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 2nd 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 110m/secs the shift is not changed. 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 motorsport-prepared set-up. 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.



HONDA CIVIC CHASSIS

The new Honda Civic is easy to drive thanks to its driver-oriented interior - but importantly, it's also fun to drive, with responsive handling and excellent stability.

As Honda Civic has been specifically designed for the European market, Honda engineers carried out extensive chassis development in Europe using European drivers. As a result, the ride and handling characteristics suit the preferences of drivers in this part of the world.


Suspension of Honda Civic

The wide track and low stance of Honda Civic clearly play important roles in the car's sharp cornering ability, but at the front, proven technology adds to the dynamics with a tried and tested MacPherson strut, featuring a higher castor setting and a quicker EPS (Electric Power Steering) ratio for excellent response to driver input. The front sub-frame's pressed steel centre member and aluminium cast side members filter out vibrations and improve overall comfort and refinement. Steering stability is further improved by optimising the damper mountings and compliance bushings and overall performance is enhanced by the sophisticated damper design. Lateral forces are contained by a special spring while the aluminium lower arm saves weight and raises rigidity.

At the rear the torsion beam configuration is designed to create a virtual arm length that optimises the position of the roll centre for flatter, sharper cornering ability, which also benefits from the new Civic's wider track. Excellent damping performance is provided by high-response mono tube dampers, with coil springs that are totally independent.

Honda chose a torsion beam over an independent rear suspension for its good balance between the demands of packaging, performance and weight. NVH characteristics are better and cornering rigidity is higher thus improving stability.

Overall ride comfort benefits from a high rigidity body, achieved through extensive body reinforcement measures including the use of high tensile steel. Excellent rigidity around the suspension mounting points generates good steering linearity and rear stability.

Brakes

All Honda Civics are equipped with ABS and, for optimum performance, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) which adjusts front-to-rear brake effort to achieve maximum braking performance and stability.

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