Honda Civic (sixth generation)

Canadian trim packages were mostly similar to the United States, though with different designations. Canadian Civic sedans came in LX and EX,[10] which roughly correspond to the American DX and LX; there was no Honda-branded Canadian equivalent to the American EX sedan – the Canadian-market only Acura EL filled this spot. Canadian Civic coupes came in LX, Si, and SiR, the equivalent of the DX, EX, and Si in the United States. Only the EX sedan, Si coupe and SiR coupe had power locks and power windows, the Si and SiR coupes were the only Canadian Civic trims with a power moonroof. All sedans and coupes had a group option package available that added air conditioning and anti-lock brakes. The hatchbacks, available only in CX and DX trims, were sold as economy cars; as in the US, they had none of the amenities of other trims in the Civic lineup, not even as options. All sedans, coupes, and the hatchback DX had dual front airbags; while the CX hatchback had the driver's side airbag only.

Canadian Si and SiR trims included ABS and heated mirrors. The Canadian SiR also was available in New Vogue Silver Metallic.

A Canadian SE sedan trim that slotted between the LX and EX was available for the 1999-2000 model years, which included all standard equipment from DX plus automatic transmission, power locks, CD player, air conditioning, and keyless entry.[11]

The Civic DX Special Edition (SE) hatchback was a special trim package released for the model year 2000 only. The car was similar to the Canadian DX hatchback, but came with additional standard features including mesh 14-inch wheels (identical to an optional wheel in the Japanese market beginning with the previous generation of Civic, and similar in design to the common third generation 15-inch Integra mesh wheels), body-coloured side mirrors and side mouldings, a mid-wing and a Special badge on the rear of the hatch.

Type R interior

In Japan, the least expensive trim package was the EL (and also a short-lived special EL-II trim), powered by a 1,343 cc D13B engine with 91 PS (67 kW) at 6,300 RPM. As for most of the sixth-generation Civics, it was a SOHC 16-valve design.[12]

In Japan, the Civic Ferio SiR used the second-generation B16A engine while the other trims used D15B, D16A or D13B engines.

The CX, DX, VP and LX trim packages was equipped with the 1.6-liter SOHC 16-valve D16Y7 4-cylinder engine. It produced 106 hp (79 kW) at 6,200 RPM and 103 lb⋅ft (140 N⋅m) of torque at 4,600 RPM, with a compression ratio of 9.6:1. Fuel injection was multi-point.[13]

The HX trim was equipped with the 1.6-liter SOHC VTEC-E 16-valve D16Y5 lean-burn 4-cylinder engine. It produced 115 hp (86 kW) at 6,300 RPM and 104 lb⋅ft (141 N⋅m) of torque at 5,400 RPM, with a compression ratio of 9.4:1. Fuel injection was multi-point.[14][15]

The EX trim (Canadian Si trim) came equipped with the 1.6-liter SOHC VTEC 16-valve D16Y8 4-cylinder engine. It produced 127 hp (95 kW) at 6,600 RPM and 107 lb⋅ft (145 N⋅m) of torque at 5,500 RPM, with a compression ratio of 9.6:1. Fuel injection was multi-point.[16][17]

The Si trim (Canadian SiR trim) used the 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC 16-valve B16A2 4-cylinder engine. It produced 160 hp (119 kW) at 7,600 RPM and 111 lb⋅ft (150 N⋅m) of torque at 7,000 RPM, with a compression ratio of 10.2:1. Fuel injection was multi-point.[18][19]

The GX trim had the D16B5 engine designed to run on compressed natural gas. It had a compression ratio of 12.5:1.

in Australia, most trims came such as the CXi and GLi came with the D16Y4 engine; the VTi sedan trim had the D16Y5, the VTI coupe the D16Y8 and the VTi-R EK4 Hatchback and Coupe had the B16A2 engine.

In the UK, Europe and South Africa, there were a number of sedans and Aerodecks between 1996 and 2000 produced with the B16A1, B16A2, B18B and even B18C motors.

