Honda Civic (seventh generation)

History

In 2002, 2003 models were introduced with new tail lights which created a circle when illuminated and also gained revised dials and new wheel designs. In September 2003, 2004 model year Civics received a facelifted front end (designed in 2002) with new headlights, bumper, and grille; it also received side skirts. In September 2004, the Special Edition trim level was introduced for the 2005 model year, available as the LX or EX Special Edition.

The hybrid version arrived at North America in spring 2002 as a 2003 model being imported from Japan. It used both a small 1.3 L I4 main gasoline engine and auxiliary electric motors, producing a combined 93 hp. The electric motors are powered by a battery array which is charged by regenerative braking during deceleration, thus reducing exhaust emissions and extending fuel mileage to 46 mpg city / 51 mpg highway with the manual transmission according to EPA fuel mileage estimates.

A sporting hatchback model called the Si was unveiled in August 2005 for the European market only. This model featured from launch a 1.4 L I-DSI and a 1.8 L i-VTEC rated at 83 PS (81 hp/61 kW) and 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) respectively, with 177 and 207 km/h (110 and 129 mph) top speeds and 14.2 and 13.6 s 0–100 km/h sprint. The Sport Hatchback is also available with a 2.2 L I-CTDI diesel engine from the Accord, Edix/FR-V and CR-V, rated at 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) and is capable of 205 km/h (127 mph) and accelerating from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Starting with this generation, cabin air filters (also known as pollen filters) were installed as standard equipment and are located behind the glove compartment internationally.

USDM (United States and Canada)

Coupé: Trims available in North America for the coupé body style were the VP, DX (up to 2003), EX, HX, LX (EM2), LX Special Edition or EX Special Edition, and Si. The Coupé was no longer available in Japan, but was still marketed in Europe.

Sedan: Trims available in the sedan body style were the DX, VP, EX, GX, LX, LX Special Edition, EX Special Edition, Hybrid (ES1, ES2, EN2, ES1, ES1, respectively), and Si (EP2). EX trim includes sunroof. The LX or EX Special Edition included a six-disc changer and rear spoiler, ABS, larger 15-inch wheels, and a more powerful engine (see below). There was also the EX Special Edition which added a sunroof and rear single cup holder. The Hybrid was the only trim available for the sedan style in Europe.

In Canada, until 2003 there were DX and LX models for both sedan and coupé, with the coupé additionally having the Si trim, largely equivalent to the US market EX coupé.

In 2002, Honda Canada, in recognition of the one millionth sale of the Civic in Canada, introduced a limited edition version of the Civic called the Civic Coupe Si Veloz ('Veloz' meaning 'swift' in Spanish). The Veloz edition adds a front, rear, and side skirts, rear spoiler, carbon fiber trim pieces, chrome exhaust finisher, custom Veloz embroidered floor mats and Veloz badges.

In 2003, a 30th Anniversary Edition was added to all models, as well as a Sport model for sedans. In 2004, the DX model was replaced by a Special Edition (SE) model and the previous Sport model was replaced by a LX-g trim.

Si/SiR/ Type R / 2.0 i-VTEC

The EP3 Civic Si of the USA and EP3 Civic SiR of Canada was marketed as North American version of European EP3 Honda Civic Type R. Unlike other generations of the Civic Si, this Si was not produced in Canada or the United States, and it does not share a body style or interior with the USDM Civic (offered only in sedan and coupé forms) sold there. Instead, the 2002-05 Civic Si is manufactured in Swindon, England, and exported to Canada and the United States while Civic Si Sedan is manufactured by Honda Automobile Thailand in Ayutthaya, Thailand, as 2.0 i-VTEC model and exported to ASEAN Countries. The Si/SiR was the only trim available for the hatchback style in Canada and the United States.

Honda of Europe designed the EP3 Civic Type R hatchback to be marketed in Europe. Then Honda of Japan marketed the EP3 Civic Type R using the Honda Integra DC5 Japanese-spec K20A powertrain using electric steering rack. The Civic Si returned to form as a hatchback, after having been sold only as a coupé in the previous generation. The body shape of this model was based on the "New Bullet-Form" concept, which aimed to create a more dynamic look and provide greater stability while travelling on highways or winding country roads. The interior layout also distinguished itself from other Civic Si generations with a dash-mounted shifter. The EP3 Civic Si hatchback is also used for the second generation Civic Type R which was sold in Europe and Japan.

