Ninth Generation Honda Civic pictures released

Official pictures and details of the Ninth generation Honda Civic are out, and will first be launched in North America in mid 2011 before coming to India

Honda has been known worldwide for its designing and efficient engines, and this time it’s no different. Honda will be releasing a gamut of models- two Si versions, one hybrid, one natural gas-alternative fuel variant and a new model, namely the Civic HF.

Design cues are very fresh, and apart from the blue illuminated tachometer, nothing else has been retained. The car has a whole new bulbous look on the sides, the roof contours looking similar to a Porsche Panamera. The bumpers are now a lot more aggressive, and the boot looks a lot more distinct than the earlier generation. Overall, the car has a more muscular look. Satellite Navigation will be carried over from the US version to the Indian.

Fuel efficiency has slowly but surely become a hallmark of Honda vehicles, and the Civic bears no exception. The Civic and the HF will deliver a mileage of more than 17 kilometres to the litre. All models of the Civic will use the revolutionary ECO assist technology, which would help incorporate efficient operation of the vehicles in each driver’s individual driving style. The car will be launched in North America in mid 2011. It is expected to arrive anytime after that, in India.

Some other salient features of the individual models are as follows:
a) Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas specifications
• 140 hp, 1-8 litre i-vTEC engine. 5 speed automatic transmission.
• Estimated fuel economy- Civic HF- 18kmpl (highway). HF is a completely new model.
• Estimated fuel economy- Sedan and Coupe- 16.36 kmpl (highway)

b) Civic Hybrid specifications
• 110 hp, 1.5 litre i-vTEC engine. Relatively underpowered.
• Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Use of lithium ion battery for the first time
• Estimated fuel economy- city plus highway- 19kmpl

c) Civic Si
• Sportier version. A true driving pleasure
• 200 hp, 2.4 litre, i-vTEC engine. Also does duty in the Acura RSX
• Estimated fuel economy- 13.09 kmpl (highway)