The ninth generation Honda Civic was recently launched in Malta at the Neptunes waterpolo pitch, St Julian’s.

Following a glass of Prosecco and a bite of sushi, the new Honda Civic made its grand entrance as it sailed inshore on a self-operated barge.

“We always try to come up with something innovative to launch our cars,” Manfred Galea, brand manager of Associated Motors Co. Ltd., said. He continued by emphasising that, “overall, the new Civic builds on the core strengths of its predecessor and takes them on an appreciably higher level.”

Over four years was spent developing the new Civic. Nearly all of the components are new to the Civic or have been further developed with areas of focus being on the suspension set-up to improve the ride and handling, the interior materials to improve the overall interior quality, the new design styling and aerodynamics for a refreshed image and improved efficiency, and the engines for improved performance and reduced CO₂ emissions.

Mr Alastair Zammit, director at Zammit Group, highlighted the fact that “with the current increase of fuel prices across Europe and the environmental targets set to achieve low emissions, it was concluded from the European customer survey that the current Civic customer not only considers modern styling and performance to be important but also cost efficiency, low running costs and eco-friendliness.”

The new Honda Civic is one of the sector’s best performers with regard to low CO₂ emissions with its 2.2 i-DTEC diesel engine model producing just 110 g/km with 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque.

Carolyn Zammit, director at Zammit Group, believes that “the new Civic will supersede the expectations of consumers. Test drives are now available and one can easily book a session from beforehand.

“You have to experience it for yourself to appreciate the engineering and attention to detail inherent in the car.”

The new Honda Civic is available in Malta in 1.4 i-VTEC, 1.8 i-VTEC and 2.2 i-DTEC engines.

Honda@zamgroup.com