The All New Type R Euro

 Cars, Photo's  10 Responses »
Jan 192010
 

The last days of the passing year 2009 have been marked by the announcement of the Honda Motor Co., Ltd of the beginning of sales of a limited series of the Civic Type R Euro to Japan where it will have to compete against the Japanese Type R. The Euro version is a premium sports model forged in England by Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. This vehicle is known for its distinctive appeal, its sci-fi style body shapes and performance perfectly suited for European roads. Out of the total number only 2,010 units will make it to the Japanese market.

The fans don’t cease comparing the actual Type R to Type R Euro wondering whether “European made” necessarily means better. The major difference is the use of a twist-beam rear suspension on Euro Type R vs. a fully independent suspension on the Japanese made Type-R. But regardless of the individual preferences both of the modification are fine rides with a top speed of around 146 miles/hour capable of reaching 60 miles in just 6.5 seconds.

The new Civic Type R Euro comes equipped with a 2.0 L naturally aspirated engine able to put out a maximum of 201hp/ 7,800rpm that works in pair with a 6-speed manual transmission. It is the DOHC i-VTEC known for its higher compression, secondary balancer serving to reduce vibration, but most notable for high revs and high output.

And unlike some of the Japanese makes which often times got criticism for inexpressive design Type R Euro has the style to match its capabilities. It comes with a lighter drop dead gorgeous body on 18-inch wheels. And beyond any doubt Type R Euro has all the add-ons such as custom aerodynamic spoilers, smaller three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum ball knob of a shift lever à la Ferrari.

And besides giving one unparalleled satisfaction of superior performance on the road, it also looks out for its driver and the environment. All the R Euros come equipped with ABS with electronic brake assist, TCS, and sideslip control and due to the high use of recyclable materials the overall recyclability of the vehicle is now well over 90%. So, meet the new Type R Euro!

UK Civic – Flaw in Handbrake

 News  4 Responses »
Jun 022008
 
2006 Honda Accord photographed in USA. Category:Honda Accord (2002, North America)

2006 Honda Civic

Image via Wikipedia

According to the BBC a flaw in the handbrake mechanism of the 2006-2007 Civic manufactured in Swindon, UK has caused the company to send notifications to all 63,000 owners to alert them of the problem. This is the second warning sent out from Honda regarding the faulty Handbrake problem on the Civic with the initial warning going out in the fourth quarter of 2007.

In a nutshell, the problem lies inside the handbrake assembly and a key ‘spring’ was mounted backwards. The problem manifests itself such that if the handbrake is applied while holding down the release button (no ratcheting) it has a high propensity to NOT engage properly. 29 complaints from owners prompted the notifications.

(image from paultan.org)

Despite the fact that Honda is offering all affected owners a replacement handbrake at no charge, they are still not calling this a recall. According to the company, it isn’t a recall because the problem will not occur  if the handbrake is operated within the guidelines described in the users manual.

A Honda spokesman had this to say “As it stands, there is only a tiny chance of the handbrake failing if it is incorrectly applied. However, to give owners 100% peace of mind, we will be sending out letters recommending that they visit their local Honda dealer to get an improved handbrake fitted.”

Official Bulletin from Honda to dealers about the issue:

Introduction

In November 2007 bulletin HUK00000001050 was issued highlighting a potential concern with the handbrake fitted to 06/07YM Civic 3/5 door. We are now in a position to launch an official PUD to replace the handbrake lever on all affected Civics within the VIN range. A phased customer mailing will start the week commencing 7 April. An initial stock of handbrake levers will be automatically supplied to all sales dealers. Please note that there is still not 100% parts availability so when the initial stock has been used please only order new parts in quantities actually required. The first mailings will prioritise those Civics affected by both the drivers door latch and handbrake PUD’s. A copy of both customer letters are attached to this bulletin.

Not all Civic VINs will require this PUD, those Civics which have had the latest level handbrake lever already fitted (08YM part) will have been removed from the PUD database. Therefore please use Campaign for a VIN/PIN to verify that the vehicle is outstanding for this PUD.

Symptom

If the handbrake is applied with the release button intentionally or unintentionally pressed there is a small risk that the handbrake may not latch sufficiently to hold the vehicle securely on a gradient. If the handbrake is applied without touching the release button, the handbrake latching mechanism is unaffected.

Cause

Due to ratchet and pawl dimensions, the handbrake latching mechanism may partially engage depending upon customers’ operating method.

Countermeasure

The handbrake latching mechanism has been modified to eliminate any risk of partial engagement.

Application to Production Line

Countermeasure has been applied from the start of 2008YM production.

Market Treatment

Honda (UK) will write to the registered owners of all affected vehicles requesting them to take their vehicle to their local Honda dealer to have a new handbrake lever fitted.

Here is a copy of the actual notice sent to owners:

from: http://www.civinfo.com/forum/bugs-faults-irritations/9942-handbrake-self-release-inc-recall-letter-3.html#post124914

More than 1 Million Civics made in the UK

 News  1 Response »
Apr 192008
 

Thought they were all made in Japan or Asia? Well guess again, the honda factory in Swindon in the UK has manufactured more than 1 million Honda Civic’s since it opened on September 19, 1994. In it’s first year, the Swindon factory turned out just 6,652 Civics and by last year (2007) the factory was turning out more than 135,000 per year! (that is quite the growth curve!).

1 millionth honda civic made in UK, Swindon factory

The ‘one millionth’ Honda Civic to come of the line is a Red Type-R  and according to Ken Keir, Managing Director of Honda (UK) and Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, “Civic remains the cornerstone of our UK and European success. Customers love its innovative design and build quality, which not only retains a huge loyal customer base, but is key to us winning new sales across Europe.”