Honda Civic 2000 News

Honda Australia has issued a recall notice to replace faulty Takata airbag inflators in a batch of 25,282 of its vehicles, which had already been recalled to rectify the same issue.

Only a fraction of the 1.2 million cars on Australia roads with airbags that can spray shrapnel have been fixed, new figures show.

Flares have never gone out of fashion in Japan and the annual Tokyo Auto Salon shows why.

Honda has sharpened the appeal of the Civic sedan by cutting prices across all variants and loading on more standard features.The entry-level civic VTi drops by $1000 for a starting price of $19,490, but picks up the range's new standard kit, including fresh black cloth trim, halogen daytime running lights and an illuminated vanity mirror.There has also been a $700 price reduction on the other three Civic sedan variants – VTi-L, VTi-LN and Sport. The Civic VTi-L now adds in automatic rain sensing wipers and a reversing camera, while the VTi-L and VTi-LN (with satnav) both get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and six-speaker audio system with two front tweeters.A new paint colour, Twilight Blue, completes the upgrades, which Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins says are designed to attract added sales."The Civic is one of Honda's most well-known nameplates around the world. This upgrade in specification and features for a lower price adds even more value to the popular and loved vehicle."Civic sales overall are up 61 per cent year-to-date with 11,564 sales -- largely riding on a refresh for the hatch early this year, which followed a revision of the sedan mid-2012.But while it's gained ground, it sits a fair way behind the leaders Toyota Corolla at 32,039, Mazda3 with 30,781 and Hyundai i30 on 22,499.Variant                RRP           RRP cut   Drive-awayVTi manual          $19,490               $1000    $21,990VTi auto               $21,790               $1000    $24,290VTi-L                     $23,290               $700      n/aVTi-LN (navi)         $26,290               $700      n/aSport                    $30,290               $700      n/aThis reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Honda is streaming ahead with the next Civic Type-R hot hatch -- which is on the wishlist for Honda Australia, but with no confirmation yet that we'll get it here. However with the US also being a gap in the Civic Type-R markets, we could see the new car's platform being used for the second generation of the CR-Z, giving it a sports performance boost.According to Motor Authority, the US will again miss out on the Civic Type-R because the Civic sold there is different to the rest of the world, and is positioned as an economy car -- which makes it hard to market a performance variant. So there are plans to beef up the next CR-Z to get more of a foothold in that market, and a prototype is reported to already have been built.It's said to carry a direct-injected and turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated with the CR-Z’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, developing combined power of about 165kW -- a big step up from the current CR-Z's 84kW engine and 10kW motor effort.A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is reported to be taking over from both the CVT auto and the six-speed manual gearboxes, with the CR-Z able to be launched within two years if production is approved. Meanwhile, we'll be keeping an eye on the Civic Type-R rolling out overseas in 2015 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering at least 210kW: a considerable 62kW more than the last version we saw here in 2011.The new engine will use direct-fuel-injection technology rather than relying on the high revs of the previous model to generate power. Honda hasn't released performance figures yet, but with them stating they're aiming for a Nurburgring record, expect the newcomer to blast past the 2011 car's 6.6 seconds for the 0-100kmh sprint. 

But while it might hold out hope to Honda fans dreaming of a refocus on its sporty history, it’s probably not going to happen in the real world, because there’s no intention to build it. The rear-wheel-drive EV-Ster (from the words Electric Vehicle and Roadster) has an unmistakably Honda front grille and a Civic Type-R-esque derriere bookending a lightweight carbon-fibre body. Following the show stand fashion of the Honda AC-X and Micro Commuter Concept, the EV-STER has twin joystick controls instead of a steering wheel. The battery pack can be fully recharged in less than three hours with a dedicated 200V charging system, but that time doubles if it’s plugged in to a household socket. Honda says it gets from 0-60km/h in 5 seconds and to a top speed of 160km/h.

