copy by: http://paultan.org

UPDATE: Gallery now has pictures of the 2.0S, Hybrid and Modulo. Also the Studio shots are in.
Say hello to the 9th Generation Honda Civic. Just launched, there are four variants with three engine permutations to choose from – a 1.8S, 2.0S, 2.0 Navi and the Civic Hybrid. It is good to note that the petrol engine variants are CKD models while the Civic Hybrid is CBU.
The 1.8 litre SOHC i-VTEC generates 141 PS at 6,500 rpm with a torque of 174 at 4,300 rpm. The 2.0 litre SOHC i-VTEC produces 155 PS at 6,500 rpm and has a torque of 190 Nm at 4,300 rpm. Both engines transmit power to the front wheels via five-speed automatic transmission.

As for the Hybrid, the combined power of the 1.5 litre engine and electric motor decks out 110 PS at 5,500 rpm and has a healthy torque of 172 Nm between 1,000 and 3,500 rpm. The Hybrid draws its power from the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, which is said to have an increased output of 33% and weighs 9 kg lighter than the NiMH battery. A CVT gearbox is chosen to partner the hybrid engine.
Unlike the petrol engines, which uses ventilated front and solid rear discs, the hybrid has ventilated front disc and drums for the rear. Suspension, however, is same for all – front MacPherson struts and rear multi links. Rubber-wise, the 1.8S wears the 205/55 R16, the 2.0 slips on the 215/45 R17 and the Hybrid moves around on 195/65 R15.

The Civic is 4,525 mm long, 1,755 mm wide, 1,430 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. The 1.8S is weighs the least of the lot at 1,225 kg while the 2.0S has a kerb weight of 1,270 kg. The Hybrid tips the scales at 1,280 kg.
On the outside, the 1.8S Civic is fitted with front fog lights, halogen headlights and glass printed antenna. The 2.0S comes with HID headlights instead of halogen and gets the extra auto levelling headlights and side mirrors with indicators.

The Hybrid’s equipment list is, well, a hybrid of the two and then some. It has front fog lights, halogen headlights, auto lights, side mirrors with indicators, LED taillights, heat absorbing glass all-round and a roof-mounted antenna.
The sedan gets a lot of kit too. Standard interior equipment list shared by all variants include the 5 inch intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID), single CD audio compatible with WMA+MP3/IPOD/USB, six speakers, ECON mode button and auto climate control.

The 2.0S variants are further kitted with eight-way driver power seat, smart entry with push start button, paddle shifters and cruise control. The Hybrid plays with the same, only without the power seats and paddle shifters.
The 2.0 Navi gets the additional 6.1 inch navigation touch screen that displays video from DVD, VCD, DivX and the reverse camera. This variant also comes with Bluetooth audio and can be linked to your phone.
All Civics now comes with the Vehicle Stability Assist with Motion Adaptive EPS, ABS and two front air bags. The 2.0S, 2.0 Navi and Hybrid gets extra side airbags with occupant position detection system.

What is grabbing the headlines is not the engine or the tech that comes with the car. It is the service interval and warranty.
Service interval have been extended to 10,000 km. Honda says that the car and engine is durable enough to have a longer service interval. The labour service is also free up to six times, but it is only applicable for every alternate paid service until 100,000 km.

Just as the City, the Civic has a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage. The Hybrid also gets a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage for the IMA battery.
The 1.8S Civic is going for RM115,980, the 2.0S for RM131,980, the 2.0 Navi for RM136,980 and the Hybrid for RM119,980. All prices are on-the-road and the cars are now open for booking.