Honda Siel Cars’ product range in India includes the Honda City ZX in the mid-size segment, Civic & Civic Hybrid in the Lower D segment and Accord in the luxury segment and third generation all-new CR-V (both 2.0L 2 WD and 2.4L 4WD) in the SUV segment. While the
City ZX, Civic and Accord are manufactured at the company’s plant, the CR-V & Civic Hybrid is imported from Japan as a Completely Built Unit.
City ZX City ZX is today recognized as one of the most successful car brands in the country. Its success is a replica of the success of its predecessor - the original Honda City, launched way back in 1997. In fact, HSCI took a historic step in 2003, when it introduced the New-City at a time when the original City was still performing brilliantly – and it was an immediate success. The City ZX was launched two years later in 2005 as an enhanced version of the New-City and is strongly associated with durability, reliability, quality and fuel-efficiency.
The City ZX range includes 4 variants - EXi, GXi, CVT (Automatic Transmission) and VTEC. While EXi, GXi and CVT variants come with the advanced combustion system of the 1.5 litre Intelligent Dual & Sequential Ignition (i-DSI) engine, City VTEC embodies a 1.5 litre VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine. The VTEC version was reintroduced in the new City in response to customer demand.
The City VTEC comes with sporty exteriors and plush interiors, catering to the premium segment customers. On the outside, the car is adorned by 14” alloy wheels, front and rear fog lamps and rear disc brake. The interiors are more lavish with leather steering, centre console and beige and black upholstery.
The City is manufactured with
79% indigenisation level and currently enjoys
25% market share in its segment.
CIVIC HSCI launched the 1.8V Civic in India in July 2006 which became a runaway success. The company has also launched the 1.8V version of the Civic in June 2007.
The Civic is Honda’s largest selling model globally and is now sold in approximately 160 nations and regions worldwide. The Civic made its debut, with a two-door model in July 1972, followed shortly by a three-door version. The series was a major hit, especially among young people and for three consecutive years, from 1972 to 1974, the Civic won the ‘Car of the Year Japan’ award. Civic’s development process contrasted completely with Honda tradition. Rather than pursue development based primarily on the vision of Company founder Soichiro Honda, the Civic’s development team traveled to various world markets, gained local knowledge and experience first-hand, and then set about creating a car that “is needed right now.”
Overseas production of Civic began in Indonesia in 1975, and Civic vehicles are now made in 11 countries, including North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Total cumulative production of Civic models at the end of calendar 2004 was approximately 16 million units—making it one of the most popular models in Honda history.
The eighth-generation Civic was launched towards the end of 2005 in the US and early 2006 in Japan. It already has the distinction of being voted as the top car in different markets and categories. Some of these include:
- “Car of the Year” at the prestigious Detroit Auto Show 2006.
- “Red dot: best of the best“ award for highest design quality in Europe.
- 2006 ‘Car of the Year’ by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
- 2006 "North American Car of the Year" presented by a group of 49 international automotive journalists.
- "Top Safety Pick - Gold" award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for earning "Good" ratings in frontal, side impact and rear impact tests and measurements.
2007 ‘Indian Car of the Year’
The Civic has an indigenisation level of
72% and enjoys
45% market share in its segment.
Civic Hybrid The launch of the Civic Hybrid in June 2008 is the fulfillment of yet another commitment HSCI made to its customers - of bringing in latest technologies and models from Honda's global line-up. It also seeks to strengthen HSCI's efforts towards the protection of the environment and conservation of energy sources.
The Honda Civic Hybrid System features a 3-stage i-VTEC + IMA that employs Honda's 1.3L i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine to provide three stages of valve timing (low-speed, high-speed, and cylinder idle mode), combined with a compact and efficient electric motor, Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. Together with highly efficient CVT transmission, the system provides nearly 47% enhanced fuel efficiency than a regular 1.8L Civic AT without compromising on driving performance.
The Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain steady-state cruising situations.
In addition, the internal combustion engine is switched off when car comes to a stop while the brake pedal is pressed. These factors contribute greatly to the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions, particularly in city traffic.
Apart from sleek, aerodynamic exteriors and new-age luxurious interiors, Honda Civic Hybrid offers the best in safety technology, including Active Headrest and four SRS Airbags (driver, assistant and side air bags), besides other safety features.
The Civic Hybrid will be imported from Japan as a completely built unit and will be available in two colours - exclusive Premium White Pearl and Alabaster Silver.
Accord 8th Generation Honda Siel Cars India Ltd, announced the launch of its premium, upscale All-new Eighth Generation Honda Accord in India.
The All-new Accord comes with 5-speed Manual Transmission and 5-speed Automatic transmission with
Paddle shift, to give the exhilarating experience of F-1 racing. The AT now has
Shift Holding System which avoids unnecessary gear shifting on winding roads and helps in hassle free drive.
The handling is another key improvement in 8th Generation Accord. The chassis and the body have been renewed by introducing Honda's latest technology to achieve best in class handling. Together with
Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering, the new Accord becomes quicker and more agile despite its big size. The new
Multi − Link Rear suspension aids in stable driving.
Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a top priority for Honda. The new Accord is equipped with the best of safety technologies,
with intelligent six airbags, including side curtain air bags,
Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body and
G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) for enhanced safety of the vehicle occupants during a collision. The use of high-tensile steel has been considerably increased improving torsional rigidity, while also achieving major weight savings.
The interior design blends luxury with advanced functionality including
eight-way power seat adjustment with lumbar support,
tilt and telescopic steering wheel, an
advanced audio system with a centre multi−selector and USB port. As in India, this car is mainly chauffeur driven, HSCI has customized some features to suit the Indian customer 's driving habits. So, the car has
rear audio controls, rear AC vents and
reading lights at the rear.
The All new Honda Accord will be available in three types in both Automatic and Manual transmission − Accord 2.4, Accord 2.4 Elegance and Accord 2.4 Inspire.
CR-V The 3rd generation CR-V was introduced in November 2006. The all-new, third generation Honda CR-V offers its customers a distinctive combination of ‘the comfort of a sedan with the thrills of a SUV’.
The engine is a 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC, which delivers a powerful torque of 162 ps @ 5,800 rpm. Realtime 4WD is a unique feature of the car which is the first in its class. The Realtime 4WD intelligently detects adverse road conditions and switches to 4-wheel drive instantly. In normal conditions the all-new CR-V operates in front wheel drive mode but in wet, muddy roads or off-road conditions, it automatically switches to 4-wheel drive instantly. An enlarged clutch and stiffened transmission parts help distribute 20% additional torque to the rear wheels which ensures smooth drive in bad road conditions without compromising on safety or fuel consumption.
HSCI recently introduced the 2.0L 2WD (2-Wheel Drive) Honda CR-V which is more agile & has a sporty handling. The new lighter engine gives good fuel efficiency, without compromising on performance.
The CR-V currently enjoys
37% market share in its segment.
Honda is only inches away from holding the fifth largest market share in the Korean car industry, after Hyundai, Kia, Renault Samsung, and Ssangyong. In June, Honda Korea reported it sold 1,354 units, closely trailing Ssangyong with 1,902 units.
