Honda New Zealand launches the longer, lower and sleeker new Civic range here tomorrow.
As one of Honda's mainstream models, the new Civic will be available here in four variants - the Civic S, the Civic Turbo, the RS Turbo, and the top-of-range Civic NT Turbo model.
The new models, unveiled at Hampton Downs motor racing track today, will start at $29,900 plus on road costs, for the S model, powered by a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder i-VTEC engine and a CVT automatic transmission. The engine produces 104kW of power and 174 Nm of torque. Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The new Honda Civic S, in cosmic blue. Picture/ Supplied
The second-tier Civic Turbo will retail for $35,500 plus orcs, and is powered by a 1.5 litre VTEC turbo engine producing 127kW and 220Nm of torque. It sits on 17-inch alloy wheels, has a smart proximity key with push button start and stop, walk away automatic locking and a lanewatch camera.
The Civic RS Turbo has a distinctive black grill with the NT model, has a tail gate spoiler, leather interior and a premium stereo system. The RS will sell for $39,900.
The NT model is fitted with an electric sun roof, has sports leather interior trim and an inbuilt Garmin navigation App with SUNA live traffic updates, and a premium 10-speaker audio system. It will sell for $42,900 plus orc. It is also fitted with adaptic cruise control and a range of other safety technology such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning and a collision mitigation braking system.
Honda New Zealand said the new model was among the most important new models developed by the Japanese car maker.
The Honda Civic S. Picture/ Supplied.
The general manager, marketing for Honda New Zealand, Nadine Bell, said the new models set a new benchmark for compact models.
Many of the features on the Civic, such as lane assist and adaptive cruise control, had until now only been available on larger and more expensive models.
Some of the technology on the new models had been developed from the NSX supercar.
Although the Civic only goes on sale in Honda New Zealand showrooms tomorrow, the company has already booked 55 pre-orders for the car.
Nadine Bell said 18 customers had bought the car without seeing or driving it, because of the positive publicity the model had received since its introduction in North America last year.
The new Civic was being manufactured in nine countries, and those on sale in New Zealand would be sourced from Thailand.