In the Middle East market, the Civic came with a 105 hp (78 kW) D15Z4 engine for LXi and EXi trims.

In the Philippines, a high-performance version, badged as the Civic SiR, was powered by the 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC B16A2 4-cylinder engine, and was available in 1999-2000.

Honda Civic Type R

Honda Civic Ferio Vi (EK3, Japan)

The JDM Civic Sedan (known as the Civic Ferio Si) featured a 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC B16A 4-cylinder engine, rear headrests, an Integra Type-R style shift knob, unique seating fabric and the same 15-inch alloy wheels that also appeared on the 1999-2000 US market Civic Si Coupé. Other JDM Ferio models included a model with the RealTime 4-wheel drive and a rear wiper on the sedan, which was not seen in other markets.

In 1997, the Honda Civic Type R was introduced. The Civic Type R was sold only in the Japanese domestic market[20][21] and was only available as a hatchback with a 5-speed manual transmission with a helical-type limited-slip differential. This model was equipped with a hand-built 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC B16B 4-cylinder engine producing (185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) at 8,200 rpm) (AKA PCT), which is essentially a destroked, but powerful, version of the B18C engine from the Integra Type R. The B16B engine featured a hand-polished cylinder head, lighter flywheel, redesigned cam profiles, high-compression pistons and balanced crankshaft. The chassis was given the designation EK9. The EK9 was unique as it was based on the JDM EK4 SiR but taken out of the production line and given additional reinforcement to the chassis and body shell. Weight was also meticulously removed to create a lightweight racecar feel. Other additions were bigger brakes, 5-stud wheel hub, quicker steering ratio, specially-tuned suspension, Recaro seats, MOMO steering wheel, titanium shift knob, front lip spoiler, rear wing and smoked headlights.

Considered as the "extra sporty" version of the Honda Civic Ferio, the Honda Civic Ferio Vi-RS 1.5-litre, 4-door sedan was sold in the Japanese domestic market only. It has the 1.5-liter D15B three-stage VTEC 4-cylinder engine, a CVT or a 5-speed manual transmission. The Civic Vi-RS had a three-way switch installed on the right side of the steering wheel marked D, S1, or S2. These settings affected which cam was used, the ECU's air-fuel mapping, and gearbox behaviour (on CVT). S2 was the sportiest mode.

The Civic was introduced in 1996 initially with two 1.6-litre engines; the 1.6-litre SOHC VTEC D16Y8 4-cylinder engine producing 95 kW (127 hp) was found in the VTI coupe (EJ8), while the 1.6-litre SOHC D16Y4 4-cylinder engine producing 88 kW (118 hp) was standard across the range in the GLi and CXi models (EK1), with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission in both the CXi and GLi or CVT in the VTi. The high output 118 kW (158 hp) 1.6-litre DOHC VTEC B16A2 4-cylinder engine was introduced later and available in the EK4 hatchback, known as the VTi-R. In 2000, the Vti-R body was no longer available as a EK4 hatchback and instead sold as the EM1 2-door coupe.

Also available in Australia was a special edition yellow version of the EK1 civic called the Indy Special. The name was inspired by Indy car racing.[22]

From 1996 until 2000, Honda produced the Civic SiR-II which came with a B16A, B16A5 and B16A6 engine, but it was only available in Asian market. This engine produced 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 7,800 rpm and 175 PS (129 kW; 173 hp) with a displacement of 1,595 cc.

[23] The sixth-generation Civic was initially launched in 1996 with two trim packages: the LXi with a 1.5L SOHC D15Z4 4-cylinder engine, and the VTi with a 1.6L SOHC D16Y5 VTEC-E 4-cylinder engine. Both came with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Transmission choices were a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, available in both trims. During the 1999 facelift, an SiR version was introduced. It came with a P6ZD1 (B16A2) 1.6L DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine and was initially available in Nighthawk Black, Tafetta White and Passion Orange variants. Formula Red and Sunburst Yellow color variants followed afterwards with silver accents on the center console. Other notable differences were a mesh grill (similar with the EK9), three-spoke red-stitched steering wheel, 15-inch Enkei alloy wheels (similar to the USDM Si & JDM Vi-RS), leather-stitched shift knob (similar to the JDM SiR), front upper strut bar, Kenwood CD player, bigger front and rear disc brakes, unique interior fabric colors and an optional front chin and spoiler. The only transmission available was a 5-speed manual.

