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WongKN
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I just came back from the launch of the 9G Civic here in Malaysia and thus now have taken a close look at the car for the ASEAN market. Some points that might be of interest:
1. I can confirm that the ASEAN units have a different interior than the USDM units. Firstly the LPL says each major market segment has interior specifically for that segment. As far as material quality is concerned, I will say that it has taken a step up compared to the previous 8G. It's even better colour coordinated whereas the previous 8G has this two tone interior which IMO doesn't really totally work well. The material does not look or feel cheap to me.
2. I -CAN CONFIRM- that Honda R&D is VERY WELL AWARE of all the criticism of the USDM Civic as I was quite blunt during the press conference and asked him point blank if the interior quality and the suspension are the same as the USDM Civics to which he says both are different. In fact, he prefaced his answer by thanking me for doing research about the Civic prior to the launch. From this feedback, I am quite confident that Honda DO read the internet for comments about their cars.
3. There are three variants : 1.8l, 2.0l and Hybrid launched today. All three looks up to mark. The 2.0l uses the R20A from the local Civic/CR-V and is truly equipped to hit back at the competition, esp the likes of Hyundai and Kia. It comes with full leather seats, 8 way adjustable, multiple airbag, 5AT with paddle shifter, all the usual techno-toys the GenY'ers take as must have - bluetooth for the Navi option, USB connectivity, auto headlight on-off, all the riff-raff that the mass market loves.
I have a question to those who knows and hope you can help answer for me. The R18A used in the Civic is clearly different from the previous version. In fact the paper specs are different (it has 1ps more power and also a slightly higher max torque). I remember the USDM R18A now uses a regular 12V-16V type VTEC mechanism and no longer the previous one which was designed to minimize pumping losses (by opening the intake valve way into the compression stroke). Can someone please confirm this or if there is a link, point me to one. If internet link, I prefer a site with some technical credibility. Thanks.
I will be putting up a report with photos on TOVA and will probably put a notice here if there are lots of interest.
P/S. I did not ask but there were some hints that some of the differences between our ASEAN Civic and the USDM Civic are carry forwards from the planned USDM MMC for your Civic. I could not confirm and as expected Honda will not confirm officially for me.
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FiSH-Chan
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This is the site for the Civic.
http://www.honda.com.my/model/overview/civic/
From the PR pics, the interior looks a lot better. I still want to look at the car for myself, will drop by the showroom when possible. Looks promising.
There is also a promo site, where there is supposed to be an interactive video by inserting yourself into it or something like that, but I was not able to get the video to load properly with my crappy internet connection.
http://www.allnewcivic.com.my/
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FiSH-Chan
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WongKN wrote:
The 2.0l uses the R20A from the local Civic/CR-V |
I think you mean Accord / CRV.
Btw, did they specifiy what differences are there with the suspension.
The interior looks better and even the PR pics are better than the Thailand one. The dashboard pic is shown from the driver's point of view, but still there is some weird angle with the steering and the rest of the car.
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Chocs
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If the air vents weren't so oddly shaped it wouldn't look so awkward. They need some uniformity.
It's a mess of angles; all the shapes are jumbled up.
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WongKN
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Yes, I stand corrected. Accord/CR-V. I was in a rush for time and was typing very fast. Honda Malaysia goes to great lengths to emphasize that the R20A is from the -Accord- and not the CR-V. I guess an Accord engine lends more 'status' to the car.
The suspension settings are different due to a perceived difference in expectations in ride quality. ASEAN drivers are perceived by Honda to desire a more 'stable ride' which I believe means more cushy, more pliant and comfortable ride.
I have a very low opinion of the advertisement. It is an ad where someone supposedly desires the new Civic so much that he steals it and then there is a chase through the public road as the owner tries to recover back the Civic. The thief is the subject/hero of the ad and you are supposed to superimpose your photo onto the two or three scenes where the photo of the car thief is shown in the ad. I think it is a stupid ad and promotes illegal activities. Probably the Gen Y'ers would find this 'cool' as games like 'Grand Theft Auto' and other such games are popular with them. As is illegal street race games. But I think it is a stupid theme for an ad. A computer or playstation game is OK but not on national TV. What kind of message are they giving to the public ? Oh, wait. Honda is only interested in the Gen Y'ers I guess.
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superchg2
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Chocs wrote:
If the air vents weren't so oddly shaped it wouldn't look so awkward. They need some uniformity.
It's a mess of angles; all the shapes are jumbled up.
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When this dashboard came out on the U.S. version, it got a lot of left-handed compliments, and now they're on the right-side.
