2012 euro-spec Honda Civic fully outfitted for safety [video]

Slew of technologies make the Civic one of the safest cars on European roads

Just after Nissan's announced new safety tech, Honda has released the last of five films on the development of the 2012 euro-spec Civic, this time the topic is safety features.

The technologies here help make the Civic one of the most competitive offerings in the C-segment in Europe.

The new Honda Civic features an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure designed to maintain the integrity of the cabin cell in the event of a crash. It also has a collision avoidance system called Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) which can warn a driver of an impending crash or reduce the impact of a collision by means of adjusting the braking.

The new Civic also comes with a pedestrian-detection technology to help avoid accidents between the car and passersby.

Source: Honda

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NEW CIVIC TOPS FOR ALL-ROUND SAFETY

The most important area of focus throughout the development of the new 2012 Civic was safety - not just the occupants of the car but other road users too - such as pedestrians and cyclists.

"Honda has a high tech crash test facility in Tochigi, Japan. There we were able to crash the new Civic into vehicles of different weights and sizes, and at different angles and speeds. We wanted to make sure that we are offering the best ‘real world' safety for our customers." explains Mitsuru Kariya, Civic Development Leader.

One of the ways that this is achieved in the new Civic is through the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. This is a front-mounted polygonal frame that is designed to prevent the cabin becoming deformed by distributing forces away from the passenger compartment.

Collision avoidance
"Just as important as technology that protects you in a crash is technology that helps you avoid an accident in the first place" says Kariya. "This is the first time that the CMBS system has been introduced on the Civic in Europe."

Honda's Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) monitors the distance and closing rate between your vehicle and the car directly in front of it, warning the driver when a collision is likely and helping reduce impact when a collision becomes unavoidable. The technology automatically assists with heavy braking and tightens the seat belts to reduce loading on the driver during an accident.

Pedestrian detection
The new Civic also features sophisticated pedestrian protection features. "I am very proud that Honda has a leading reputation for pedestrian safety. It's an area in the new Civic that has been constantly worked upon." commented Julian Warren, Senior Safety Engineer.

Pedestrian protection features include windscreen wiper pivots designed to break away on impact and energy absorbing front wing mounts.

Development film
The last of five films on the development of the new Civic features Honda engineers discussing safety technology. The video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/hondavideo

The new 2012 Civic was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and order books at Honda dealerships are now open with cars arriving in dealerships during January.