From the Detroit Auto Show–
JAN. 10 – The Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan
made their world debuts at the North American International Auto Show
today, providing the first official glimpse at the styling direction
of the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 model set to go on sale this
spring.

“The Civic is known for providing a balance of ‘just-right’
packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a
price that even first-time buyers can afford,” said John Mendel,
executive vice president of Sales for American Honda. “The redesigned
Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet.”

The 2012 Civic embraces the company’s vision as a “Civic for all
people,” a phrase originally expressed in defining the goal of the
first-generation Civic. With the widest array of engine choices
available in its class, the 2012 Civic lineup intends to meet the
needs of an increasing group of compact-vehicle buyers with a renewed
vision of a “Civic for all people.” The diverse vehicle range
includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two
sporty “Si” performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural
gas alternative-fuel variant. Collectively, the depth of the Civic
line offers a compelling balance between fuel economy, low emissions
and fun-to-drive performance unlike any other vehicle in the
industry.

As a new interpretation of the current Civic’s iconic “one-motion”
mono-form shape, the upcoming, ninth-generation Civic conveys a more
substantial, high-energy appearance. The exterior styling of both
Civic concept models showcases the sedan’s and coupe’s
clean-yet-powerful lines with steeply raked windshields, wide stances
and pronounced character lines along the profile. The lower character
line on both models broadens toward the rear fenders to enhance the
dynamic feeling of forward energy. The front fender surface
treatments form a complex, three-dimensional look to further enhance
the image of sophistication and structural depth against the deeply
set headlights.

The Civic Concept sedan takes on a sophisticated presence with a
front grille defined by crisp lines and a solid bar that integrates a
chrome Honda emblem. The look of the Civic Si Concept coupe conveys
an aggressive demeanor with a more angular front fascia, mesh grille
and a tapered rear roofline that flows smoothly into the trunk. The
Civic Si Concept coupe is exclusively equipped with a rear air
diffuser, a center-mounted exhaust outlet and a rear deck lid spoiler
with dual vents. Each concept model has 19-inch machined alloy
wheels.

Powertrain Technology
The Civic’s family of engines with “intelligent” Variable Valve
Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) technology become even
more fuel efficient for 2012. The upcoming Civic Hybrid offers the
latest generation of the compact and lightweight Integrated Motor
AssistTM (IMATM) gasoline-electric hybrid system and features the
first application of a lithium-ion battery in a Honda hybrid.

Building on its emphasis on fuel-economy, most upcoming Civic models
receive Honda Eco AssistTM technology, already available in the CR-Z
and Insight hybrids. The 2012 Civic is the first U.S. Honda model to
employ Eco Assist technology in a gasoline-only powered vehicle. Eco
Assist is just one example of how the new Civic can be customized and
configured by the drivers to suit individual preferences.

Civic GX Expands Sales
Additionally, Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural
gas-powered Civic GX model, which is the only OEM-built, dedicated
CNG passenger car assembled in America. The increased availability of
the Civic GX helps bring inherently clean-burning natural gas
technology to an even broader audience while also supporting
diversity in transportation energy resources.

Safety
The 2012 Civic continues to emphasize safety and is anticipated to
score well in both the federal government’s New Car Assessment
Program1 (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety2
(IIHS) vehicle evaluations. The 2001 Honda Civic Coupe was one of the
first two passenger cars ever to earn the federal government’s top
5-star crash safety rating3 for the driver and front- and rear-seat
passengers in both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

All 2012 Civics are equipped with Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®)
as standard equipment. Additionally, the ninth-generation Civic
continues to provide Honda’s exclusive and innovative Advanced
Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure for frontal
collision energy management.

Accolades and Manufacturing
As a top-selling model for Honda, the current, eighth-generation
Civic has sold more than 1.5 million units since the 2006 model went
on sale in late 2005. The 2006 Civic earned both the prestigious
Motor Trend “Car of the Year” and the North American Car of the Year
awards.

The current-generation Civic continues to be a significant
entry-point to the Honda brand for younger buyers, introducing on
average more than 90,000 new-car customers under the age of 35 to the
brand every year. More than 95 percent of all Civics sold in the U.S.
as of calendar-year 2010 were made4 in North America at manufacturing
facilities in either Greensburg, Indiana or Alliston, Ontario in
Canada.

1Preliminary results determined by Honda. Final results were not
available at the time of printing. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings
are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s
(NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program. Vehicles tested under this
program cannot be compared to Model Year 2010 and earlier vehicles.
Ratings should only be compared to similar ratings on Model Year 2011
and later vehicles (if rated under the new program). For additional
information on the 5-Star Safety Ratings program, please visit
www.safercar.gov. Models tested with standard side airbag.
2Civic Sedan (excluding Si) with Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®)
was named a 2010 TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS). According to the IIHS, the award “recognizes
vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side,
rear, and now for 2010 rollover crashes.” VSA is not a substitute for
safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle’s course in every
situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle
always remains with the driver.
3Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) previous New Car Assessment Program
(www.safercar.gov) ending with 2010 models. Models tested with
optional side airbag.
4Of domestic and globally sourced parts.