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A77
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The dash somehow looks a little more rounded and the black leather interior probably helps it look better in the pictures. That simpler navi style (also in CRZ?) never seems to make it to North America.
Honda Malaysia works nice hours - I love the way the notice at the bottom of the page says closed for lunch 12 to 1 or whatever and extra long lunch Friday for mosque time. And closed weekends. Something so nicely old fashioned and respectful of the fact that even people in customer service need a break....
Some of the dealers there are pretty flash too...just googled one...
Actually maybe that's a lie - the trees don't have enough leaves on them??
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FiSH-Chan
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WongKN wrote:
I have a very low opinion of the advertisement. It is an ad where someone supposedly desires the new Civic so much that he steals it and then there is a chase through the public road as the owner tries to recover back the Civic. The thief is the subject/hero of the ad and you are supposed to superimpose your photo onto the two or three scenes where the photo of the car thief is shown in the ad. I think it is a stupid ad and promotes illegal activities. Probably the Gen Y'ers would find this 'cool' as games like 'Grand Theft Auto' and other such games are popular with them. As is illegal street race games. But I think it is a stupid theme for an ad. A computer or playstation game is OK but not on national TV. What kind of message are they giving to the public ? Oh, wait. Honda is only interested in the Gen Y'ers I guess.
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Just finally download and watched the video. Would've been better if the 'thief' stole something else from some evil organization and escapes in the Civic. I think they want to make such videos viral but you're right this is a stupid ad giving the wrong message. You would think that Civic is one of the most stolen Hondas in this country besides the City, they would ask to change the story a litle bit. Plus most 'GenY' I know cannot afford a Civic anyway. I should ask them and see what they think of the ad..... at what age does Gen Y start?
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xBeastx
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FiSH-Chan wrote:
WongKN wrote:
I have a very low opinion of the advertisement. It is an ad where someone supposedly desires the new Civic so much that he steals it and then there is a chase through the public road as the owner tries to recover back the Civic. The thief is the subject/hero of the ad and you are supposed to superimpose your photo onto the two or three scenes where the photo of the car thief is shown in the ad. I think it is a stupid ad and promotes illegal activities. Probably the Gen Y'ers would find this 'cool' as games like 'Grand Theft Auto' and other such games are popular with them. As is illegal street race games. But I think it is a stupid theme for an ad. A computer or playstation game is OK but not on national TV. What kind of message are they giving to the public ? Oh, wait. Honda is only interested in the Gen Y'ers I guess.
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Just finally download and watched the video. Would've been better if the 'thief' stole something else from some evil organization and escapes in the Civic. I think they want to make such videos viral but you're right this is a stupid ad giving the wrong message. You would think that Civic is one of the most stolen Hondas in this country besides the City, they would ask to change the story a litle bit. Plus most 'GenY' I know cannot afford a Civic anyway. I should ask them and see what they think of the ad..... at what age does Gen Y start?
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Honda's actually have a thing for being stolen. Here is a list of most stolen vehicles in Honda
1. Civic (1995)
2. Honda Accord (1991)
3. Toyota Camry (1989)
4. Ford F-150 (1997)
5. Chevrolet C/K 1500 (1994)
6. Acura Integra (1994)
7. Dodge Ram Pickup (2004)
8. Nissan Sentra (1994)
9. Toyota Pickup (1988)
10. Toyota Corolla (2007)
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xBeastx
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Meant to say "America" in my last post. Hahaha
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hondadude
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WongKN wrote:
I just came back from the launch of the 9G Civic here in Malaysia and thus now have taken a close look at the car for the ASEAN market. Some points that might be of interest:
1. I can confirm that the ASEAN units have a different interior than the USDM units. Firstly the LPL says each major market segment has interior specifically for that segment. As far as material quality is concerned, I will say that it has taken a step up compared to the previous 8G. It's even better colour coordinated whereas the previous 8G has this two tone interior which IMO doesn't really totally work well. The material does not look or feel cheap to me.
2. I -CAN CONFIRM- that Honda R&D is VERY WELL AWARE of all the criticism of the USDM Civic as I was quite blunt during the press conference and asked him point blank if the interior quality and the suspension are the same as the USDM Civics to which he says both are different. In fact, he prefaced his answer by thanking me for doing research about the Civic prior to the launch. From this feedback, I am quite confident that Honda DO read the internet for comments about their cars.
3. There are three variants : 1.8l, 2.0l and Hybrid launched today. All three looks up to mark. The 2.0l uses the R20A from the local Civic/CR-V and is truly equipped to hit back at the competition, esp the likes of Hyundai and Kia. It comes with full leather seats, 8 way adjustable, multiple airbag, 5AT with paddle shifter, all the usual techno-toys the GenY'ers take as must have - bluetooth for the Navi option, USB connectivity, auto headlight on-off, all the riff-raff that the mass market loves.