THE replacement for the Honda S2000 has been revealed in Britain. It's a new droptop built up from the hot Civic Type R. Officially, the next S2000 is known only as the Open Study Model and is being displayed at the British International Motor Show as a low-emission roadster. But it does not take much digging to discover the car's Civic roots and a production plan for late next year or early 2010. It is clearly related to the Civic, and Honda in Japan admits it is working on a front-drive two-seater to take over from the S2000 when production ends next year. The S2000 is 10 years old and its unique rear-wheel-drive mechanical package makes it very costly to make. A Civic-based successor opens the way for a more affordable replacement and has the potential for much higher sales. Honda Australia is not saying much about the potential for the Open Study Model. “It's purely a concept hyrid sports car. It shows you can be green and sporty as well,” Honda spokesman Mark Higgins says. “The car was designed by our R&D centre in Germany and is very much a European creation.” It is also a Civic-based creation, with a dashboard that could have come straight from the current Type R hatch. The car follows a stronger “green” direction by Honda, which previewed the CR-Z as a hybrid and has also put its FCX Clarity fuel-cell car into limited production. Honda says the design brief for the Open Study Model is “clean and dynamic”, an approach that means the rear of the body extends into the cabin between the seats. Much of the car is taken from the Civic — including its hidden front-drive mechanical package — and this runs right down to the gearshift in the centre of the dash and a Type R-style ignition start button.  

School's out for summer. School's out for ever!And now it's time to get a job, go to university and, most importantly, get your first car.High school leavers are now facing one of the most important, daunting, yet exciting decisions of their life in buying their first car.There are so many factors to think about: price, safety, economy, running costs, vehicle age, insurance; all on limited funds and with limited knowledge about cars, and finance.To most young people, the most important thing is probably looks.After all, you don't want to be spotted by all your mates in a white Camry in the drive-through at Maccas.And who can blame you?That's why so many young people buy old grey-import Silvias instead of Camrys. It's because they are red, they look fast and they were featured in one of the Fast and Furious movies.However, often the car ends up spending most of its time being repaired, waiting on a part to come from Japan or simply getting it to start, steer and stop.But is used the way to go?There are many small new cars on the market from as low as $13,990 which have the latest modern safety features, plus advantages of new car warranties.My first car in 1975 was a 1957 Morris Major Elite in army green with occasional windscreen wipers, stockings instead of a fan belt, a hole in the passenger seat, dubious mechanicals and copious amounts of rust.But it cost only $400 and didn't need insuring.You probably also have your stories of first-car lemons.We asked around the industry for advice about buying a first car, new and used.The best three tips were research, research and more research.AAMI state corporate affairs manager Mike Sopinski said the first port of call should be the Office of Fair Trading website."Before you hit the street to look for a new or used car I'd recommend you take the time to check out the Office of Fair Trading website," he said."In fact, I'd say it should be compulsory for all first-time buyers as this government site provides a host of useful and easy to read information about buying a car."Other research young buyers can use is classified ads in newspapers and on the internet.Comparisons will give the buyer a good feel for the true price of a car.The RACQ advises young buyers to work out what they need in a car even before they start looking for one.Whether they ask for it or not, young buyers will certainly get a lot of advice; from friends, relatives and car salespeople.Two Brisbane school leavers on the hunt for their first car both claim a big influence from their family, particularly their fathers.Justine Townsend, 16, of Forest Lake, is looking at a 2000 or 2001 Honda Civic "because they are supposed to be the safest car on the road so my dad tells me".Her father, Peter, drives a Honda Euro, which has "always been reliable".Michael Freeleagus, 17, also of Forest Lake, goes car-shopping with his father, Leon, "because he knows a bit about cars"."He will support my decision on a car so long as it doesn't have a big motor like a V8 or a turbo," he said."He also cares about the looks of the car so it doesn't attract the cops."NRMA Insurance Queensland state manager Brett Robinson said young drivers should think about more than just look and feel."While many factors need to be considered when shopping around for a new car, safety and security should be the number one priority for all drivers," he said.Townsend agrees.There are choices people can make when buying a new vehicle that may significantly reduce their risk of injury and theft and can even result in savings when it comes to car insurance, he said."The most important thing is safety and that it won't break down on me because I am a girl," she said.It seems she is not alone. A Just Car Insurance survey has found 93 per cent of young people rated value for money as an important factor when buying a car, followed by safety and security on 85 per cent.Case study No 1, Justine TownsendAge: 16Shopping list: considering a late-model Honda Civic or Mitsubishi MirageBudget: $5000-$6000Dream car: BMW 5 Series or Nissan Skyline"THE most important thing for me is safety and that it won't break down on me because I am a girl."Safety is imoprtant because the thought of being in an accident is pretty scary. Fuel economy is also important."Justine has narrowed down her car choices to the two Japanese models and will buy through a broker "who is a friend of my dad".She has had her learner's licence for six months and has been working at a Coffee Club outlet for 2 1/2 years to save up for a car."I've nearly got all the money, but the formal put a few dents in the savings account."I need a lot more work to pay for the car. I'll probably start full time work when I finish school."Her budget is between $5000 and $6000 and she is aware that insurance will put a big hole in her running costs."I got a quote for comprehensive insurance and it is nearly $2300 a year from RACQ."I rang them about deals where I get on my parents' policy but because I am the main driver I have to start my own policy."I'll probably just get third-party property and theft."Justine needs a car for work and uni. She is hoping to go to The University of Queensland to study international hotel and toursim management.And when she gets her car, she will keep it fairly standard."I wouldn't get it done up, I'd keep it clean and perhaps put a sound system in it."Case study No. 2, Michael FreeleagusAge: 17Shopping list: Mitsubishi LancerBudget: about $7500Dream car: HQ Monaro"I love Holdens. I like the HQ because it's old school. Anyway, it's a Monaro which speaks for itself."Back to reality and he is in the market for Mitsubishi Lancers."I have had my eye on a 1994 Lancer but it didn't pass the RACQ check. lt was fully done up."I'm now looking at a 2001 model that is standard for $7500.”He chose the Lancer "because I always liked Mitsubishi" and because his father, Leon, has a Triton which has never given any trouble."The two door gives it a sporty appearance and the 1.5litre motor makes it cheap to run."I just want something that is reliable and cheap to run."When you are going to uni and have a part-time job you need to keep costs down."Michael, who wants to be a PE teacher, said he got a $1400 quote from Just Car Insurance for comprehensive cover."They look after young people and it is insured in my parents' names, nominating me as one of the drivers."After buying and insuring the car, Michael wants to do some modifications."I'd probably change the exhaust. I'd like to make it sound more like a four-stroke motorbike."I'd probably do the rims, a sound system, custom pedals, steering wheel and gear knob.Michael has been researching used cars on the internet and in the paper.Michael has had a learner's licence since January and has been practising in his mum's automatic car."I want to get a manual and practise in that before I go for my test."

