Honda has finally announced a production three-door Civic line for Europe which may have distributors in other markets currently restricted to the four-door sedan on their knees at Japanese HQ, begging for exports.
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Due for a public debut at the British International Motor Show in July, the redesigned Type S again shares the same platform and overall dimensions as the five-door Civic, as did its predecessor, but is now a three-door car with sportier look and feel, re-tuned suspension and sharper cornering. It goes on sale in January 2007. Civic sedan markets, form an orderly queue…
Honda said the Type S is aimed at younger customers wanting style and performance in a three-door package. It will join the already on-sale five-door and the due-in-March Type R Concept to complete the Civic line-up for Europe.
Exterior changes include sculpted side skirts flaring towards both the front and rear wheels and blended into the wheel arch surrounds. These then flow into the front and rear spoilers to complete the lower body structure, all of which is finished in a gun metal finish.
Suspension has been specially-tuned, with revised spring and damper settings and a 20mm wider rear track.
Engines are the same as the ‘cooking’ five-door models, to keep insurers happy – a 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, or Honda’s own 2.2-litre diesel. Both engines produce 140PS and can be combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, the petrol unit is offered with automated-manual ‘i-shift’ transmission.
Silver-stitched black alcantara seats, leather trimmed steering wheel and aluminium pedals feature inside.
Two trim levels will be offered. The standard version has air conditioning, cool box, remote audio controls and curtain airbags and the Type S GT adds a panoramic glass roof, dual zone air conditioning, cruise control, front foglights, retractable mirrors, and automatic wipers and headlamps.
The much-anticipated Civic Type R will be much the same, though a bit sharper in the handling and ride and have a 200PS two-litre engine. It will also be offered with a GT grade option, adding dual zone air conditioning and automatic rain and light sensors.
