling enhancements and newly-available features help strengthen Civic’s position as one of the best-selling vehicles in a market that’s embracing small cars more than ever.”

All 2009 Civic sedan and coupe models boast redesigned exterior styling features, including a new front bumper cover and grille design and new headlight and taillight color combinations, featuring clear turn indicator lenses with amber bulbs. New alloy wheel designs are introduced on the Civic EX, Civic EX-L and Civic Si models, along with the addition of fog lamps for the Civic Si model.

Interior enhancements come by way of technology-friendly additions. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® is added to Navigation-equipped models and a USB Audio Interface added to Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models. The Civic Hybrid gains the option of leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats and side mirrors. Additionally, new cloth materials and patterns on seats, door linings and armrests (when equipped) have been updated to further enhance the interior’s look and feel.

New for 2009, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as electronic stability control, is now standard on the Civic EX-L and Civic Hybrid, in addition to the Civic Si. The entire line-up maintains a standard array of safety technologies including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

Four engine and four transmission choices range from a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic DX, DX-VP, LX, EX and EX-L), with either a 5-speed manual or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, to a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic Si) with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance, and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The Civic GX is powered by a dedicated natural gas version of the Civic’s 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine – and is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Both Civic Hybrid and Civic GX are classified as Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (AT-PZEV) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Civic GX is classified by the EPA as an Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV).

Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise, sharp and refined handling performance with its MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System2, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player, and a digital audio-card reader that can play MP3 and Windows Media®3 Audio (WMA) files from CompactFlash®4 cards (via a PC card adapter). The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. New for 2009, the system includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a wireless telephone interface that works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls.

Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on Civic LX and above trim levels and allow for portable music device playback through the audio system. The Civic LX Coupe has a six-speaker 160-watt audio system with a CD player (four speakers for the LX sedan). All audio systems are capable of playing MP3 and WMA formatted CDs. Standard Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. Audio displays include CD/MP3 text readout, and all coupes (except for the DX) plus the Civic Si Sedan provide a customizable welcome screen (exclusively on models without the available navigation system).

Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe (1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine)

Providing Civic buyers with two new sedan options, the 2009 line-up presents the all-new Civic DX-VP and Civic LX-S. The Civic DX-VP Sedan adds air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system and an auxiliary input jack, in addition to the standard 140-horsepower 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), power windows, 15-inch steel wheels with covers and P195/65R15 tires.

Standard features on the Civic LX include air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, P205/55R16 tires, keyless entry, a 4-speaker 160-watt AM/FM Audio System with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled), auxiliary audio input jack, center console with sliding armrest, progressive blue illumination instrument panel meters, auto up and down driver’s power window, and a folding rear seat.

In addition to the well-equipped Civic LX features, the Civic LX-S Sedan upgrades to alloy wheels, exclusive sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters and silver stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear deck spoiler and a chrome exhaust finisher.

The Civic EX Sedan and Coupe include newly-designed alloy wheels, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, a one-touch power moonroo, ambient console lighting, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation, which also includes XM Satellite Radio5. The Civic EX-L also comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior, heated seats and heated door mirrors to the Civic EX list of features. The Civic EX and EX-L Coupe exclusively feature a 7-speaker with subwoofer AM/FM audio system with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled). All Civic sedans receive a sporty three-spoke steering wheel for 2009, along with a rear chrome garnish bar above the license plate.

Civic Si Sedan and Coupe (2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine)

The Civic Si Sedan and Coupe serve as the performance cornerstone for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC 2.0 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. A helical-type, limited-slip differential enhances traction in high-performance driving situations. The Civic Si sport suspension adds firm spring, damper and stabilizer bar tuning along with exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires. Exclusive exterior features include a rear wing spoiler (low profile on the sedan) and Si emblems. The sports-oriented interior adds firmly-bolstered, performance-oriented seats with red fabric stitching and synthetic suede trim. Standard fog lights and a restyled alloy wheel design are new for 2009.

Civic Hybrid (1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with IMA)

The Civic Hybrid with advanced IMA hybrid technology achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 40/45 miles per gallon6 and is updated for 2009 with the addition of Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the availability of leather-trimmed interior which includes heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated side mirrors. The Civic Hybrid is certified by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) as Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard equipment. The Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain low-speed cruising situations. Power for the Civic Hybrid is provided by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 15 kilowatt electric motor, producing a combined 110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and combined 123 lb-ft. of torque @ 1000-2500 rpm.

Civic GX (1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, dedicated natural gas vehicle)

The ultra-clean Civic GX produces near zero emissions, enables owners to become eligible for a $4,000 federal tax credit and can refuel with an available, first-of-its-kind “Phill” home refueling appliance by FuelMaker Corporation (available through qualifying Honda dealers in California). The 2009 Civic GX is the only dedicated natural gas-powered passenger car available to retail customers in the United States and achieves an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/36 miles per gasoline-gallon equivalent 5. Currently, natural gas is approximately 35 percent less expensive than gasoline when purchased at a refueling station, and can be more than 50 percent cheaper than gasoline when supplied by a Phill home refueling appliance. The Civic GX is the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards. The Civic GX is available to consumers at qualified Honda dealers in the states of California and New York and is also available to fleet customers nationwide from qualified Honda dealers. An updated NGV logo is added for the new model year with a prominent display on the rear doors.

Manufacturing

The majority of Civics are produced and assembled in the United States and Canada using domestic and globally sourced parts. Civic Coupe and Civic Si models are solely produced and assembled at the Honda of Canada Manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. Civic Sedan models for the U.S. are primarily produced and assembled at the Honda of America Manufacturing plant in East Liberty, Ohio. Civic Sedans are also produced and assembled at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario. Some Civic Sedans and all Civic Hybrid models are produced and assembled in the Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuka, Japan, manufacturing facility. In fall 2008, Honda’s new manufacturing plant in Greensburg, Indiana, will begin Civic production and will have an annual capacity of 200,000 units.