After nine generations and more then 20 million sales globally, the Honda Civic is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
While much has changed over nine generations of the Civic, it has also stayed true to its core values of efficiency, driving pleasure and lasting quality. These attributes have made the Civic a firm Irish favourite over the years also, with 43,000 Civics driving onto Irish roads over the years.
When originally launched back in 1972, the first Honda Civic set new standards in the motor industry for fuel efficiency with its revolutionary CVCC engine. Today, the ninth generation model is continuing the success story.
In January Ireland will have the privilege of being the first market in Europe to introduce the first of Honda’s new ‘Earth Dreams Technology’ engines, a 1.6 i-DTEC diesel which sets new standards in the class. The lightest engine of its type in the world, it produces 94g/km of CO2, is capable of over 78mpg, and qualifies for Band Aannual road tax rates.
To celebrate its 40th birthday, the Civic has also returned to its sporting routes with the launch of the Civic World Touring Car which has begun racing successfully this year before entering the full WTCC next year. Technology from this racing car will be used in the forthcoming Civic Type R which is currently under development.
Frank Kennedy, sales and marketing director of Honda, told the Advertiser: “After 40 successful years, the Honda Civic has become a true household name. While much has changed in the world since then, the Civic has remained true to its roots. Today, more than ever, the Civic still represents efficiency, driving pleasure, reliability and real value for money as demonstrated through the strong residual pricing of second hand vehicles which are in great demand.
“The arrival of the new 1.6 diesel is a landmark for Civic and Honda and will broaden our appeal to a much wider audience and help to significantly increase the Honda share of the market in 2013 and beyond.”
