Honda Civic Hatch, Type R, Odyssey: New For 2009

Motoring Channel Staff - 3/March/2009

Melbourne, Australia – Honda launched two new models at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show, including an update of its Odyssey people mover and a new Civic hatch.

The Honda Civic Si hatchback model is due to be launched in Australia in April 2009, and the updated Honda Odyssey will be on sale 'soon' according to the Japanese importer.

Pricing for both models will be announced closer to their launch.

First the 5-door Civic hatch, which was first seen in Australia for a few years in the form of the Civic Type R, which is one of our favourite hot hatches.

Though it doesn't have the ripping 148kW, 8200rpm 2.0-litre from the Type R, the new Civic hatch does have its good looks.

The peculiar-but-sleek body shape of the Civic hatch gives it a unique appeal and at first glance has the appearance of a 3-door hatch thanks to the clever placement of its rear door handles in the C-pillar.

Visual features like the futuristic translucent grille, the rocket-shaped front door handles and a vast glass area give the Civic hatch a distinctive look.

Inside, the Civic Si is quite prestigious with leather seats, dual zone climate-controlled air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors and a tilt-telescopic steering column for a comfortable driving position. It also gets the push-button motor starter from the Civic Type R.

Power will come from a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine that will drive the front wheels through a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

Peak power is 103kW and torque of 174Nm will get the Civic hatch moving, while ABS, EBD, brake assist and stability control will ensure it stays glued to the road.

The engine is also Euro IV compliant, can run on 91 RON fuel and is more efficient than some diesel engines, sipping as little as 5.7L/100km.

Built in the UK, the new Honda Civic Si hatch will be on sale in April 2009.

Alongside the new Civic Si hatch and Type R, the new 4th generation Odyssey was unveiled at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

On top of a subtle new design, improvements to engine engine power and safety systems are expected to reignite sales in the Odyssey, which is the only vehicle in the history of the Australia's Best Car Awards to be win its category four years in a row.

Honda says the updated 4th generation Odyssey 'doesn't look or feel like a people-mover' and has a driver-focussed cockpit to ensure whoever is in command will feel like they're driving, well, anything but a people mover. 

With seating for seven people, the new people mover makes safety a priority with 3-point lap-sash seatbelts in all positions, front, side and full length curtain airbags covering all passengers, and a range of driving aids such as vehicle stability assist.

The new Honda Odyssey's key features are as follows:

Improved engine power (132kW) and fuel economy
5-speed automatic transmission
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Motion Adaptive EPS
Front, side and full length curtain airbags
3-point seatbelts for all positions (7 in total)
Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure
4 wheel disc brakes with four channel ABS, EBA and BA
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Alloy wheels
Double wishbone suspension

Combined with VSA, Honda explains that the all-new Odyssey has Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) that detects instability in slippery conditions during cornering and braking. In these instances it can automatically initiate steering inputs aimed at assisting the driver to steer in the correct direction.

Related Links:
- Honda Accord Euro Type S (2009)
- Honda Accord Euro (Road Test)
- Honda City (2009)
- Honda Jazz (Road Test)
- Honda FC Sport (2008)
- Honda Civic Hybrid (Road Test)
- Honda Insight (2008)
- Honda Accord V6 (Road Test)
- Honda OSM Concept (2008)
- Honda Accord Euro (Road Test)
- Honda Crime Avoidance Sat Nav (2008)
- Honda Civic Type R (Road Test)
- Honda CR-V (Road Test)
- Honda Legend (Road Test)