Honda cuts prices, adds variant on Civic Si
BY MIKE COSTELLO | 3rd Mar 2011
As GoAuto first reported late last year, the range now starts at $29,990 for a cloth-trimmed Si in six-speed manual guise, while the leather trim variant starts at $32,490 – a saving of $5300 over the previous leather-lined model. A five-speed automatic adds $2300 across the range.
The revised 2011 range gets subtle cosmetic changes in the form of a Civic Type R-style mesh grille replacing the previous model's transparent plastic fascia. Bluetooth connectivity is now standard across the range.
The unchanged 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine produces 103kW and 174Nm, with combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.
Standard specifications on the Civic Si range include rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, 17 inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors. All models have six airbags and brake assist. The flagship model adds leather trim, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Honda is also attempting to boost sales of its premium small-hatch by offering an additional two-year/ 40,000km on top of its existing three-year/ 100,000km warranty, as well as five-years of premium roadside assist. This offer is limited to March only.
VFACTS figures released today show that sales of the Civic range, the majority of which are the Thai-built sedan range, are down 26.5 per cent this year compared to last year. This is despite the small-car segment showing a 6.7 per cent increase in the first two-months of this year compared to 2010.
Honda has had a slow start to 2011, with sales overall dropping by 21 per cent compared to 2010, making it the tenth most popular manufacturer for the year with 4,812 sales.
Meanwhile, the updated Accord Euro range was on display at Geneva, with subtle cosmetic changes to the lights and bumpers, new interior detail and freshened seat materials, as well as improvements to suspension and cabin refinement. While the Accord shown was for the European market, it is likely the changes will also emerge on the local update.
Honda Australia public relations manager Mark Higgins told GoAuto that the updated Accord Euro should arrive in Australia early in the second-half of this year.
| 2011 Honda Civic Sipricing: | |
| Si cloth trim | $29,990 |
| Si cloth trim (a) | $32,290 |
| Si leather trim | $32,190 |
| Si leather trim (a) | $34,490 |
