Honda Civic (second generation)

Design

The wheelbase now measured 2250 mm for the hatchback (the fastback sedan was no longer available) and 2320 mm for the wagon, 3-box design sedan, as well as the later five-door hatchback. The 1300 or 1500 cc Civic engines came in cross flow and CVCC design depending on the market they were sold in. In some countries, a 1170 cc EN3 engine was available as a base option. Three transmissions were offered: a four-speed manual (on base models), a five-speed manual, a two-speed Hondamatic, and then from 1981 a three-speed automatic.

North America

In North America, the Civic 1300 and 1500 both came in base and DX versions. The latter featured a five-speed manual transmission, partial cloth seats, carpet, rear window defroster, intermittent wipers, and a cigarette lighter. The 1500 GL added radial tires, a rear window wiper/washer, tachometer, clock, and body side moldings. The base 1335 cc ("1300") CVCC engine made 55 hp, while the 1488 cc ("1500") CVCC engine produced 67 hp. The Civic wagon was available only with the 1500 engine in a trim similar to the DX hatchback. As such, cars with the 1500 engine required the use of unleaded fuel. The 1300 engine — still capable of using leaded petrol — was not available in California and high-altitude areas of the United States.

Europe

The standard European market 1.3-litre model produces 44 kW while the sporting "Civic S" (only available with a five-speed manual transmission) offered 70 PS thanks to twin carburettors. The European-spec Civic 1500 also produces 70 PS but was targeted at more comfort-oriented buyers.

History

In September 1979, for model year 1981, a three-box four-door sedan debuted, as did a three-speed automatic transmission that replaced the aging two-speed unit fitted to the first-generation Civic. The four-door was also marketed as the Honda Ballade in the Japanese domestic market, and was also made under licence by British Leyland, badged as the Triumph Acclaim for the European market.

A minor facelift arrived in late 1980. In early 1982, another facelift added larger plastic bumpers, a new grille and rectangular headlights.

An upscale Civic-based five-door fastback arrived, called the Honda Quint in Japan. It was marketed at a Japanese dealership sales channel called Honda Verno along with the Honda Ballade, a high-luxury model based on the Civic sedan. Also introduced was a new highly fuel efficient I4 model, the five-speed "FE" (Fuel Economy) which was rated at 41 mpgus in the city and 55 mpgus on the highway. However, even the standard 1500-cc model achieves 34 mpgus city, and 47 mpgus highway when driven 55 mi/h, the maximum U.S. speed limit at the time (California mileage ratings).

The slogan for 1983 Civic was We Make It Simple.

File:1980 Honda Civic 3-door hatchback (2010-07-22).jpg|3-door (pre-facelift) File:80-81 Honda Civic DX hatch rear.jpg|3-door (pre-facelift) File:1981 Honda Civic station wagon (2010-09-23) 02.jpg|Wagon (pre-facelift) File:1982 Honda Civic 3-door hatchback (2015-07-10) 01.jpg|3-door (facelift) File:1982 Honda Civic 3-door hatchback (2015-07-10) 03.jpg|3-door (facelift) File:Honda Civic Excellent (rear), Denpasar.jpg|5-door (facelift) File:1983 Honda Civic Saloon (New Zealand) (cropped).JPG|Sedan File:Honda (Sanyang) Civic sedan 02.jpg|Sedan (Taiwanese model) File:Honda Civic station wagon (7130738093).jpg|Wagon (facelift)

Sporting variants

A sport-oriented Civic "CX" was introduced in 1979 in Japan and powered with 1488 cc CVCC EM engine, fitted with firmer suspension, rear stabilizer bar and 165/70R13 Michelin tires. In 1980, new grade called "CX-S" was added to the line up, this model was available with sunroof. This model has a red accent encircled the "CX-S" and set it apart from other Civics as well as a black grille and blackout paint around the window frames. In 1983, appeared another sport model for overseas with "S" badge, this has similar appearance like the Japanese "CX-S". This model was powered with two different engines. In North America, the engine was similar to Japanese "CX" model but with lower output, but in some markets such as the UK, it was powered with the high performance 1335 cc EN4, which was of traditional cross-flow design, and was fitted with twin Keihin CV carburettors, and the same camshaft that was fitted to the earlier first generation GL models. The twin carburettors were similar to the design used by the 1200RS models of the mid-70s, using the same intake manifold, however Honda updated the configuration by fitting twin velocity stacks to help increase bottom-end and mid-range response. The Civic "CX" was available in white and orange, while "CX-S" and "S" was available in red and black paint colours.

File:Honda-CivicCX-S.JPG|Honda Civic CX-S (Japan) File:Honda Civic S (1487648972).jpg|Honda Civic S (Canada) File:1982 UK Spec Honda Civic S 1.jpg|1982 UK Spec Honda Civic S with 1355 EN4 engine File:1982 UK Spec Honda Civic S 2.jpg|1982 UK Spec Honda Civic S with 1355 EN4 engine

Notes

References

References

1. Leeps. (1989-06-04). "Rust Busters".
2. "SYM History". Sanyang Industrial Co. Ltd..
3. "Honda Civic GL1500: Honda civilizes the Civic". Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1981.
4. "Generations". Edmunds.
5. ''Honda civilizes the Civic'']], pp. 71–72
6. (1982-10-31). "Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 82/83: AC-Nissan". Editoriale Domus S.p.A.
7. "Honda Civic (Mk2 Civic)". GoAuto.