The new Honda Civic in Frankfurt

The designers of the new Civic wanted to keep the sporty and advanced elements of the car’s character but tailor them to express the new model’s more dynamic feel. “We have lowered the height by 20mm and increased the width by 10mm compared with the current car,” comments Mitsuru Kariya, Civic Development Leader.

“Defining the correct proportions was the most important challenge for the design of the new Civic,” says Kariya. We enhanced the sporty aspect of the design while creating a clean, dynamic shape.” Sources of inspiration included a ‘blended wing body’ aeroplane * in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance.



This concept was a clear break in a new direction, rather than relying on sheer strength and engine power to convey a sporty image, a ‘blended body’ with reduced resistance would demonstrate a smarter image for the new Civic. An example of this new image is the new rear combination light that works as an aerodynamic spoiler, managing air flow over the top and sides of the car.

The new interior is focussed around the driver and creates a sporty ambience. “We wanted to create the feeling of a cockpit, like a racing car or an aeroplane,” explains Yukio Emi, the Design Chief of the Civic Interior.


The quality of the interior for the new Civic has also been improved without compromising the class leading space. “The key target was to increase the feeling of quality,” says Kariya. “We have changed our approach to match customer expectations and European standards. The new Civic has a high quality cabin, both in the way that it feels and the way that it looks. Offering class leading boot space with the versatile seat combinations means that it‘s the most practical yet.“





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Even more Mugen power for Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN debuted in 2010 to near-universal acclaim, and a 20-strong limited edition production run of the hand-built, motorsport-derived machines went on sale to UK enthusiasts. Now technicians at Northampton-based MUGEN Euro have worked their magic again, producing a unique version with even more power and torque.

The cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, so the car has been christened the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2.



The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.

When coupled to the host of motorsport-derived components created exclusively by MUGEN – including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a stunning performance bodykit – the MUGEN 2.2 represents the ultimate expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.


It has been created as a fitting tribute to the highly successful Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. Homologated by MUGEN as an FIA Group N race series engine, the K20 has long been the powerplant of choice with tuners and motorsports competitors who want the very best in naturally aspirated performance.

Moreover, it has been at the very heart of everything MUGEN Euro has achieved since the company was formed in 2006. Its skilled engineers have built or tuned almost 400 examples for race and rally competitors around the world.

The Honda K20 engine has also powered the only two complete road cars produced by MUGEN; the Honda Civic MUGEN RR four-door saloon sold in Japan, plus the limited Honda Civic Type R MUGEN sold in the UK.


Hiro Toyoda, vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies. We may never see the like of the K20 in a mainstream production car again, so felt it only fitting we mark the occasion with this special 2.2 version of the Honda Civic Type R”.

Plans for the 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. Of the 20 limited edition 2.0-litre cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and it’s possible MUGEN Euro may offer them with the reworked engine. Existing owners could also be invited to return their cars for an upgrade. A decision on these two proposals is expected to be made shortly.

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New 2012 Honda Insight revealed

Honda will unveil a cleaner, higher quality Insight hybrid at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The revised 5-door hatchback will have lower CO2 emissions of 96g/km*, achieved through enhanced aerodynamics and powertrain efficiency. Reduced engine friction, changes to the CVT transmission and improved air conditioning all contribute to lower fuel consumption.

These changes mean that the 2012 Insight once again qualifies for exemption from the London Congestion Charge, and falls into the lowest VED band, meaning owners will pay no annual road tax. The new figures also ensure that Insight remains in one of the lowest groups for Benefit in Kind taxation.


For 2012, the Insight also receives a refresh of the exterior design, including a new front grille. At the back, visibility is increased through the introduction of a slimmer spolier and a modified tailgate garnish, and a reduction in the size of the wiper motor.

Adjustments have also been made to the engine and suspension for an overall improvement to ride comfort and stability, and interior quality has been enhanced.

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Honda has launched the first image of the 2012 European Honda Civic, ahead of its world debut at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show

The new Civic features a rear combination light that works as an aerodynamic spoiler, managing air flow over the top and sides of the car.



The ninth generation Civic hatchback will also offer stand-out looks combined with class-leading space for passengers and luggage – and will continue to deliver peace of mind with low running costs, through Honda’s famed and unparalleled reliability.



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The new 2012 Honda Civic will offer a quieter and more refined driving experience to ensure comfortable journeys on all road conditions

The development team worked hard to sharpen every detail of the design, build and aerodynamics, to optimise the interior refinement in the new Civic. The engineers spent time testing the car in Europe to tune the new Civic to suit the varying road conditions. They also made good use of Honda’s anechoic (echo-free) chamber in its R&D facility in Swindon to fine-tune the cabin insulation. One of the results of the work in the anechoic chamber was to modify the design and construction of the roof lining, and how it interacts with the bodywork.