I have a question to those who knows and hope you can help answer for me. The R18A used in the Civic is clearly different from the previous version. In fact the paper specs are different (it has 1ps more power and also a slightly higher max torque). I remember the USDM R18A now uses a regular 12V-16V type VTEC mechanism and no longer the previous one which was designed to minimize pumping losses (by opening the intake valve way into the compression stroke). Can someone please confirm this or if there is a link, point me to one. If internet link, I prefer a site with some technical credibility. Thanks.
I will be putting up a report with photos on TOVA and will probably put a notice here if there are lots of interest.
P/S. I did not ask but there were some hints that some of the differences between our ASEAN Civic and the USDM Civic are carry forwards from the planned USDM MMC for your Civic. I could not confirm and as expected Honda will not confirm officially for me.
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Thank you, WongKN for sharing this info. The Asian Civic interior looks just like the USDM interior except for the silver strips on the door panels and the sliding cupholder and the darker interior. The darker interior color definitely helps the appearance where the lighter colors we get here make it look basic and sort of cheap looking. Hopefully for the MMC Honda has darker (better) interior colors for the '13 Civic. Just curious, have you actually checked out the interior plastics on the USDM model so you can compare it to the Asian model?
Additionally, I hope Honda doesn't plan on making the USDM Civic suspension more soft if that is what I'm reading here. If anything the 2012 USDM Civic suspension has lost a bit of its sporting edge that all previous generation Civic's always had. The MMC needs to make the Civic more sporting (better handling, better steering) not less. I know Consumer Reports stated the LX Civic they tested had a "choppy ride". I think that was most likely due to the crappy Firestone tires Honda decided to use on the LX trim. I hope Honda doesn't take that "choppy ride" comment and make the Civic suspension even softer than it already is. Heaven forbid.
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hondadude
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Here's a website with a lot of pics of the new 9th-gen Civic for Malaysia. Some of the pics zero right in on the dash so you get a really good, close look at the texture. The interior materials, plastics, and textures look exactly like the USDM Civic. Even the cloth seats are the same. It wouldn't make sense to give us the Asian Civic interior when it looks exactly the same. It seems that someone at your Civic launch presentation has not actually seen or been in the USDM 9th-gen Civic.
Scroll to the bottom of the webpage for all the pics.
http://www.fastmotoring.com/index.php/2012/07/all-new-2013-honda-civic-1-8-2-0-2-0-navi-and-hybrid-launched-in-malaysia/
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FiSH-Chan
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hondadude wrote:
Thank you, WongKN for sharing this info. The Asian Civic interior looks just like the USDM interior except for the silver strips on the door panels and the sliding cupholder and the darker interior. The darker interior color definitely helps the appearance where the lighter colors we get here make it look basic and sort of cheap looking. Hopefully for the MMC Honda has darker (better) interior colors for the '13 Civic. Just curious, have you actually checked out the interior plastics on the USDM model so you can compare it to the Asian model? |
I think some of us know, and I certainly know that Honda's MMC changes or even just updates (not even MMC) can be extremely big, but not immediately obvious to the eye. I know for a fact and was able to compare that the previous gen City and the MMC previous gen City had huge changes to the material, even though they look the same but different color for example. Then I was able to see that the old Accords and the MMC Accords had very big changes everywhere too, but still LOOKS the same. I think I read somewhere the MMC Insights has aluminum alloy suspension arms too among cmany changes, but I was not able to confirm this.. in this case, it could be Honda simply decided to cheap the interior material for the NA spec for various reasons...
So I am still keeping an open mind about it. But we will never know unless someone sent a whole car over here or we sent it there and compare the two side by side or they just come here or we go over and feel it by memory?
BTW I think the navi screen looks a bit too small compared to the rest of the dashboard..
hondadude wrote:
I know Consumer Reports stated the LX Civic they tested had a "choppy ride". |
What I think our Civic might be getting the ILX suspension or shock absorbers.... maybe.. as for Consumer Reports, so far they are the only ones I have read complaining about the 'choppy ride'.. in other reviews I read they mostly say too soft or good ride. Remember, Consumer Report also rank/score it below the Corolla (???)
And this one is for 330R: Two lights for the license plate. And one reversing camera.
