Product Overview
Body Styles and Trim Levels
For 2001, the Civic will be available in two body styles, a 4-Door
Sedan and 2-Door Coupe. Both models will be available in DX,
LX and
EX trim levels. Although the DX trim level is considered the entry
model to the Civic lineup, it comes equipped with such features
as
power steering and AM/FM stereo radio. The LX trim is expected
to be
the Civic volume leader and has been added to the Coupe
lineup for
'01 in response to consumer demand. The LX adds a wide
range of
additional features including air conditioning, power windows,
power
door locks, cruise control and a cassette player to the stereo.
Top-of-the-line Civic EX models feature the 127-horsepower
VTEC
engine along with such features as ABS, moonroof, 15" wheels
and a CD
player.
Civic's fuel economy leader, the HX Coupe, returns for '01 equipped with either a 5-speed manual transmission or the next generation automatic CVT transmission (continuously variable transmission). The Civic GX Sedan, the natural-gas powered model which boasts the world's cleanest internal combustion engine and "Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle" (SULEV) certification, also returns for '01 with a new automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for excellent range and fuel efficiency.
Styling
To increase the styling differentiation between Sedan and Coupe
models, two separate development teams were established.
The Sedan
was developed in Japan, while the Coupe development team
went to work
in the United States. This was the same formula used in the
development of the current Accord Sedan and Coupe models.
The
excellent consumer reaction to those models convinced the Civic
team
to follow a similar strategy.
The primary styling theme for the Civic Sedan was to design a more sophisticated and refined looking automobile with a solid and dynamic exterior. The challenge was to design a larger interior and trunk without increasing the overall size of the vehicle. Keys to achieving those goals were a larger greenhouse and a shorter nose. So while some of the exterior dimensions are smaller, the exterior of the car actually appears larger than its predecessor.
The Coupe designers wanted a sleek, sporty look, with aerodynamic lower rocker panel and rear deck. The Coupe features a lower roofline than the sedan (55.1 inches vs. 56.7) and both the Coupe's windshield and the C-pillar are more sharply tapered, which also enhances its sporty character. The Coupe features distinctive front and rear treatments with a unique front grille and rear taillight treatments. The Civic taillights also have a distinctive signature at night that clearly separates it from other cars on the road.
Chassis and Suspension
A key to achieving a larger interior while maintaining the exterior
size of the Civic is the 2001 Civic's new 4-wheel independent
suspension. Up front, there is a new space-efficient MacPherson
strut
suspension, one reason the new Civic can offer a larger exterior
with
a shorter exterior. The MacPherson strut design also provides
outstanding handling characteristics by increasing the tire
contact
patch. In the rear, the double wishbone suspension has been
refined
for enhanced ride and handling and a larger trunk.
The power steering system has also been modified. The steering gearbox has been relocated from the front of the engine compartment to a high and central location. This new position allows for a larger crush zone.
The "effort sensitive" power steering system was also modified for 2001, so it offers more "power" assist at lower engine speeds for easier parking, with reduced assist for improved steering feel as engine speed increases.
Ride comfort has also been improved by reducing spring rates of the front and rear compliance bushings (front -- reduced 24 percent; rear -- reduced 15 percent).
Power Train
Every 2001 Civic features a 1.7-liter ULEV engine that provides
tangible improvements for drivers and for the environment. This
engine is certified ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) in all 50
states, which is another industry first for Honda. The
displacement
of the engine is larger than the engine in previous Civic models
(1.7-liter vs. 1.6-liter) while the outward dimensions of the engine
are more compact -- it is 7 percent smaller and 7 percent lighter
than its predecessor. In addition, torque output at 4,000 rpm is
increased by 6 percent for improved acceleration and
around-town
performance. Service intervals are now longer -- engine oil
changes
are now at 10,000 miles or every 12 months (compared to 7,500
miles
on previous models). In addition, the recommended engine
tune-up
timing has been extended from 75,000 miles to 100,000 miles.
The net
result is a more powerful engine, delivering better fuel economy
and
lower emissions with less required maintenance.
The 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual and CVT (continuously variable) transmissions have been extensively redesigned for the 2001 Civic. The electronically controlled automatic provides more precise shifting, while the 5-speed manual has shorter, more precise shift throws. The CVT, available in the Civic HX, is once again expected to be ranked among the Environmental Protection Agency's "10 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles," as it has been the past five years.
Body
Although the exterior dimensions of the '01 Civics are similar to
the
previous generation, the body has been completely redone. With
the
all-new chassis and suspension serving as a catalyst, the
engineers
were able to start the new body design from literally the floor up,
with a unique new tunnel side frame creating a flat floor. This
innovative design also yields increased body torsional rigidity for
enhanced collision performance.
To maintain light weight and add rigidity, Honda engineers made extensive use of high-tensile strength steel for the body of the new Civic. More than 50 percent of all frame components are composed of the high tensile steel. Improved NVH was also targeted and the new model features extensive use of melt sheeting, rubber mat insulators and urethane foam to help reduce engine and road noise. During acceleration, interior engine noise has been reduced by 3.0 dB and road noise has been cut by 2.5 dB.
Perhaps most noticeable of all are the extremely close tolerances accomplished with the body panels of the new Civics, accomplished in large part through new and advanced manufacturing techniques. In most cases, the gaps between body panels have been cut in half, greatly improving the fit and finish appearance.
Interior
The new Civic could easily be described as "the biggest small
car in
history." In fact, the interior of the Civic LX sedan goes from an
interior volume of 101.7 cubic feet to 104.3 cubic feet, helping
move
Civic's overall classification from the EPA sub-compact class to
the
compact category.
But increased size is only one important aspect of the new interior. The designers not only wanted to move the interior into a new size class, they wanted to move it into a class by itself. Attention to detail is apparent everywhere, with flush surfaces and reduced gaps for superior fit and finish and a higher grade of materials. Larger seats, more leg and hip room and improved lighting are also apparent.
The 2001 Civic Coupe interior adds to its sporty nature. It features a silver accented instrument panel. An open "halo" headrest further separates it from the Sedan. In addition, LX and EX models also feature a front passenger walk-in seat with memory, making back seat access easier.
Buyer Profile
Civic buyers represent one of the youngest buyer groups in the
auto
industry. Sedan buyers are in their mid-30s and about 60
percent are
married, often in the process of starting a family. More than half
have graduated from college and the average household income
is about
$50,000.
Coupe buyers are even younger, on average less than 30-years old. They have similar educational and income backgrounds. As might be expected, only 40 percent are married, and about 55 percent of the Coupe buyers are female.