Safety

As would be expected, the new body structure is more rigid and more resistant to bending. This has been achieved by making the body frame parts with larger cross-sections, and adding stiffeners and reinforcements. Noise and vibration levels have also been lowered (Honda engineers have always found Malaysian motorists as being very sensitive to noise!) with the use of various insulation materials in strategic areas.

The greater strength of the body structure complements the higher safety levels provided for Civic occupants. Like many new Honda models, the latest Civic has G-CON, a technology developed by Honda which focusses on impact absorption and distribution. Honda’s own crash test standards are very high and in some cases, exceed even the toughest international requirements. The Civic has passed crash tests involving full frontal collisions at 55 km/h, offset collisions at 64 km/h, side collisions at 50 km/h and rear collisions at 50 km/h. At lower speeds, the front bumpers can withstand impacts of up to about 5 km/h without deforming.

Airbags are not provided, probably to keep the price down but the doors have side impact beams and all five occupants have seatbelts.

While striving to give the occupants the best protection during an accident, Honda designers also gave much consideration to pedestrians and other road-users who may be involved in the accident with the Civic. Various areas of the bodywork have been designed to cause less severe injuries to pedestrians.

On the Civic VTi, an original Honda ABS is standard. This 4-sensor. 3-channel system is supplemented by Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, the former ensuring more balanced braking while the latter enhances braking efficiency by maximising the force applied. The brake system is vented discs in front and drums at the rear.