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xBeastx
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FiSH-Chan wrote:
hondadude wrote:
Thank you, WongKN for sharing this info. The Asian Civic interior looks just like the USDM interior except for the silver strips on the door panels and the sliding cupholder and the darker interior. The darker interior color definitely helps the appearance where the lighter colors we get here make it look basic and sort of cheap looking. Hopefully for the MMC Honda has darker (better) interior colors for the '13 Civic. Just curious, have you actually checked out the interior plastics on the USDM model so you can compare it to the Asian model? |
I think some of us know, and I certainly know that Honda's MMC changes or even just updates (not even MMC) can be extremely big, but not immediately obvious to the eye. I know for a fact and was able to compare that the previous gen City and the MMC previous gen City had huge changes to the material, even though they look the same but different color for example. Then I was able to see that the old Accords and the MMC Accords had very big changes everywhere too, but still LOOKS the same. I think I read somewhere the MMC Insights has aluminum alloy suspension arms too among cmany changes, but I was not able to confirm this.. in this case, it could be Honda simply decided to cheap the interior material for the NA spec for various reasons...
So I am still keeping an open mind about it. But we will never know unless someone sent a whole car over here or we sent it there and compare the two side by side or they just come here or we go over and feel it by memory?
BTW I think the navi screen looks a bit too small compared to the rest of the dashboard..
hondadude wrote:
I know Consumer Reports stated the LX Civic they tested had a "choppy ride". |
And this one is for 330R: Two lights for the license plate. And one reversing camera.
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There are two lights for the number plate because many countries have the "wide" plate instead of the rectangular one found in the United States.
Also, I remember coming across someone that found backup camera settings in a Civic LX's i-MID screen. It was all black, but it did show working guidance lines, which makes me wonder if we'll see a backup camera on the real MMC.
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WongKN
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Unfortunately when I was in the US recently for my cruise, I didn't have a chance to drop by any Honda dealers. Nor did I come across any parked 9G Civics so I could take a close look at its interior. I did see a number of 9G Civics on the road so I have a good idea of the exterior, even have a couple of photos. But not seen the actual interior. It's a pity that all the ports of Alaska my cruise ship docked at, none of them have a Honda dealer as far as I could see.
I too have lots of photos including very close up shots of the dashboard material. The only real comparison between the interiors can only be made between the 1.8l versions as the 2.0l versions as well as the HCH all have leather seats. The 1.8l has fabric seats. I am going to put my article up as early as I can. I used to intentionally delay my articles as I want everyone else to put their up first. But not so much anymore.
If I remember correctly, I think the reverse camera is an option. There is one fully option'ed 2.0l Civic at the launch, the 2.0 Navi version complete with full Modulo bodykit. Taiwan makes a reverse camera that is integrated with the rear number plate light. So by replacing that light housing, we can both the plate lighting and a reverse camera.
The 'choppy ride' comment from CR seems about right as the LPL (i.e. Chief Engineer for the 9G Civic from Honda R&D at Tochigi) explains that americans like 'fast response' which I take to mean handling as premium while ASEANs like 'stable ride' which I take to mean soft cushy ride as premium.
Will the USDM Civics be re-tuned for 'stable ride' ? Would be an interesting question...
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Midi_Amp
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Strange... Indonesia Civic dash material is still the same hard plastic and the same "mouse fur" upholstery, just like the USDM version.
Yes, I don't like the hard plastic, but once I'm driving the test drive unit and told my wife not to fondle with the dashboard and more fondling on the hubby, it really is a better car than the previous gen. Sound insulation is up and the driver centric cockpit is nice. The i-MID is nice. About everything on the car is nicer than the previous model.
Shame the price is damn crazy because of the tax... US$36K for the base 1.8 auto model and US$40K for the everything and the kitchen sink (read: push start button/keyless entry) 2.0 auto model... Holy mother, that's one expensive car. Well, thankfully we got the City, still crazy expensive for a compact sedan, but gosh that is one fine looking car.
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WongKN
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I am not sure if they are useful but I have put up a couple of photos of the interior of the 1.8 and 2.0 Civic at "Honda Fan" http://tovahondafan.blogspot.com while I am writing up the proper coverage for TOVA.
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FiSH-Chan
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WongKN wrote:
The 'choppy ride' comment from CR seems about right as the LPL (i.e. Chief Engineer for the 9G Civic from Honda R&D at Tochigi) explains that americans like 'fast response' which I take to mean handling as premium while ASEANs like 'stable ride' which I take to mean soft cushy ride as premium.
Will the USDM Civics be re-tuned for 'stable ride' ? Would be an interesting question...
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I take it stable ride means like those 'continental' rides since the roads over in the Peninsular are long highways and therefore they want stable at high speeds rather than floaty. Interestingly, most of the other reviews I read about the USDM Civic has 'nice ride' or 'too soft' or something like that. However, I did a local search and can find some idiots on forums or site comments complaining about their Honda [ride quality/insert whatever complain] worse than [insert some local manufacturer]. I really hope Honda do not listen to these idiots, don't they test drive their own car before they buy?
