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Official: Pics Aplenty: Honda releases a boatload on the 2012 Euro Civic [w/video]

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2012 Honda Civic five-door (UK)

As is generally the case, we once again find ourselves swooning over the European Honda Civic hatchback that made its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The new-for-2012 North American-spec Civic hasn't exactly resonated well with us (or the rest of the media), and while we haven't had the chance to drive the new Euro Civic, our thought is that it simply must be better than the milquetoast slab of economy car that we've been served here in the United States.

We've always liked the Euro Civic's five-door shape, with its rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar. But as for the rest of the 2012 model's design elements, there's a bit of overall weirdness, especially around its rump. Nevertheless, it'll likely do well in Europe, where bold designs are more widely accepted (just look at anything by Peugeot or Citroën).

Powering the Civic are a range of three different engines - two fueled by gasoline, one by diesel. The top-end diesel powerplant is Honda's 2.2-liter engine with 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and below that, the two gasoline engines measure in at 1.4 and 1.8 liters, putting out 99 hp and 140 hp, respectively.

Take some time to scroll through our giant high-res gallery of the 2012 Euro Civic. After that, follow the jump to watch a promo video for the new car and check out Honda's indulgently long press release.

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Honda releases a boatload on the 2012 Euro Civic [w/video]

Pics Aplenty: Honda releases a boatload on the 2012 Euro Civic [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Published under hondasend this post
November 3rd, 2011

Report: Honda marketing chief responds to Consumer Reports

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Honda has recently taken a few shots directly across the bow, fired from the heavy guns of Consumer Reports. First, CR stated that the 2012 Civic had lost its Recommended Rating. Shortly after that, Consumer Reports went for the knockout by releasing a piece that chronicled what it describes as a decline in Honda's competitiveness. That wouldn't feel good for any automaker, but how does it feel if you just signed on as the new head of marketing?

Michael Accavitti is the man who recently stepped into that role. In fact, Accavitti took the role the same day that Consumer Reports released its unfavorable opinion of the all-new Civic. Despite that, Accavitti has a positive outlook in his new position, and he's stated that, although Honda respects the opinion of CR, it also disagrees with the way it currently views the brand.

Honda and Accavitti feel that the publication is hitting them quite harshly because they typically turn in A work, but this time have given the world a B+. On the flipside, Accavitti states that other automakers routinely hand in C-level work, and are being lauded for supplying everyone with a new crop of B- products.

It's an interesting outlook, but we wouldn't expect the new head of marketing to have a negative view of his brand. Honda and Acura have some challenges ahead of them, and the Consumer Reports articles should help kick them in the butt.

*Update: Corrected Mark to Michael

Honda marketing chief responds to Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Published under honda, Honda Civicsend this post
September 1st, 2011

Report: Cars.com still recommending Honda Civic, doesn’t care what CR says

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2012 honda civic

There have been few remodels in the compact car segment that have been more eagerly anticipated than the 2012 Honda Civic. And why not? The Civic has been the standard-bearer in the segment for decades, and hopes were high for the new model.

We tested the Civic last month and discovered that while it still offered good fuel economy numbers and the promise of robust reliability and resale value, the 2012 evolution is something of a step back compared to the outgoing model. The interior isn't quite as good, it certainly isn't as much fun to drive as it used to be, and this Honda probably won't turn as many heads as it once did. All while the competition has evolved at a rapid pace.

Consumer Reports was even less kind in expressing its feelings about the 2012 Civic. The consumer advocacy institute removed the Civic from its list of Recommended rides, and Senior Director David Champion went on to say that the refreshed Honda "now ranks near the bottom of its category."

Losing the Recommended tag will likely sting Honda quite a bit, but just because CR is hating on the Civic doesn't mean that everyone feels compelled to follow suit. For instance, Cars.com continues to stand by the Civic, citing "its terrific mileage, comfortable cabin, top safety scores, high resale value and a long track record of reliability." Further, Cars.com adds that the Civic beat out entries like the Ford Focus and Kia Forte in one of its recent comparison tests, and at the same time, the Honda earned a "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

So is the 2012 Civic the star performer Cars.com seems to think it is, or is it closer to the disappointment described by Consumer Reports? The answer to that question will come down to personal choice. That said, for our money, we'd be happier if Honda stuck to the recipe that made the Civic great while leaving more mundane choices to its other competitors.

Cars.com still recommending Honda Civic, doesn't care what CR says originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Published under honda, Honda Civicsend this post
August 3rd, 2011

Cars.com says Consumer Reports is full of crap on Honda Civic [Blip]

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Yesterday, Consumer Reports removed the 2012 Honda Civic from their "recommended buy" list. Today, Cars.com did the beige consumer autoweb version of an "oh snap" when they explicitly recommended the new Civic. It's like watching a sunflower fight a dandelion. More »
Published under honda, Honda Civicsend this post
August 2nd, 2011

Cars.com says Consumer Reports is full of crap on Honda Civic [Blip]

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Yesterday, Consumer Reports removed the 2012 Honda Civic from their "recommended buy" list. Today, Cars.com did the beige consumer autoweb version of an "oh snap" when they explicitly recommended the new Civic. It's like watching a sunflower fight a dandelion. More »
Published under honda, Honda Civicsend this post
August 2nd, 2011

Look out, the 2012 Honda Civic is coming [Spy Photos]

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Prior to Honda's grand unveiling — and our first drive — of the 2012 Honda Civic next week during the New York Auto Show, we're getting a chance to see the exterior and interior on the 2012 Honda Civic thanks to the folks at 9thCivic. Run for the hills! More »
Published under hondasend this post
April 16th, 2011
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