Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/278185
VI maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 MARCH 2014 Racing for the road - Honda's line up in Geneva Intelligent cars push Honda's 'Safety for Everyone' mantra to the fore WITH its concept vehicle attracting a multitude of visitors, Honda's Geneva Motor Show line-up included the worldwide debut of the Civic Type R Concept model, the European debut of the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Concept, the power train layout of the new NSX and the 2014 Civic World Touring Car Championship race car. The Civic Type R Concept model made its first world appearance, providing the styling direction for the exterior design of the highly anticipated production version that will debut in 2015. The bold and aggressive styling of the Civic Type R Concept model ref lects the strong performance credentials now synonymous with Type R vehicles. Described by the design team as a 'racing car for the road' rather than a high performance version of a road car, the new Type R looks signal a new era for the brand. This model is set to be the most extreme Civic Type R yet. Sleek and aerodynamic, it ref lects a car designed for function and performance whilst keeping the looks of a road car and the distinctive character of Type R. "Type R represents Honda's racing spirit. It is built with a passion for motor sport," Civic Type R Chief Stylist Masaru Hasegawa said. Styling is heavily linked to performance. Many of the styling features of the Type R Concept offer real function, rather than just aesthetics, as confirmed by prototype testing at the famous Nurgburgring Nordschleife in Germany. The need to reduce drag, add down-force, provide cooling and achieve optimum airf low were key considerations for the design team. The front spoiler is designed to add such down-force, and the vertical side wings and the cutout shape of the front bumper help to reduce drag and control airf low around the front tyres. A red stripe running along the front spoiler further accentuates the Type R's low and wide stance. Furthermore, the new headlight design, with integrated LED daytime running lights, and the sharp horizontal fog lights add a strong character to the face of the Type R Concept. The upper and lower front grilles have been enlarged and air outlets on the bonnet provide cooling for the high output engine. The front and rear fenders have been widened to accommodate wide tyres and air outlets are integrated to optimise airf low. One of the most standout advances on the Concept model is the new rear spoiler featuring LED taillights integrated into the rear wing, which accentuates the Type R's futuristic look. The shape and angle of the double rear wing has been designed to provide additional down-force, a direct result of feedback gained through testing on the track. Supporting the design direction are 20-inch wheels, edged by a red ring, with visible red brake callipers and a bright red stripe running along the bottom of the front spoiler. While still holding back details on performance, Honda confirmed that the forthcoming Type R would be the first model in Europe to feature one of its brand new VTEC TURBO engines from the Earth Dreams Technology range. The two-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder turbo is expected to deliver class- leading output of at least 280PS and will be EURO 6 compliant. Turbo engines have not been seen in Honda's production cars in Europe for some time, however the company has continued to actively develop turbo technology, deploying it on the racetrack and in road cars in other regions. Honda's commitment to safety is embodied by the term 'Safety for Everyone' - safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles. Honda achieves this through a range of both passive and active safety features, which aim to prevent or mitigate accident and injuries. The new Civic Tourer and the 2014 Civic hatchback feature Honda's new suite of sensor-based safety technology. This new Driver Assistance Safety Pack is an option on all SE Plus, SR and EX Plus models. The sophisticated sensor- based technologies help avoid collisions and ensure that high levels of safety are affordable and accessible to a wide range of customers within the compact family car segment. The City-Brake Active system is a laser radar system that scans the road ahead, automatically applying the brakes if an imminent risk of collision is detected. The system operates at speeds of 28km/h or below, and is designed to detect cars and trucks. When the system identifies a risk of collision, the vehicle applies pre-braking with audible and visual warnings followed by full autonomous braking. The driver can turn off the system only when the vehicle is stationary and it will remain off until the driver turns off the ignition. The system will come back on once the ignition is switched back on. The Lane Departure Warning uses the multi-purpose camera to track lane markings on the road. If the car deviates from its current lane without indicating, Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver with audible and visual warnings. The system operates at speeds of more than 60km/h where the road has a curve radius of 250m or more. The driver can turn off the system at any time. The Traffic Sign Recognition System can judge if a sign is relevant to the vehicle or not, and will only display it if it is relevant. For example, signs depicting speed limits specifically for Heav y Goods Vehicles will not be displayed. Traffic Sign Recognition System can be viewed through the dedicated page on the iMID or can be selected to appear below the normal display. Honda's Traffic Sign Recognition System is different to competitors as it uses a camera rather than GPS, which means the information, is always accurate. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN MANGION