Shifting away from the B-series engine, the seventh generation Civic Si adopted the K-series K20A3 engine used in the Acura RSX base model rated at 160 bhp (120 kW) at 6500 rpm and 132 lbf·ft (179 N·m) at 5000 rpm. With a redline of 6,800 rpm, the Si distanced itself from the narrow, high-rpm powerband engine of its predecessor, and as a result saw a 20 percent increase in torque. Performance was relatively underwhelming compared to the competition; the switch to MacPherson struts from double-wishbone suspension resulted in less responsive handling, and a near-150 lb (68 kg) increase in weight to 2,744 lb (1,245 kg) contributed to slower acceleration than the lighter '99-'00 Si. Much of the weight gain is attributed to the chassis' stouter structure when compared to the previous generation hatchback, with the '02 Si boasting an increase in torsional rigidity by 95 percent and a bending rigidity increase of 22 percent.

With the increased chassis rigidity compensating for weight gain, the 5th-generation Civic Si saw roughly the same performance numbers as the previous generation Si, with 7.6 seconds to 60 mph and 15.9 seconds at the quarter mile, which were comparable to that of Ford SVT Focus and Hyundai Tiburon GT V6. Other factors adversely impacting performance included the lack of an LSD (limited slip differential) and having to shift into third gear to get to 60. First gear ends at about 30, second ends at 55, and third ends at 82 mph (132 km/h).

The 2004–05 models received minor revisions. Cosmetic changes included revised headlight (dual bulb setup) and taillight designs, standard side skirts, and an option for a HFP (Honda Factory Performance) upgrade. The suspension was updated with a change from 4 lug to 5 lug bolt pattern, a larger rear sway bar, and a change from 15-inch wheels (195/60-15) to 16-inch wheels (205/55-16). The interior received more silver accents in place of the chrome ones (the lock switch).

2003 Honda Civic Si Concept (2002)

For the 2002 SEMA show, Honda unveiled the 2003 Civic Si Concept, which showcased the aftermarket versatility of the Si.

Powertrain/chassis modifications included a GReddy T518Z turbocharger with an integral wastegate, a prototype GReddy front-mounted intercooler kit with aluminum piping, a GReddy Airinx high-flow intake system, a GReddy e-manage engine control manager, a GReddy Profec E-01 electronic boost controller (with e-manage programmer), widened track, Factory Performance sport suspension, a center mounted high-flow exhaust system, and a four-piston Brembo brake system.

The exterior saw changes including a Rally-inspired body kit, a carbon fiber grill, front intake and rear bumper diffuser, a black chrome-finish headlights and smoked taillights, high-mounted two-stage rear wing. For the interior, Honda included Mugen carbon fiber and Kevlar race seats covered in red Alcantara suede with 6-point racing harness, a sport 3-spoke steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob, Mugen high performance LCD screen gauge package, center mounted information display.

Engines

Most DX and LX models were built with the D17A1, the HX had the D17A6 and the EX was powered by the D17A2. The Si/SiR (EP3) had the K20A3. The JDM 5-door hatchback (EU) had the D15B. The GX runs on CNG. The Philippine and Middle East version of the 7th generation Honda Civic used the 3-stage VTEC mechanism for their VTi/VTi-S/RS and the Pakistan version VTi Civic, equipped with a D16W9 rated at 130 hp (97 kW). The Japan RS model was equipped with the D17A. Factbook.

In Europe the Civic was sold with a D16V1 rated at 110 hp and a D14Z6 rated at 88 hp ,also a common-rail diesel engine produced by Isuzu Motors Polska. This engine is a 1.7L 4EE2 Circle L engine with 100 hp (75 kW) the European Type R Civic was equipped with a K20A2

The seventh generation North American Civic DX/LX/Value Package engines were the last in the Honda and Acura not to use Honda's variable valve time system aka (VTEC) along with the 1996-2004 Acura 3.5RL Non-Vtec engines.

U.S. sales

In 2004, Honda Civic was the seventh best selling vehicle overall and third best selling passenger car in the U.S.

Award and recognition