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Euro Civic hatch upgrades
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Date: April 23, 2002 14:34
Submitted by:
Anonymous
Source:
from autoexpress.co.uk
Credibility Rating:
N/A
Sport For All On New Civic
Honda is turning up the heat in the hatchback sector. With Ford's sizzling Focus ST170 just round the corner, the firm has launched a pre-emptive strike and unveiled plans for a sporty Civic to bridge the gap between the 1.6 SE and top-of-the-range Type R ? and the model will cost substantially less than either its fiery stablemate or the Ford.
To be badged the Civic Sport, the newcomer will feature the Type R's aggressive exterior body styling, but won't have the power to match. And that's fantastic news for buyers, because the Sport will offer a much more approachable and affordable alternative to the extreme Type R, while still providing enthusiasts with a dynamic and spirited driving experience.
Power will be sourced from the Type R's US sibling, the Civic Si. In American trim, the 2.0-litre engine generates 160bhp and 179Nm of torque, which still promises an exhilarating 0-60mph sprint time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. That's enough to rival not only the ST170, but also Volkswagen's legendary Golf GTI and the acclaimed Peugeot 206 GTi.
Ride and handling on the Civic Sport are expected to be equally impressive. The new car will use a similar set-up to the flagship's, and will share a number of suspension and steering components. But the real ace up Honda's sleeve will be the price. The Civic Sport looks set to cost around ?13,500 - a massive ?1,500 saving over both the Type R and the Focus ST170.
The good news doesn't stop there, though. Honda bosses have also re-vealed plans to offer British customers a cost-cutting performance body-kit for entry-level Civic models. Buyers who want the styling of the hot model but are keen to keep their insurance premiums low can pay ?2,500 to have their standard three-door car enhanced with Type R bumpers, skirts and spoilers.
Last edited by Tuan on
April 24, 2002 01:05
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