But picking up the keys for my new car, little did I know that within days I would be $333 out of pocket. And that's not counting the cost of my humiliation. The exorbitant fee was not a hire cost. Nor was it the cost of petrol or any other hidden costs. It was the price of my mistake that saw me reluctantly handing over my credit card to unsympathetic Adelaide City Council bureaucrats. It all started two days after one of The Advertiser motoring writers handed me the keys, telling me to enjoy my new wheels. Pulling up in an on-street car park, I was impressed at how smoothly the Civic glided into place. Never before had parallel parking been so easy. Returning two hours later, I was a little bemused to not recognise my car anywhere. Don't panic, I thought. These new cars all look the same. And for some reason, many of the cars in the street had Victorian numberplates like mine. Clinging to hope, I walked along the line of parked cars pressing the alarm button on my key waiting to see those familiar flashing lights. But there was no flashing. My bemusement quickly turned to panic. "It's been stolen," I cried to my equally panicked companion. "I can't believe it. I'm sure I parked it right here," I said, pointing to a vacant space. It was now his turn to look bemused. "Um, that's in front of a garage roller door," he said. That's how I ended up in the council offices the next morning – paying the costs of my car being towed from the front of a serviced apartment block's roller door and stored overnight, plus a $48 parking ticket. But even in my short time with this stylish vehicle, I learned there were many things to love. For a so-called "small sedan", this baby has plenty of room to move and a large boot which means adequate space for all those shopping bags. And for a girl whose usual mode of transport is a 1.2-litre two-door hatch, I loved the grunt of this 1.8-litre "beast". One touch of the accelerator and off you zoom. The interior light that automatically turns on when you turn the engine off is a nice little touch. It fades out when you shut the door. There really wasn't much not to like. Only a couple of little nitpicks – the dash gear display and tacho were partially obstructed by the steering wheel, at least from my position, and the handbrake got a bit in the way of the gear shift. So, towing ordeals aside, this beauty surpassed my expectations and was a pleasure to drive – from what I can remember of our few hours together. LOVE IT LEAVE IT Honda Civic VTi Auto Price: $22,990 LOVE IT The power. The roominess cleverly combined with a sleek design. Electric seat adjustment. Automatic interior light. Digital speed display. LEAVE IT With the seat adjusted, I found it hard to see the front left-hand side of the car. Dash gear display and tacho partially blocked by the steering wheel. Handbrake a bit in the way of gear shift.