The ninth generation Honda Civic is just weeks away from its global unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show so the car is undergoing the final stages of fettling. With European rivals like the VW Golf and Ford Focus in mind the Japanese manufacturer has called upon the expertise of its ex-F1 engineers in a bid to boost refinement levels.

Key to this has been hours spent in the wind tunnel to reduce the drag coefficient of the Civic's 'teardrop' design. Honda reckons that the slippery shape endows the car with lower fuel consumption, improved high-speed stability and an exceptionally quiet interior.

"We did not improve the noise and refinement of the new Civic through just one technique," explains Chassis Development Leader, Kazuo Sunaoshi. "It was the accumulation of lots of little details. My big challenge was to match the noise and vibration levels of our European competitors. I am proud to say that we have achieved our goals."

As well as time in the wind tunnel the new Civic was tested in Honda's anechoic (echo-free) chamber at the firms R&D facility in Swindon having its interior components analysed and modified to make them as refined as possible. The design and construction of the roof lining and the manner in which it interacts with the bodywork was apparently the major benefactor of the time spent in the chamber.

The new Honda Civic will make its world debut on the 13th September at the Frankfurt Motor Show before hitting the market in early 2012.

Paul Healy - 30 Aug 2011