Road Reality » Corolla

Redesign: 2012 Honda Civic

John Suit — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:00:17 +0000

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

The current-generation Honda Civic has been on sale since 2005 as a 2006 model. That’s a long time for any car to go without a full redesign, the 2009 visual changes not withstanding. For 2009, the main changes were the front and rear bumpers, as well as a new wheel design. For the 2012 model, it was expected that Honda would release a fully new design. Based on the pictures, Honda is playing it safe with their new bread-and-butter commuter car. Read on for more details, pictures and the full press release from Honda.

2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan

Instead of a new design, the 2012 Civic is more evolutionary than revolutionary, keeping a lot of the same aerodynamic sheet metal the current car is known for. The new car has some more sculpting from front to rear, making for a less drab appearance all around. From the front view, the bulbous rear taillamps have a Toyota Corolla-esque appearance, which detracts from the overall design.

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

Those same taillamps, when actually viewed from the back, looks like a cross between a Honda CRX and a Scion tC, which gives the car a large rear.

Meanwhile, the extra scalloping on the doors adds a lot of visual appeal over the outgoing model. Overall, I give the design a thumbs up, but it fails to really capture my attention. The America-only Coupe, however, benefits the most from the new design.

2012 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan with navigation interior

Inside, the new Civic shows quite a bit of focus, mostly on the driver. The driver-oriented cockpit angles the instruments and navigation display towards the driver, which reminds me a lot of the early-90s Mercury Cougar, albeit with 21st-century technology.

The two-level digital dashboard grows up, with more detailed instruments and what appears to be a secondary display between the speedometer and navigation display. Hopefully we’ll see more information about this secondary display as the Civic gets closer to launch.

2012 Honda Civic EX Coupe

Along with the sheetmetal and interior changes, the new Civic gets new fuel economy numbers. For base and HF models, the highway fuel economy is supposed to be 41 and 39 mpg, respectively. The sporty Si model gets a new (for it) 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is the same one out of the base Accord, achieving 200 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower hasn’t increased, the torque has, by 22 percent, while still sipping fuel to the tune of 31 mpg on the highway. This last number isn’t all that impressive, especially considering the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 is EPA-rated at 31 mpg on the highway, when equipped with its automatic transmission.

Finally, a new Civic has bowed. Whether or not it continues its great success is still to be seen, with ever more competitive rivals from Ford, GM, Hyundai and Kia. At least Honda is continuing the base, HF, Si, and Hybrid models, with coupe versions of the base and Si.

Show Press Release

All-New 2012 Honda Civic Emphasizes Style, Fuel Economy and Performance

Two models offer 40+ mpg

02/17/2011 – TORRANCE, Calif.

Featuring the widest array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic is designed to even better meet the diverse needs of the compact-vehicle buyer when it launches this spring. The entire redesigned ninth-generation Civic lineup will become more fuel efficient with two models – the all-new Civic HF and the Civic Hybrid – each delivering fuel economy estimates of more than 40 mpg on the highway.

Built on the tradition of Honda fuel efficiency, the economical Civic HF model will be the most fuel-efficient gasoline-only powered Civic in the lineup when it launches this spring. Equipped with a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, the Civic HF is targeted to earn EPA-estimated fuel economy1 of 41 mpg on the highway. The 2012 Civic Hybrid, which will be outfitted for the first time with a lithium-ion battery and a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated city/highway combined fuel economy1 of 45 mpg, an improvement of 4 mpg compared to the current Civic Hybrid. Both the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models will be equipped with aerodynamic components for improved efficiency and Honda ECO Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback to promote more efficient individual driving styles.

“The Civic is the only model in the industry that can deliver on all fronts – fuel economy, sporty performance, smart packaging, alternative fuel and long-term value,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co.,Inc. “For the ninth-generation Civic, we are emphasizing improved fuel economy across the board, from the hybrid sedan to the sporty Si model.”

In addition to the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models, the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic GX Natural Gas models are also estimated to achieve improved fuel economy compared to the current models. The Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy2 of 39 mpg on the highway, an improvement of 3 mpg when compared to the current model. The Civic Natural Gas vehicle is anticipated to earn a 7 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the current model. The Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic Natural Gas models will all be equipped with the Honda ECO Assist technology.

Along with improved fuel economy, the new Civic lineup also delivers more performance, particularly with the Civic Si. The Civic Si sedan and coupe models will be equipped with a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter engine as well as a new 6-speed manual transmission. The new engine is anticipated to deliver 200 horsepower with 170 ft-lb of torque. Even with the larger engine and a 22 percent increase in torque, Civic Si is targeted to achieve an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy1 of 31 mpg; an increase of 2 mpg when compared to the current model.

The 2012 Civic lineup includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, a new “HF” high fuel economy version, two sporty “Si” performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.
Additional information on the new 2012 Civic will be announced closer to the on-sale date. For more information on the current Civic and other Honda models, please visit www.hondanews.com.

Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas Specifications

140 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
5-speed automatic transmission
ECO Assist technology
EPA-estimated Civic HF highway fuel economy: 41 mpg
EPA-estimated Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe highway fuel economy: 39 mpg

Civic Hybrid Specifications

110 horsepower, 1.5-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine (combined gasoline + electric)
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Lithium-ion battery
ECO Assist technology
EPA-estimated Civic Hybrid city/highway combined fuel economy: 45 mpg

Civic Si Specifications

200 horsepower and 170 lb-ft, 2.4-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
6-speed manual transmission
EPA-estimated Civic Si highway fuel economy: 31 mpg

¹Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

²Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

by John Suit

Source: Honda

Toyota Corolla and Matrix stalling issue solved, recall announced

John Suit — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:00:24 +0000

2007 Corolla LE

Toyota just can’t get itself out of the recall quagmire it’s in. Today, the automaker announced a recall of 1.13-million Corollas and Matrixes (Matrices?) from the 2005-2008 model years. Only the two-wheel drive models are affected, which means your AWD Matrix is immune to this one. The press release states that a crack can develop in the Electronic Control Module (ECM), which can lead to “harsh shifting” of the transmission or the engine stalling. Only one minor injury has been attributed to this fault, out of three “unconfirmed accidents alleged to be related to this condition.”

2007 Matrix XR

This recall is a result of an earlier investigation, which we reported in March, and spans an extra model year (2008). The recall’s fix is a new ECM, which will be replaced at no charge to customers, and should take less than 45 minutes per car to fix. ECMs are typically between $500 and $2500, so this is no cheap fix for Toyota.

Any owners who still have questions, or have concerns about driving their vehicle prior to the new ECM being installed should call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

Toyota announces changes for 2011 Scion tC

John Suit — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:15:06 +0000

Even though the Scion vehicles were originally slated for one generation before complete replacements arrived, it looks like parent company Toyota has changed their mind. Since they already diverged from the plan with the 2nd generation xB in 2008, Toyota has redesigned the tC for the 2011 model year. The look is more polarizing, the featureset richer, but the price is still in line. Click past the jump for details and pictures on the upcoming car.

When Toyota realized that its average customers were getting closer to Buick’s than they liked, they came up with the Scion brand. Specifically marketed towards young drivers, males in particular, the brand has several inexpensively-priced, quirky-looking boxes, and the tC. By far the most popular, the tC has led to a customer base whose median age is 26 years old. But, while originally favored by young males, young females have been buying up tCs for the past few years, and this is one of the things Toyota wanted to correct.

To that end, they’ve created a “helmet visor” roof by blacking out the sides of the windshield frame and the separator between the front and rear side glass, also known as the A and B pillars. The new tC’s profile now looks like a helmet, and is decidedly more masculine, although I find it to be a bit polarizing, as it’s taken some time to grow on me.

The front end of the new car is probably the least worked-over part of the exterior sheetmetal, and it looks handsome. Meanwhile, out back, the only congruous line is the one sculpted at the bottom of the rear fascia, which is a carryover from the bottoms of both doors and rear fenders. The rest of it just doesn’t work for me, but then again, that’s why it’s polarizing.

Inside the new tC it’s a much better situation. There appear to be better materials, at least with better textures to them, and while the radio still looks like an aftermarket install, you at least get the option of satellite navigation and HD radio this time around. The thick steering wheel with auxiliary radio controls looks good, and it’s interesting to see an “active 3-way front stage” (in audiophile speak) of speakers all on the doors, including the tweeter, mid-range speaker and woofer from top to bottom. Toyota even mentions that the new tC shares some of its stereo components with the Lexus LX470.

The seats continue their funky look, but without having sat in one, I still say they look comfortable, and the patterns on them break up what could otherwise be a monotone interior. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find the familiar hatchback setup, and apparently the rear seats split 60/40, to give even more cargo room.

The tC carries on with its glass roof design, which I always thought was a nice touch for a car in its class. Usually you only see roofs like this one on luxury vehicles and 3-row crossovers.

Feature-wise, the “base” tC comes with ABS, Toyota’s brake-override system, airbags a-plenty, a 300-watt stereo (including iPod/USB hookup), satellite radio (capable), 18″ wheels (almost unheard of in the tC’s class), as well as just about any other amenity you’d expect for under $20k.

Options, on the other hand, are not so numerous: satellite navigation (either an add-on module and a built-in module), HD radio, BlueTooth hands-free phone capability, interior bits and baubles, and of course a bevy of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) add-ons to boost performance, handling or braking.

Fuel mileage is the same for both the 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions, at 23/31/26 city/highway/combined. Those are slight improvements from the previous model, with a modest bump in power due to direct injection, a now-mainstream technology which improves performance and fuel economy at the same time.

