The Hindu Business Line : Tracing the rise and rise of Honda Civic

Till the early 1970s the Honda brand was more popular among biking enthusiasts than car owners. Then came the Honda Civic and permanently changed that image. Exciting even American and European car buyers with its ability to draw maximum value and space from minimum mechanical space, the Civic quickly became the symbol of Honda's challenge to develop a globally relevant car.

The launch of the Honda Civic in 1972 was the turning point that completely altered people's perception of the Honda brand. The Civic not only became the foundation for subsequent Honda compact vehicles but has also since prevailed through periods of major change, including oil crises and diversifying values. It has become a true "car for the people," as its name suggests.

Over the years, Honda's overseas business has advanced in parallel with the globalisation of the Civic, which is now sold in around 165 nationsand regions. Overseas production began in Indonesia in 1975, and Civics are now made in 11 countries across North America, Europe, Asia and South America. The cumulative production of Civic models now totals around 16.5 million units — making it one of the most popular models in Honda's history.

The Civic is due to be launched in India in the next few weeks. The debut of this respected and legendary brand is likely to add a new chapter to the industry here. Achieving several milestones in its pursuit for perfection, the Civic embodies Honda's quest for accelerating into the future by constantly surpassing the present. But how has the journey been like for the Civic, from a minion to its current envied stature as one of the most desired sedans worldwide.

The First Generation Civic: The first model of the first generation Civic looked much like our own Maruti 800. After its launch in Japan in July 1972, Honda began eyeing the US market, which was just then turning towards compact, more fuel-efficient and high technology cars.

The first challenge for the model in the US came in 1975-76, with the coming into effect of the US Muskie Law, an amendment to the US Clean Air Act, which had the most stringent emission control regulations to date. Honda was the only manufacturer in the world to meet those norms — with the Civic's unique CVCC (controlled vortex combustion chamber) engine. This engine design enabled it meet the stringent emission norms even without the use of a catalytic converter and unleaded fuel.

The major milestones for the car during this period included: CVCC Engine; Hondamatic star range (automatic); `Car of the Year - Japan' award in 1972, 1973, 1974 (Motor Fan Magazine); and third place in Europe's `Car of the year' award in 1973 — the first for a Japanese car.

Second Generation: This period saw a first full model change of the Civic in seven years. A new, sleeker body, increased wheelbase, base-model engine size, enhanced economy and comfort and three transmissions on offer (four-speed manual, five-speed manual and two-speed automatic) formed the key changes among many. The CVCC-II engine was developed giving improved combustion efficiency. In 1981, Honda Civic Country station wagon and the Civic four-door sedan, featuring a Hondamatic transmission, were rolled out.

Milestones: CVCC II Engine; `US Import car of the year 1980' (Motor Trend Magazine); and first place, United States Auto Club [USAC] continent — crossing mileage test in the import car section.

Third Generation: Three hatchbacks, a four-door sedan and a tall five-door wagon were introduced. Surely, this era was all about `maximum space for people, minimum space for mechanisms'. In 1984, Honda unveiled its speed machine — Civic Si — featuring a DOHC engine incorporating Formula 1 technologies along with the two-seater CRX. Basically a Civic chassis under a sporty body, the new CRX made heads turn with a two-tone paint scheme and bumper treatment. A neatly chiselled exterior and an intelligent interior design made the 1984 Civic line-up an immediate success.

Milestones: DOHC 16-valve engine; `Car of the year - Japan' award (1983-84); and

first place in the USA Customer Satisfaction Degree Research Section (1986).

Fourth Generation: It was the time to rule the roads with a sleeker and more powerful Civic line-up. Honda unleashed its Hyper 16-valve engine in five variations, from 1,300cc to 1,500cc. The `F1 inspired' double-wishbone suspension system was added giving the car agile handling and a comfortable ride. In 1989, the Civic SiR was unveiled, equipped with its high-performance DOHC VTEC engine, featuring Honda's revolutionary variable valve timing technology. Few cosmetic changes and accessory additions transformed it into a gem of a car.

Milestones: Hyper 16-Valve Engine; four-wheel double wishbone suspension;

first place in Car survey on reliability (Franie's l. Automobile Magazine); and

Best of what's New Car section Grand Prix (USA Popular Science Magazine).

Fifth Generation: This generation's aim was to take Civic to new dimensions within this segment of the automobile world. The new VTEC engine variations — high balance VTEC, the 170 DOHC VTEC and the ultrahigh fuel efficient VTEC-E — provided an excellent mix of power and mileage. A standard driver-side airbag, standard antilock (ABS) brakes and a high proportion of recyclable parts were testimonial to Honda's concerns for safety and the environment. The legendary 1993 del Sol was a sportier Si version, with a removable targa-style top, a snug two-seat cockpit and a powerful 1.6 litre, 125 horsepower engine.

Milestones: VTEC-E engine; Civic Ferio arrives; and `Car of the year - Japan' award (1991-92).

Sixth generation: A new global perspective ushered in a range of new technologies to satisfy demand for high performance, safety and low emission standards.

These included the three-stage VTEC engine, boasting high output and high fuel efficiency and Honda Multimatic — a variable-speed automatic transmission.

The DX sedan debuted in 1999 with a `Value Package' — AC, CD player, power door locks, automatic transmission and keyless entry. The Civic Si returned with many new features like body side graphics, setting it apart from other Civic coupes.

Milestones: Three-stage VTEC + Honda Multimatic; and `Car of the year - Japan' Award (1995-96).

Seventh Generation: This era saw Civic setting an example for compact (as is defined in the US) sedans by fulfilling various important criteria like a more spacious and comfortable cabin. The Civic transformed into an invincible fort with new technologies resulting in unparalleled safety for occupants and pedestrians.

The Honda's G-CON collision safety technology met the highest safety standards of the times. With a smooth ride, the seventh generation's performance upheld the legacy of Civic as the best performance sedan.

Milestones: 1.5 VTEC Lean - burn engine; 1.5 VTEC engine; 1.7 VTEC engine; Global Compact Platform; Honda Multimatic S; Vehicle to vehicle collision test and G-control technology raising collision safety ability; and `Car of the year - Japan' award (2000-01); and 2001 Annual RJC Car of the Year Award

Eighth Generation: The photograph of the Eighth Generation Civic that has been featured here is the Thai version. It has rekindled the passion around the Civic brand like never before and its strong showing in the European and American markets is an indicator of its success. With its radical, yet pleasing design and use of innovative technology, the Civic has reset the benchmark for cars in this segment.

Though the Indian version of the Civic will look like the Thai version, it will involve a few India-specific changes to the exteriors, suspension and engine mapping to suit local driving conditions.

Rest assured, it will be well worth the wait.