The first allocation of 1.6 diesel powered Civics has already been completely sold out but Frank Kennedy says there will be no problem with further availability. Civic has always had a loyal customer base, and he says 'the car has grown with them'.
"Honda is perceived to be high brand; our job now is to convince potential customers to go to our dealers and test drive the car for themselves." This smaller diesel Civic is aimed at Ford Focus and VW Golf competitors and 60 percent of its sales are expected to come from conquest sales.
Honda have been in the wilderness since 2008 and the seismic shift from petrol to diesel. Without a small diesel offering, their sales suffered. That said, the past year has seen Civics sold in significant volumes of both petrol and the large diesel engines so Honda are again in the top five fastest growing car brands in this country. This smaller diesel engine, together with the CR-V recently launched and its upcoming 2WD version, will be the cornerstones for the brand's Irish sales in 2013. Frank Kennedy also anticipates this 1.6 engine being made available for the Honda Accord.
The Civic itself has been given a new gearbox, a revised suspension and quicker steering to refine and improve the driving experience for better enjoyment.
Upcoming Honda cars include a concept Civic Tourer with the 1.6 diesel engine to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show, a new Jazz due in 2014, and a small Urban SUV due in 2015. Add in halo cars like the Civic Type R, the NSX, and their return to Racing in the World Touring Car Championship, and the year ahead will be a very busy one for Honda.
Pictured above at the launch of the new 1.6 diesel engine in the Civic are from left - Emmet Kavanagh, Marketing Manager; Frank Kennedy, Sales Director; and Adrian Cole, Managing Director of Universal Honda Ireland.
