Different shift maps are employed depending on the driving conditions so when the Type S is being driven downhill, the system will shift down to provide engine braking. Similarly, the system will not shift through a corner if there is any possibility of upsetting the car's balance.

There are other system safeguards. At low rpm the system will not shift up, even if it is instructed by the driver to do so, thus preventing malfunction and knocking. And it automatically shifts up 500rpm before the red zone in order to avoid damaging the engine by over revving. When the car stops in fourth gear, the system will automatically shift back to first either in automatic or manual mode. The driver may also choose to start in second gear in manual mode. 

There are other shifting restraints determined by operation speed. When the manual operation time is shorter than the shifter operation of 110ms the shift is not changed. On the other hand, there is also a jump shift restriction (shifting is partially restricted depending on the vehicle speed).

The shift lever requires only a short - 13.5mm - movement to select the next gear so emulating a sporty driving feel. Furthermore, reverse is in the conventional manual transmission position, thus permitting selection without requiring a visual check from the driver. When the gear is selected directly from N (neutral) after starting the engine, the auto mode is activated. Finally, manual shifting is possible even in auto mode, as long as the paddles are activated.



Insurance ratings, warranties & maintenance

Considerable effort has gone into designing front and rear body structures that do not result in expensive repair bills in the event of slow speed impacts. The light crash damageability assessment (DDV/Thatcham standard) has proved very positive, and only required the replacement of plastic parts, considerably reducing repair costs and enabling Civic to receive more favourable insurance ratings in the UK.

Paintwork anti-scratch resistance has been enhanced by adopting a hard coating technology.

The Civic also upgrades its warranties. A newly developed wax has been applied to the body making it possible to extend the perforation protection warranty from six to 12 years.

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