Primera P11 GT vs Honda Civic Vtec

Civic Type R and Civic Hybrid launched

Story and pictures by ANTHONY LIM

Honda Malaysia today unveiled the much-awaited Civic Type R and Civic Hybrid, bringing the current 8th Generation Civic line-up in Malaysia in line with that offered for the Japanese domestic market.

The 3rd generation Civic Type R that has made its way here is the JDM four-door FD2 sedan variant, which was launched in Japan at the end of March this year. Interestingly enough, Malaysia is the only country in Asia outside of Japan which is getting this version of the Type R.

Available here only in a single colour, Championship White, the new Civic Type R is powered by a 2.0l K20A DOHC i-VTEC engine offering 222bhp at 8,000rpm and 215Nm of torque at 6,100rpm, mated to a six-speed close ratio manual transmission equipped with a torque-sensitive, helical limited slip differential system.

A number of new power-enhancing features make their way onto the Type R’s powertrain, among them a straightened, short, single-tract and equal length intake manifold, a large diameter drive-by-wire throttle body, narrow angle exhaust manifold collector and full-length straightened dual exhaust pipe.

With a number of lightweight conversions, including a front bumper beam now made up of aluminium, the vehicle’s body measures in 11.6kg lighter than the Integra Type R. It is also 50% more rigid than the latter, courtesy of the use of additional adhesive and increased board thickness across key areas in the bulkhead and floor. The car also features extensive use of high tensile steel sheets in its construction.

Naturally, the suspension has also been reworked, and the Type R dampers have higher damping rates (1.25 times in front, 1.6 for the rear) than the previous Integra Type R, as well as an increased valve size and load capacity. The spring rates - and ground clearance over the standard Civic - have also been revised, and the stabiliser bars for both front and rear are thicker and stiffer.

The 1270kg Civic Type R sits on white, multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, fitted with 225/40 series Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres. As for the braking system, that’s also uprated - four-piston Brembo aluminium calipers and 320mm ventilated discs for the front, and 282mm discs for the rear ensure a shortened stopping distance and improved resistance to fade. A Type R aero kit, with a large tail spoiler in tow, rounds off the outside detail.

Inside, you get the trademark Type R dual-tone black and red trim on seats and door cards; the Type R front bucket seats feature the use of urethane in its construction, and are finished in Luxx Suede, an artificial suede material that is also used for the rear seats and door lining. A unique instrument panel and lots of aluminium bits and bobs - pedals, footrest, side step garnish, gear shift knob, serial number plate (located on the gear console) - help define the unique further.

Meanwhile, the Civic Hybrid plays the green card on the opposite end of the spectrum. This one is hoping to play its appeal to a group of customers who are not just environmentally conscious but also value efficiency and fuel economy.

At the heart of the petrol hybrid sedan, which comes in a colour called Fluorite Silver Metallic, is the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology system, first seen in 1999 and then extended to the Civic family in 2003.

The Civic Hybrid draws its power from a 1.3l i-DSI engine equipped with 3-stage i-VTEC variable valve timing, assisted by a secondary power source in the form of a fourth generation IMA system to offer improved power output, better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

The IMA system consists of an ultra-thin DC brushless electric motor mounted between the engine and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) drivetrain; this provides additional torque and power by engaging during vehicle acceleration. At low speed cruising (about 40kmh), the motor solely powers the vehicle.

All the electric power created by the motor is stored in a compact battery box called the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) - consisting of a rear-mounted compact nickel metal hydride battery and power control unit - which controls the flow of electricity to and from the electric motor. Recharging takes place when braking, slowing down or traveling downhill; battery life is claimed to be about five to seven years.

Yes, prices. The Civic Type R is priced at RM199,800, while the Civic Hybrid is going for RM162,800 (both on-the-road, inclusive of road tax and insurance). Honda Malaysia is targeting an annual sales figure of 60 units each of the new Civic variants, and if you’re thinking of a Type R, well, be prepared for a bit of a wait - the quota for 2007 has been sold out.

Honda Jazz Jazzes Up With A New Colour. Yellow Pearl

Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. today introduced a new colour, the striking Helios Yellow Pearl for the Honda Jazz (VTEC) range – adding one more trendy colour to the already exciting range of Royal Blue, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Nighthawk Black Pearl and Brilliant White Pearl (VTEC) and Taffeta White (i-DSI).

The Honda Jazz was first introduced in 2001 and is popularly known as Honda Fit in Japan. Since its launch, the Honda Jazz has sold more than 1.9 million units in 117 countries worldwide. The Honda Jazz is the acknowledged leader in the subcompact segment.

The success of the Honda Jazz globally brought about its introduction to the Malaysian market in 2003. The Honda Jazz was well received amongst its target group who were attracted to the attractive and stylish looks of the Honda Jazz, its innovative technology, spaciousness and fuel efficiency. The Honda Jazz won numerous awards in Malaysia, namely the NST-Mastercard Car of Year Award for 2003 & 2004 and the Autocar Asean Car of the Year Award for 2003/2004. The current facelifted Honda Jazz was launched in Malaysia in August 2006.

HMSB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto said, “I am very pleased and excited with the introduction of this new colour for the Honda Jazz. The striking yellow is indeed very suited for the stylish Honda Jazz.”

“With the introduction of the new Helios Yellow Pearl colour on the current Honda Jazz, Honda seeks to give customers added choice when they purchase the Honda Jazz. We at Honda continuously strive to achieve no. 1 in Customer Satisfaction through ways such as providing added choices to our customers,” added Mr. Fujimoto.

To date, Honda has sold over 10,000 units of Honda Jazz in Malaysia, a demonstration of the long-standing appeal of the Honda Jazz.

The snazzy Honda Jazz is by far the only subcompact car in Malaysia that offers unrivalled interior spacious versatility with its ultra seat capability. The Honda Jazz can be transformed into three different modes, the Utility Mode, the Long Mode and the Tall Mode that allow maximum use of space in fitting in bulky, long, or tall items.

Besides the functional Ultra Seat, another attractive feature of the Honda Jazz is the unique central fuel tank layout which resulted in a lowered platform. This improves drivability, stability and offers a more spacious interior for its occupants.

The Honda Jazz comes in two engine variants, the 110 horsepower 1.5-litre VTEC engine and the 88 horsepower 1.5-litre i-DSI engine. The i-DSI engine variant is popular as the Honda Jazz is able to deliver innovative style, spaciousness, comfort, practicality and fuel efficiency in a single vehicle.

When there is a change in speed, the belt-driven Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system eliminates wasted motion, abrupt lurches or lulls. The smooth, steady acceleration accorded by the CVT further enhances the Honda Jazz’s fuel efficiency. To further boost the driving experience, the 7-speed mode in Honda Jazz gives the driver the option of a normal or sporty drive, which is made even easier with the virtual gear map ratio and simulated gear positions indications on the dashboard.

The public can book the Helios Yellow Pearl Honda Jazz at Honda showrooms from today onwards.