A Honda Civic SiR in Passion Orange (Philippines)

In South Africa, the 3-door hatchback was sold under the "Civic Coupe" (pre-facelift) and "Civic" (facelift) nameplates. The 4-door sedan was marketed under the "Ballade" nameplate. The Type R and the 2-door Civic coupe (Si) was not available. Chassis codes also differed to other markets: SO3 (civic hatchback) and SO4 (Civic sedan/Ballade). South African model options were Civic 150i (D15Z4), Civic 160i (D16Y9), Civic VTEC (B16A6), Ballade 150i (D15Z4), Ballade 160i (D16Y9), Ballade 180i (B18B4) and Ballade VTEC (B16A6). The VTEC model Civic and Ballade were the highest specification model one could purchase at the time. Leather seats, electric power windows and better performance all came with the VTEC models (Civic or Ballade). As Honda were distributed by Mercedes Benz South Africa at the time, many models used some Mercedes trim, such as their leather trim and alarm system on the Ballade and Civic VTEC models. An AMG/Sport version Ballade was also released featuring a performance exhaust system, Type R style gearshift knob and AMG body pieces.

The European Honda Civic 5-door liftback (rebadged Domani)

1997 Honda Civic ES 1.6 (UK)

2000 Honda Civic Aerodeck 1.5i (Portugal)

Based on the Domani, which in turn was mechanically similar to the fifth generation Civic, this version was marketed in Europe as the MA/MB/MC Civic and Civic Aerodeck. It was built in five-door hatchback and Aerodeck (Estate) models in various trim levels and engine sizes. The Aerodeck name was previously used on the Honda Accord Aerodeck, which was a two-door station wagon, popularly known in Europe as a shooting-brake. 1.4 L (D14A2/A5/A7), 1.5 L (D15Z8/Z6), 1.6 L (D16Y2/Y3, D16W2/W3, D16B2 etc.) and 1.8 litre (B18C4) petrol engines were available. These came with five-door body and fifty-five litre fuel tank, ABS, driver and passenger air bags, power steering and electric door mirrors, amongst other things. The later models came with air conditioning as standard. The 1.8 VTi model was the flagship model (explained in detail below) with the biggest petrol engine to be given to MA MB MC Civics. The Domani-based Civics were also available with the Rover L-Series diesel engine which was a 2-litre, eight-valve, direct-injection turbocharged unit (20T2N, 20T2R); an essential addition in the European market. Later diesel engines came with intercoolers. The chassis codes designated to this model and generation of Civics were chassis codes MA8, MA9, MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, MB6, MB7, and MB8 for the liftback, while the Aerodeck chassis codes are MB9, MC1, MC2, MC3, and MC9. Compared to the original Domani, the Liftback and Aerodeck featured a new interior, similar to that of the more upmarket Rover 400. Honda had a long-serving partnership with the Rover group, who at the time didn't have enough funds for the tooling to produce an all new car, which allowed Rover to produce its own C-segment competitor based around the design of the Domani shell and using a lot of its underpinnings to produce the Rover 400/45 and later MG ZS. Rover made mostly cosmetic changes (which included front fenders/wings, bonnet, headlights, bumpers, rear lights and tailgate were different on the Rover as well as more upmarket cabin materials and greater use of wood and decals) to have a brand new design in the showrooms, which was very cost effective but divided opinion amongst brand enthusiasts.

