A high-spec new variant of the Honda Civic 5-door goes on sale from September, giving the popular British-built hatchback even sportier looks. The new Si grade will be available across the entire 5-door Civic range, in all engine variants and transmissions. The 1.4-litre Si model will wear Graphite colored 16-inch alloy wheels while higher-powered 1.8 petrol and 2.2 diesel Si Civics will sit on 17-inch Graphite colored alloy rims.

All Si variants will have color-coded bumpers, front fog lights, a Type R-style mesh front grille and dark chrome door handles and fuel cap – like that on the Championship White Type R. Inside Si models will get half leather upholstery to continue the sports theme, plus a USB port for iPod connectivity. The Si has been designed to appeal to the Civic’s increasingly youthful customer and those who want sporty looks with the practicality of a 5-door. And because the Si grade is available across the Civic 5-door range, those on a smaller budget can also enjoy the Si’s distinct looks.

The Civic Si 1.4-litre i-VTEC will go on sale later this year (date to be confirmed), followed by the Civic Si 1.8-litre i-VTEC and Civic Si 2.2-litre i-CTDi. Three metallic exterior paint colors are available on the new grade: Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Deep Sapphire Blue Pearl, plus Milano Red as standard.

Pricing

Si grades are priced at £850 RRP over the SE grade

• Civic Si 1.4 i-VTEC Manual – £15,800 OTR

• Civic Si 1.4 i-VTEC i-SHIFT – £16,600 OTR

• Civic Si 1.8 i-VTEC Manual – £16,835 OTR

• Civic Si 1.8 i-VTEC Automatic – £18,160 OTR

• Civic Si 2.2 i-CTDi Manual – £18,305 OTR

The Civic Si 1.4-litre manual delivers good fuel economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 135g/km. When paired with the i-SHIFT transmission it delivers improved fuel economy of 49.6mpg and reduced CO2 emissions of 132g/km. Meanwhile, the Civic Si 1.8-litre manual has CO2 emissions of 155g/km and fuel economy of 42.2mpg. All 1.8-litre engine Civic 5 door models are available with a classic automatic ‘box that was introduced early this year, and in Si guise will deliver 169g/km and 38.7mpg respectively. The Civic Si 2.2-litre (manual) achieves CO2 emissions of 139g/km and fuel economy of 53.3mpg.

(via: Honda PR)

Honda is really testing the power of future fuel technologies at this year’s Los Angeles Auto show – with the introduction of their Hydrogen powered concept vehicle. The FC Sport is destined to be one of the most high tech and lighter than air coupes to ever hit the road (or maybe the sky?). It’s only a research and design model right now, but if this three-seater, eco-friendly ride catches enough attention (and fuel prices keep surging globally) development could begin in the near future.

According to the official Honda Press Release: “The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain…The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.”

It is true, the Honda Insight looks strikingly similar to Toyota’s Prius, and there is a reason for this – science! Aerodynamics specifically. The Prius has a completely aerodynamic body design; so get used to the style, you’ll be seeing more of it for years to come. Honda took an already perfect curvature and added some meanness to it – Insight’s front grill is intimidating, not smug like on a Prius. Hood shape is slightly domed- adding a bit more aggressiveness to the car. There is also chrome, shiny shiny chrome. Actual MPG ratigns and price may be confirmed or denied when the car is unveiled at October’s 2008 Paris Motor Show. Scroll down for some bullet points provided by a Honda Press Release.

TOKYO, Japan, September 4, 2008 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will display the concept model of its all-new Insight dedicated hybrid vehicle at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Honda is introducing the advanced Insight to meet the needs of customers in a new era of widespread demand for hybrid vehicles.

The name Insight was chosen to denote Honda’s “insight” into a new era in which hybrid vehicles come within reach of most car buyers. A five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback, the new Insight will feature an innovative new platform in which the battery and control unit are located beneath the cargo space for exceptional utility and a light, pleasing driving feel. The new Insight features Honda’s innovative, highly efficient compact hybrid powerplant, in which a gasoline engine serves as the main power source and the electric motor assists when extra power is needed, such as during passing or start-up and acceleration.

The new Insight also features a new driving support function that helps drivers make the most of its exceptional fuel economy to achieve more efficient, environmentally responsible driving. Thanks to reductions in the weight and size of the Insight’s key components, Honda has also achieved significant cost reductions.