At the rear, a select-low braking strategy is also used to help maintain directional stability over slippery roads.

In the event of a rear wheel beginning to lock-up, triggering a pressure modulation at that wheel, brake pressure is also diminished at the adjoining wheel to help preserve the rear axle's lateral stability. All models feature brake discs all round, 282mm ventilated at the front and 260mm solid at the rear.

Further action is provided by the brake assist system which automatically increases braking output when emergency conditions are detected from the manner of the driver's input to the pedal.


Honda Civic Wheels

There are several wheel types dependent on engine and equipment grades: EX and Sport models get 17-inch alloys with 225/45R17 tyres; ES and 1.8/2.2 SE Civics come with 16-inch alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 rubber; the 1.4 SE is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels with hub trim (205/55 tyres); the S model Civic wears 16-inch steel rims (205/55 tyres).

18-inch alloy wheels are also available as an option on Sport and EX models. It's the first time ever a rim of this size has been on offer for a Honda (UK) car.


Steering

The use of more compact chassis components has made it possible to reduce the minimum turning radius to 5.1 metres (from 5.3 on the previous Civic), despite the wider front and rear tracks, thus enhancing around-town manoeuvrability.

The Civic is equipped with highly advanced and efficient electric power steering (EPS) to provide optimised steering characteristics at all road speeds and providing best-in-class feel. Higher output, lower inertia, increased rigidity, lower friction, enhanced controllability, improved NVH and lower consumption are among the key benefits when compared to a hydraulic system.

VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) is standard across the Civic range and designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying brake force to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and managing the throttle and ignition systems.

By monitoring input from a series of vehicle sensors, VSA calculates a predicted range of vehicle response while constantly monitoring the vehicle's actual response and the driver's control inputs. If the actual response is outside the predicted response range, as when cornering forces exceed the tyres' capabilities, VSA automatically intervenes with corrective action. The system is calibrated to provide stability and predictability, without stifling the driving enjoyment of the carefully engineered chassis. The driver can disable the system if desired.



SAFETY

The new Honda Civic will be one of the safest cars in its class. Honda expects the Civic to achieve Euro NCAP ratings of 5 stars for front and side impact safety, 3 stars for pedestrian safety and 4 stars for child protection safety - an outstanding achievement considering it has the shortest front overhang in the C-segment.

The short nose/cab forward design meant that for the crash safety engineers, achieving Honda's high safety standards and expectations was a tougher challenge than it had been with the previous Civic.

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