ERT
03-04-2001, 10:21 AM
http://www.asianauto.com/life/images/topstories/new_civic02.jpg
With the prestigious J.W. Marriott Hotel Ballroom as a backdrop, Kah Motor recently launched the all-new 7th generation Honda Civic, a scant 4 months after its worldwide launch during the 2000 Tokyo Motor Show.
This Civic is powered by an all-new, 1.7 litre (1,668 cc) engine that comes in 2 variants, the EX-i and the much-touted VTEC. The EX-i is good for 120 Ps (88 kW) @ 6,300 rpm, and the VTEC version produces 130 Ps (96 kW) @ 6,300 rpm. Both variants use Honda's own renown PGM-FI fuel injection system, and both use a single-overhead camshaft configuration, with 4-valves per cylinder.
http://www.asianauto.com/life/images/topstories/new_civic03.jpg
Surprisingly, for the suspension system, Honda have chosen to use their famed double wishbone suspension only for the rear, and have opted for a more conventional independent control link strut with stabilizer bar for the front a.k.a. McPherson Struts. When queried about this during the Q&A session post launch, Honda's officials stated that they found that the McPherson's were "just as good to serve the needs of the suspension system for the new Civic."
The new Civic is only available in a 4-speed automatic transmission, with Grade Logic Control, which "senses" the road conditions (slopes, dips, hills, inclines, declines, etc.) and allocates the correct gear for the road conditions.
The new Civic also comes with EBD or Electronic Brake Force Distribution system which again, "senses" the load conditions of the car, and regulates the right amount of brake pressure. Unfortunately, this 7th generation Civic still comes with drum brakes in the rear. Up-front, stopping power is supplied by ventilated discs. ABS is available as an option.
Speaking of "options", one of the hottest topics in the Q&A session was the section in the price list called "Recommended accessories", which innocently includes items like number plate, exhaust finisher, 3rd brake light, carpet mat, stone guard, integral gear lock and alloy rims. No sign of stuff like "massage chair, lace seat covers, diamond door locks, parking poles, etc" were seen on the price list.
It was mentioned during the Q&A that customers can opt not to take any of these recommended accessory options, and still get their cars at the promised delivery time, with no delays resulting from so-called 'special orders' i.e. no options.
Which leads nicely into the million-dollar question, how much? The new Civic EX-i is priced at RM 111,334.57 and the VTEC version is RM 115,355.68, both without insurance, inclusive of the "recommended accessory" package, which totals RM 2,375.00. And yes, you can walk in and buy a new Civic without the "recommended accessory" package for RM 2,375.00 less than the price stated above, and the dealer should not give you any grief about it, or even hint that the car will take longer to deliver to you because of this. Kudos to Honda for being so clear about this during the Q&A.
AA hopes to get a unit for a full test-drive very soon, so look out for it! - Chris Wee.
With the prestigious J.W. Marriott Hotel Ballroom as a backdrop, Kah Motor recently launched the all-new 7th generation Honda Civic, a scant 4 months after its worldwide launch during the 2000 Tokyo Motor Show.
This Civic is powered by an all-new, 1.7 litre (1,668 cc) engine that comes in 2 variants, the EX-i and the much-touted VTEC. The EX-i is good for 120 Ps (88 kW) @ 6,300 rpm, and the VTEC version produces 130 Ps (96 kW) @ 6,300 rpm. Both variants use Honda's own renown PGM-FI fuel injection system, and both use a single-overhead camshaft configuration, with 4-valves per cylinder.
http://www.asianauto.com/life/images/topstories/new_civic03.jpg
Surprisingly, for the suspension system, Honda have chosen to use their famed double wishbone suspension only for the rear, and have opted for a more conventional independent control link strut with stabilizer bar for the front a.k.a. McPherson Struts. When queried about this during the Q&A session post launch, Honda's officials stated that they found that the McPherson's were "just as good to serve the needs of the suspension system for the new Civic."
The new Civic is only available in a 4-speed automatic transmission, with Grade Logic Control, which "senses" the road conditions (slopes, dips, hills, inclines, declines, etc.) and allocates the correct gear for the road conditions.
The new Civic also comes with EBD or Electronic Brake Force Distribution system which again, "senses" the load conditions of the car, and regulates the right amount of brake pressure. Unfortunately, this 7th generation Civic still comes with drum brakes in the rear. Up-front, stopping power is supplied by ventilated discs. ABS is available as an option.
Speaking of "options", one of the hottest topics in the Q&A session was the section in the price list called "Recommended accessories", which innocently includes items like number plate, exhaust finisher, 3rd brake light, carpet mat, stone guard, integral gear lock and alloy rims. No sign of stuff like "massage chair, lace seat covers, diamond door locks, parking poles, etc" were seen on the price list.
It was mentioned during the Q&A that customers can opt not to take any of these recommended accessory options, and still get their cars at the promised delivery time, with no delays resulting from so-called 'special orders' i.e. no options.
Which leads nicely into the million-dollar question, how much? The new Civic EX-i is priced at RM 111,334.57 and the VTEC version is RM 115,355.68, both without insurance, inclusive of the "recommended accessory" package, which totals RM 2,375.00. And yes, you can walk in and buy a new Civic without the "recommended accessory" package for RM 2,375.00 less than the price stated above, and the dealer should not give you any grief about it, or even hint that the car will take longer to deliver to you because of this. Kudos to Honda for being so clear about this during the Q&A.
AA hopes to get a unit for a full test-drive very soon, so look out for it! - Chris Wee.