Civic CTDi

New Civic 1.7 CTDi 3 and 5 door models

Offering smooth, refined power delivery matched to outstanding fuel economy, Honda’s new diesel-engined Civic 3 and 5 door models made their world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. They join an already extensive and widely-acclaimed range of models and cater for the increasing demand for diesel power across Europe.

Advanced technology including common rail direct injection and variable nozzle turbocharger means the Civic 1.7 CTDi 3 door is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds, yet combined cycle fuel consumption is just 4.9 l/100 km.

Power output is 100 PS at 4400 rpm, but more significantly, the peak torque of 220 Nm is delivered at just 1800 rpm for superb flexibility. Selected for its all-round capabilities, the DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder, Isuzu-sourced engine features a number of Honda-unique items including the fuel filter and accelerator position sensor.

In the common rail design, a pump brings the fuel up to a high and consistent pressure within the common rail from where it passes to the fuel injectors. The direct injection of the fuel into the combustion chamber can then be very precisely monitored, enabling the exact amount to be delivered for maximum efficiency.

In addition, the variable nozzle turbocharger provides greater flexibility and efficiency by allowing the boost pressure to be varied according to demand.

Refinement matches best in class
Achieving high levels of refinement has been a key priority in these latest Civic models and NVH measures include an engine undercover, thicker urethane foam insulation in the front bulkhead area, thicker floor mat insulators, and noise-absorbing felt backing on the fascia. The engine itself features a high-performance acoustic cover and a dual damper-type crank pulley, while a higher inertia flywheel further improves refinement levels.

The Civic 1.7 CTDi models also feature the same high-performance, liquid filled mounts attached to either side of the sub-frame as their petrol siblings – one for the transmission, the other for the engine. These minimise the transfer of engine vibration, particularly at idle, and the cabin as a result is one of the most tranquil in its class.

The compact dimensions of the engine also mean that it can be accommodated in the confines of the Civic’s ‘short nose’ design, a feature that contributes to the outstanding interior packaging of the range.

5-speed manual transmission
The new diesel engine is matched to its own unique 5-speed manual transmission with ratios optimised to the engine’s characteristics. A triple cone synchroniser between first and second gears ensures smooth shifting.

High strength, shot-peened gears are used, and despite the need to cope with high levels of torque, the gearbox is remarkably compact; at 359.5 mm, it is just 7.5 mm longer than the manual transmission of the 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol-engine cars.

Equipment levels reflect petrol model specification
In line with the existing 3 and 5 door model line-up, the Swindon, UK-built Civic 1.7 CTDi models will be available in three grades (depending on market) – S, LS and ES – with essentially identical equipment levels. Among the standard equipment features on all models are electric power steering; driver and front passenger airbags, with side airbags standard in many markets; front seatbelt pre-tensioners; rear centre three-point seatbelt; ABS with EBD and Brake Assist; ISOFIX child seat system; rolling code immobiliser; radio cassette and front speakers; deadlocks and keyless entry (RHD only); height adjustable driver’s seat and steering column; 60:40 split folding rear seat; locking glovebox; cup holders front and rear; and powered front windows and powered and heated door mirrors (dependent on market).

The increasing popularity of diesel within the Western European C-segment reflects the same trend being shown across the car market generally. Diesel sales accounted for one third of all C-segment 3 door sales during 2000, compared with just a fifth during 1997, for example.





























HONDA CIVIC 3 & 5 DOOR 1.7 CTDi

Model 1.7 CTDi 3 door
5 door ENGINE 1.7 litre
Cylinders
Capacity (cc)
Bore x Stroke (mm)
Max power kW/PS
@ rpm
Max torque Nm
@ rpm DOHC
4 in line
1686
79 x 86
74/100
4,400
220
1,800 Fuel system
Fuel rating
Bosch common rail direct injection
Diesel ELECTRICAL Battery
Alternator
12V 45Ah
12V 70Ah TRANSMISSION Front Wheel Drive
Transmission type
5-speed manual
Gear ratios
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Reverse
Final
3.545
2.055
1.333
0.923
0.744
3.583
3.578
SUSPENSION Front
Toe control link MacPherson strut, coil spring, gas pressurised shock absorber, anti-roll bar Rear
Reactive link double wishbone, coil spring, gas pressurised shock absorber, anti-roll bar (not 1.4S) STEERING Gear Type Electric Power Steering (EPS) Turning circle (m) 5.1 5.5 BRAKES Front Ventilated disc Rear Solid disc Four-sensor, three-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) and brake assist



Model 1.7 CTDi 3 door
5 door STEERING Gear Type Electric Power Steering (EPS) Turning circle (m) 5.1 5.5 BRAKES Front Ventilated disc Rear Solid disc Four-sensor, three-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD) and brake assist
WHEELS AND TYRES Wheels 15 x 6J 15 x 6J Tyres
195/60R15 195/60R15 DIMENSIONS,
WEIGHTS, CAPACITIES Overall length (mm)
Overall width (mm)
Overall height (mm)
Wheelbase (mm)
Front track (mm)
Rear track (mm)
Luggage space VDA
(litres) 4140
1695
1440
2570
1470
1465
315
(610 with rear seat folded) 4285
1695
1495
2680
1470
1465
370 Kerb weight (kg) 1265 1295 Fuel tank (litres) 50
PERFORMANCE Max speed (km/h) 182 181 Acceleration
0-100km/h (secs)

11.2
11.5 FUEL CONSUMPTION (1999/100/EC) l/100km
Urban
Extra Urban
Combined

CO2 emissions (g/km)

6.1~6.2
4.3
4.9~5.0

129~134
6.1~6.2
4.3
4.9~5.0

129~134
Information correct at time of going to press





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Civic Diesel