TORRANCE, CA – Honda announced pricing for its 2012-MY Civic Natural Gas (formerly known as the Civic GX). MSRP for this model is $26,155. The automaker also provided updates for the 2012-MY version of the vehicle, from improved fuel economy to new telematics options.

To improve fuel economy, Honda added a modified version of the 1.8L, four-cylinder engine found in the Civic Sedan and Coupe models to the new Civic Natural Gas. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.

The Civic Natural Gas has an EPA-rated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 27/38/31 miles per gallon (gasoline-gallon equivalent). Compared to the previous model, Honda said city fuel economy improved by 12.5 percent and highway fuel economy improved by 5.5 percent. Overall, the improvements to the 2012 Civic Natural Gas garnered a 10.7 percent improvement in combined fuel economy and range.

Honda increased the compression ratio for the vehicle increased to 12.7:1, compared to 10.6:1 in the Civic Sedan‘s gasoline-powered engine. The automaker modified the fuel injectors, intake and exhaust valves, and valve seats to accommodate natural gas. Honda also used stronger connecting rods and crankshaft, as well as special pistons, to accommodate the higher compression ratio of the engine and octane rating of the fuel.

The Civic Natural Gas’s 3,600-psi fuel tank located between the rear wheels. The aluminum-lined composite fuel tank can contain the gasoline-gallon equivalent (GGE) of 7.8 gallons of gasoline when filled with CNG to 3,600 psi.

For telematics, Honda said the new model incorporates the automaker’s ECO Assist system, which enhances vehicle operation and provides visual feedback to the driver to encourage a more fuel-efficient driving style.

The redesigned 2012-MY Civic Natural Gas can be equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which provides a database of publically accessible Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations across the United States. Other standard equipment on the 2012 Civic Natural Gas includes the company’s new "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID), which provides a platform for integrating vehicle information and compatible personal electronics with a 5-inch color LCD display and steering wheel controls. All models also come equipped with Bluetooth HandsFreeLink for wirelessly connecting compatible mobile phones and a USB audio interface for compatible music players.

Honda said as part of an initiative to promote interest in alternative-fuel vehicles, the automaker is expanding its network of U.S. dealers that are qualified to sell and service Civic GX. The company’s goal is to sell the vehicle at 200 dealers in 35 states.

The Civic Natural Gas currently qualifies for a state-issued decal allowing single-occupant access to High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) "carpool" lanes in California and several other states.

Honda said all Civic Natural Gas models are produced at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana (HMIN). The 2012-MY Honda Civic is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile New Car Limited Warranty; a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a five-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

Pricing

Civic Natural Gas, 5-Speed Automatic, $26,155, MPG equivalent 27/38/31

Civic Natural Gas with Navigation, 5-Speed Automatic, $27,655, MPG equivalent 27/38/31