The new Civic’s aerodynamic efficiency also played a key role in maximising its refinement. Several members of the development team called upon their Formula One experience to help deliver a car that combines a low coefficient of drag with excellent high-speed stability. Hours of meticulous work in the Honda wind tunnel has improved performance, reduced fuel consumption and resulted in an exceptionally quiet interior.







“We did not improve the noise and refinement of the new Civic through just one technique,“ commented Kazuo Sunaoshi, Development Leader – Chassis. “It was the accumulation of lots of little details. My big challenge was to match the noise and vibration levels of our European competitors. I am proud to say that we have achieved our goals.”



The third of five films on the development of the new Civic features Honda engineers discussing noise and refinement . The video can be viewed at www.honda.co.uk/newcivic



The new Honda Civic that’s more confident, clever and versatile makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.



















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More powerfull, more cleaner: 2012 Honda Civic

Improvements to Honda’s 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine, coupled with a low-drag body design, mean the new 2012 Civic emits only 110 g/km of CO2 – while producing a powerful 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque.



This new lower CO2 figure signals a drop of 29g/km over the outgoing model and will enable customers to benefit from free road tax for the first year (and only £20 per year from then on), as well as cheaper fuel bills. Meanwhile, company car drivers will be able to take advantage of BIK tax rates among the lowest for a small family car.







The improved engine also shows that customers do not need to sacrifice on power to achieve better economy – the 2.2 diesel delivers a 10 PS boost over the outgoing engine.



Honda’s advanced i-DTEC engine received a number of enhancements in the quest for lower emissions. The oil flow through the engine has been carefully managed to reduce circulation loss, while engine materials and components have been revised to reduce friction. A five g/km reduction in CO2 was also achieved with the addition of Idle Stop (start/stop) technology.



Extensive wind tunnel testing was carried out to improve the car’s aerodynamics, reduce drag and refine high speed stability, all of which contribute towards lowering emissions.



“To achieve a good CO2 figure, you need to optimise every aspect of the car,” says Katsushi Watanabe, Development Leader for the engine. “Reducing the emissions was our key target and we’re proud to say that we have achieved this without compromising the high performance character of the engine. We want our customers to have fun when they drive this car.”



The second of five films on the development of the new Civic features Honda engineers discussing the i-DTEC engine and the Civic’s low emission technology. The video can be viewed at www.honda.co.uk/newcivic



The new Honda Civic that’s more confident, clever and versatile makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.



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MUGEN of Japan has built a CR-Z MUGEN RR design concept

The CR-Z MUGEN RR has been created with many bespoke prototype parts, several of which are created in carbon fibre, including the bonnet, passenger doors and rear tailgate. Other features unique to the car include a full length carbon-fibre underbody, a twin central-exit exhaust, vented front bumpers and race-developed suspension. Orange 4-piston monobloc brake calipers and forged 18-inch alloy wheels both complement the vibrant Valencia Orange Pearl exterior paint work.

Inside the car, the seats are clad in MUGEN-branded colour-coded leather/Alcantara. The addition of a race-developed information screen has the ability to record chassis and engine data as well as housing a Satellite navigation and audio system. This high tech kit will monitor the car over two laps to “learn” a circuit and then record lap data and vehicle tracking using GPS.



The design concept was unveiled for its world debut at the beginning of July in the Moving Motor Show area at Goodwood Festival of Speed and complements the high-performance CR-Z MUGEN, which was designed and built by MUGEN EURO based in the UK.




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New Honda Civic 2012 to Frankfurt

A new Honda Civic that’s more confident, clever and versatile makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The ninth generation Civic hatchback will offer stand-out looks combined with class-leading space for passengers and luggage – and will continue to deliver peace of mind with low running costs, through Honda’s famed and unparalleled reliability.

Quality and comfort levels have improved dramatically over the outgoing model.



Honda’s new small family car has been designed exclusively for Europe and has been extensively tested on the region’s roads. It goes on sale during 2012.

Smoother Ride
Honda engineers concentrated a huge amount of time and effort improving ride quality and handling of the Civic, and through significant changes to the suspension set-up they have enhanced both comfort and body control.

To give customers the biggest cabin and boot space in the C-sector, the Civic retains a rear torsion beam suspension system – but the latest set-up uses clever fluid-filled compliance bushes to improve overall ride performance and handling. It has also been strengthened to give better stability, particularly at high speeds.









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First image of next generation Honda CR-V Concept

Honda has released an image of the new CR-V Concept, providing the first official glimpse of styling direction. The all-new, fourth-generation CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States by the end of 2011, and in Europe in Autumn 2012.

The new CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction. Compared to the previous generation, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability, while the overall lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics.


The CR-V’s vertical taillights remain for the next model with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle.

Equipped with more efficient engines compared to the current model, the new CR-V is expected to deliver improved fuel economy.

The CR-V is one of the top-selling SUVs, sold in more than 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa.

The new CR-V Concept will be on first public display at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California, in September 2011.

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