The 1.4 unit now offers even better fuel economy thanks to a revised surface treatment of the camshaft to reduce friction, the use of a lower viscosity oil, and improved efficiency of the air conditioning system. The latter now features a larger condenser, while the capacity of the compressor and the control performance has been optimised. A new intake system features drive-by-wire and a resin inlet manifold tuned to boost power output.

Lively performance across all engine speeds combined with outstanding combined cycle fuel economy (47.9mpg, or 49.6mpg for the i-SHIFT) is the result. CO2 emissions are just 143g/km and it is of course EU IV compliant.

Power output is 83PS at 5,700rpm while torque (119Nm or 88lb.ft at 2,800rpm) is delivered in a wide and flat output curve ensuring high levels of flexibility during everyday driving.

The compact dimensions and lightweight nature of the engine also contribute greatly to packaging design flexibility.



6-Speed Manual Transmission

Honda Civic's 6-speed manual transmission has the same structure as the previous 5-speed, but shift feel has been improved thanks to a shorter synchromesh sleeve stroke, a link-less rotation select structure and high capacity detent bearings that generate less friction. Other upgrades include a variable lever ratio shift arm and a new gear specification with better inter-meshing from 3rd to 6th gears.

The development team's target was to make a 6-speed manual transmission as small and as light as the previous 5-speed manual transmission. Every component was therefore carefully analysed and, where possible, reduced in size and weight (for example, the gear synchroniser), without compromising reliability. The result was so successful, that Honda's new 6-speed manual transmission is even more compact in size than the 5-speed transmissions from some competitors.


Honda i-SHIFT
(6-speed automated manual transmission)

Petrol-engined models in the Civic range with the exception of the 1.4S model can also be equipped with a new i-SHIFT gearbox (the first automated manual transmission to be featured in a Honda). The clutch and change actuator ensure good fuel economy, while the sequential paddle shift allows faster, smoother and more 'sporty' gear shifting. The Transmission Central Unit is used to control the clutch with hydraulic power generated by a direct current (DC) motor that replaces the operation of a manual transmission clutch pedal.

Switching between Auto and Manual modes is via a button, placed beside the gear lever or through the steering wheel mounted paddles. During manual mode operation, the selected gear is displayed to the left of the speedometer.

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

There are other system safeguards. At 1,000rpm 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 at a point 500rpm before the red zone, in order to avoid damaging the engine by over revving.

previous page | go to page 11