In the end it could be that all these designs and material are all identical. The only 'completely different' part about it is that maybe they are made from Thailand / local / different ASEAN suppliers instead of US suppliers lol.
I really need to get my butt out of the office and drive to the showroom to have a look, if they have a car for show now.
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hondadude
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WongKN wrote:
1. I can confirm that the ASEAN units have a different interior than the USDM units. Firstly the LPL says each major market segment has interior specifically for that segment. As far as material quality is concerned, I will say that it has taken a step up compared to the previous 8G. It's even better colour coordinated whereas the previous 8G has this two tone interior which IMO doesn't really totally work well. The material does not look or feel cheap to me.
This is just not correct. The interiors of both the ASEAN and USDM Civic's are identical quality wise. The close up pics of the interior look just like the USDM model. The same exact plastics and textures on the dash, door panels, and seat fabric. Hopefully the 2013 Civic gets similar plastics as used on the recently redesigned 2012 CR-V.
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FiSH-Chan
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Midi_Amp wrote:
Strange... Indonesia Civic dash material is still the same hard plastic and the same "mouse fur" upholstery, just like the USDM version.
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The 8th gen also has hard plastic all over.
What's 'mouse fur' upholstery.
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WongKN
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It's difficult to judge from photos which is why I really regret not having the chance to check out a USDM Civic last month. I did see numerous 9G Civics on the road, including one Si Coupe which was driven quite fast. Not none where I could have a look at the inside close up.
I am familiar with the 8G Civic and I think the 9G doesn't lose out. But maybe not better as I originally wrote. The dashboard materials are as hard but I think the leather seats on the 2.0 are slightly softer and more comfortable. The colour coordination of the 2.0 seems better than the dual tone of the 8G Civic 2.0. Anyone/anywhere have a very close up shot of the texture of the dashboard ? I have and I will put them up on 'Honda Fan' for you guys to check and comment.
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WongKN
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OK, I have uploaded a new post at 'Honda Fan' where I put up three very close up photos of the surface/texture of the interior of the ASEAN 1.8l Civic - drivers seat, surface of drivers door and surface of the front dashboard passenger side. Hope this will stimulate more discussion on this matter.
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Midi_Amp
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FiSH-Chan wrote:
Midi_Amp wrote:
Strange... Indonesia Civic dash material is still the same hard plastic and the same "mouse fur" upholstery, just like the USDM version.
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The 8th gen also has hard plastic all over.
What's 'mouse fur' upholstery.
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Mouse fur is what the cool kids at TOV called the seat lining on the 9G Civic. To me I like the mouse fur lining, it grips my slick polyester pants with confidence... Gets dirty real quick though.
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WongKN
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That's interesting, I don't think the 1.8 Civic here has the 'mouse fur' fabric. It is just plain fabric much like that on the Jazz (over here). The previous gen 1.8 Civic has this mouse fur fabric if I remember correctly. Check the photo of the 1.8 seat at Honda Fan to see what I mean.
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hondadude
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WongKN wrote:
That's interesting, I don't think the 1.8 Civic here has the 'mouse fur' fabric. It is just plain fabric much like that on the Jazz (over here). The previous gen 1.8 Civic has this mouse fur fabric if I remember correctly. Check the photo of the 1.8 seat at Honda Fan to see what I mean.
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Yes, the Asian Civic has the same cheap looking/feeling seat fabric that the USDM model has. It's spot on identical even right down to the pattern.
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Stien Azani
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i'm not sure on the USDM door panel (upper side) but for MYDM it's a soft touch..
in the picture where the area with silver bar is the soft touch panel
http://s3.paultan.org/image/Civic-2.0S-12.jpg
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DCR
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Midi_Amp wrote:
Mouse fur is what the cool kids at TOV called the seat lining on the 9G Civic. To me I like the mouse fur lining, it grips my slick polyester pants with confidence... Gets dirty real quick though.
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The "cool kids" at ToV must have been confused, because the "mouse fur" refers to the cheaped out headliner they used, not the seat fabric.
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FiSH-Chan
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DCR wrote:
The "cool kids" at ToV must have been confused, because the "mouse fur" refers to the cheaped out headliner they used, not the seat fabric.
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When is headliner such importance to the car? As long as it stays up and work. The nice plushy headliner in my sister's Camry has sagged down from all the heat so driving it is like driving a tent nowadays.
It's allso not an area where we keep touching anyway. Unless it sag down, then ooh lovely plushy fabric feeling on my head.
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