As with all Honda models of the age, VTi denoted the inclusion of Honda's VTEC technology. There was a rear VTi badge, and decals of "DOHC VTEC" on the rear doors, as well as front and rear bumper lips and side skirts (in VTI-S models). 1996 saw the introduction of the VTi model and then a limited edition VTI-S. The VTI came in two different trim levels - the DOHC 1.6 VTi hatchback and sedan (B16A2 engine) and the DOHC 1.8 VTi five-door (with the larger B18C4). The 1.6 VTi car was actually slightly faster in acceleration than the 1.8 due to the different gear ratios. The 1.6 was also a lighter engine in a lighter car, helping to reduce the 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time by about 0.3 seconds. Front and rear disc brakes were standard on all VTi/VTi-S versions. The five-door versions (VTi/VTi-S) included a Torsen limited-slip differential, which meant they were quicker out of corners than the 1.6 (three-door) due to being able to accelerate out of corners more effectively.

The 1.8 VTi Civic came with a host of standard equipment, some of which was not available on the three-door (1.6) equivalents. Standard 1.8 spec includes:

Exterior: Front lip/spoiler, rear-boot spoiler with integral brake light, headlight washers, electric sunroof, colour-coded mirrors, colour-coded door handles, colour-coded front rear bumpers, front fog lights and lightweight Speedline 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Interior: Unique half leather sports style seats (full leather optional), front and rear electric windows, heated side mirrors, air conditioning, dashboard instrument light dimmer, front and rear head rests and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching.

VTi-S

The MB6 VTi-S 5-door was made in a limited run of 500 of each body type, and only sold in the Honda colour 'Pirates Black', with body coloured bumpers. The VTI-S improved on the appearance of the standard Civic VTi 5-door with a more pronounced front lip and also a rear lip on the bumpers, and different side skirts. The VTi-S specification also included chrome/aluminium gear-knob(silver/black plastic on later VTiS models), VTI-S floor-mats and tailgate badging. It also came fitted with lightweight 15-inch Speedline Chrono alloy wheels, with a split spoke design. The later VTi-S models came fitted with the lightweight Speedline "fan" alloy wheels. Other than this, it is identical to the regular VTi. The instrument dials on later VTi-S models changed slightly, now with italic numbering.

The 3-door EK4 VTi-S was produced in 1998 only and 200 were produced in this time, all on 'R' registration plates. Like the MB6 VTi-S, the EK4 VTi-S was based on the standard VTi hatch, with differences being the Starlight Black paint, front and rear bumper lips/skirts, rear mid-spoiler, 15-inch speedline chrono alloy wheels, the dashboard cluster used white numbering on the speedometer, fuel gauge etc., rather than orange/red as in the regular VTi, however it still retained the red needles. The boot badges spelling out 'Honda' 'Civic' '1.6VTi' and 'VTEC' were all replaced with a single VTi-S badge, and there was an alloy gear knob and VTi-S floor mats. Mechanically and in performance terms it is identical to a regular EK4 VTi. Due to a problem with the registration process, many genuine VTi-S' were not on the log books as a VTi-S, but a VTi, and regular VTi Civics were logged as VTi-S; this problem also affected the special edition EK4 Civic Jordan, of which some were also logged as a VTi-S.

Civic Jordan

To commemorate the Honda (Mugen) Jordan F1 team. A 500 car special limited edition Honda Civic VTi (EK4 3-door model) was created with their own signed Eddie Jordan plaque with the specific number stamped on it in the centre console. This car was sold in 1999–2000. It had the same basic spec as the EK4 VTi, but the extras included: Sunlight Yellow paint work, yellow-and-black leather interior, Jordan decals on the sides and rear of the car as well as stitched into the seats and floor carpets. Like the Renault Clio Williams, the Jordan team had no involvement in the development of the car.

Rover developed these vehicles from the Honda Domani-based European Civic, using their own engines. UK produced with styling and interior specifications were aimed primarily at the UK market. Early automatic 400s used the Honda 1.6-liter D-series engine carried over from the R8 Rover 200/400, meanwhile, Honda used Rover’s competitive L-Series diesel for the European Civic in this generation.