Overall, the new tC still presents itself as quite the value, although I’ll have to drive one before I can see if Toyota’s claims that it’s faster and handles better are true. Starting at $18,275 ($19,275 with automatic transmission) and adding on a $720 destination charge brings you awfully close to the $20,000 mark, so it’s more costly than the cars it’s cross-shopped against; namely the Honda Civic (non EX-L models) and Toyota Corolla. If you’re in the market for an inexpensive car with a lot of upmarket features, though, the Scion tC is definitely not a bad way to go. The 2011 Scion tC should hit showrooms sometime this fall.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

KBB Awards for Best Reader Car Review

John Suit — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:00:35 +0000

In a recent contest, Kelly Blue Book (KBB) challenged its readers to come up with the best car review, and the results are in. The winner is Clark Olson Media for the review of his 2000 Toyota Corolla. Runners up include Joel Moss Levinson and his 2001 Volkswagen Passat and Patrick Latimer with his 2004 Subaru Forester. Click past the jump to see the videos.

Winner:

2nd Place:

3rd Place:

by John Suit

Source: KBB.com

Stalling Cars Stumps Toyota

John Suit — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:00:23 +0000

2007 Corolla LE

This latest report, from Reuters, suggests that Toyota is having problems with its 2005-2007 Corollas and Matrixes (Matrices?), a total of about 1.2 million vehicles. In a move much different than the way it’s handled its recent recalls, Toyota announced Thursday that it informed U.S. regulators of a potential problem with stalling cars, and that it’s working on a fix for it.

Since they’ve been criticized recently for being too slow to action on problems with its vehicles, Toyota is trying, more or less, to prevent this one from snowballing on it.

The problem stems from a crack in soldered joints or an electrical short in the ECM, or Engine Control Module, commonly referred to as the car’s computer. This causes a failure, leading to the engine shutting off. There have been 26 reported stalls so far, but the concern comes from the randomness of where and when the stall occurs. It’s happened while at both highway and slow speeds, and at least one stall was while a driver was in the middle of an intersection.

Toyota has said that there is no rhyme or reason why the stalls occur when they do, and that there is no prior warning to the engine shutoff. Chris Santucci, Toyota’s regulatory affairs manager, had this to say in a letter to regulators:

“Toyota does not believe that the alleged defect creates an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.”

Later on in the letter, he mentioned that it was better that the engine stall than risk catching fire or creating “catastrophic failures.”

So, while this isn’t a recall per se, notify your dealer as soon as possible if your Corolla or Matrix stalls on you. According to the NHTSA, Toyota informed dealers that there is an upgraded ECM and a reflash available for the affected cars through a bulletin, way back in 2007. The NHTSA also opened its own investigation into this problem in November of 2009.

2007 Matrix XR

If the last paragraph didn’t make you scratch your head, let’s delve into it a bit. There exists both a public “ECM Reflash” TSB (Technical Service Bulletin), and a more hidden “ECM Replacement” TSB, which were issued in 2007. The NHTSA only opened an investigation in November of 2009, two years later. So, while this issue has been brought to the forefront much quicker than the recalls affecting 8.5 million Toyotas, it still took two whole years for Toyota to bring it up. Despite Santucci’s assurances that the problem is not a safety issue, if my car were to stall while making a left turn, I would definitely consider that a safety issue.

When more news is available, you can be sure we’ll have it right here.

by John Suit

Source: Reuters, NHTSA

PedalGate: Now SteeringGate? Toyota Corolla Steering issues

John Suit — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:00:03 +0000

2010 Toyota Corolla S

When it rains, it pours. In Toyota’s case, make that a monsoon. Automotive News is reporting that the NHTSA is considering an investigation into concerns over Toyota’s bread-and-butter small car, the Corolla. So far, 83 owners in the United States have complained about steering issues with their cars, a feeling similar to hydroplaning or being buffeted by the wind. Some 73 of the reports have occurred at speeds of 40mph and greater, and the consensus from owners is that it takes a tight 2-handed grip on the steering wheel to keep the car driving straight when this problem occurs.

One complaint said, “if you take your eye off the road for a second, the car will drift into another lane,” in October, while on September 11, a grandmother from North Carolina had this to say to the NHTSA:

“This was the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me in my life as well as my grandchildren!”

This was after her car veered off the road, down a cliff, and into a tree. The grandmother and her grandchildren count for part of the 10 injuries in 6 accidents so far reported because of the power steering issue.

The cause for this issue stems from a change for the 2009 model year Corolla, in which Toyota changed from the traditional hydraulic power steering setup to an electronic one. The difference is in how the steering is powered. In hydraulic systems, an hydraulic power steering pump is run off of the engine of the car, which magnifies the driver’s steering inputs, easing slow-speed maneuvers. In the new electronic system, an electric motor takes the place of the hydraulic system, doing the same magnification but no longer powered by the engine. This allows manufacturers to build cars which can parallel park themselves, among other neat tricks. Toyota uses electronic power steering in many of its cars, including some Lexus models. Other manufacturers, including Ford, GM and Honda use similar systems, but nobody but Toyota seems be drawing complaints about it, yet.

Electronic power steering systems have several benefits over the traditional setups, the big three of which are greater efficiency for the engine, lighter weight, as well as the aforementioned self-parallel parking feature.

When any more news about this latest investigation surfaces, you can be sure I’ll have it all here for you.

by John Suit

Source: Automotive News