2013 Honda Civic Doubles Up on Top Safety Accolades

GURNEE, Ill., June 3, 2013 — The Honda Civic was reengineered for the 2013 model year with a more advanced body structure, and it appears that change is paying major dividends in crash tests. America's best-selling compact car recently became the first model in its class to earn a coveted Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it has complemented that accolade with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To be named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must receive a top rating of "good" in four out of five crash tests, which include moderate overlap and small overlap frontal tests, as well as side, rollover and rear tests, and no less than "acceptable" in the fifth test. Meanwhile, a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program requires that a model performs well in frontal, rollover and side crash tests, including new side pole testing that was introduced starting with 2011-model-year vehicles. The 2013 Honda Civic Sedan earned top scores from the NHTSA, while the Civic Sedan and Coupe both aced the IIHS' evaluations.

"Drivers can sometimes have the perception that a smaller car is less safe, but the 2013 Civic is packed with crash-protection technology to give them complete peace of mind," said Tony Pescatore, general sales manager of Chicagoland Honda dealer Rosen Honda. "So far, every 2013 Honda vehicle that has been tested by the IIHS has received a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation, which means Honda buyers can be confident they are getting the best in crash protection no matter the size or shape of the model."

The 2013 Honda Civic is the first small car to earn a "good" rating in the IIHS' new small overlap frontal crash test, which simulates the severe impact created when the front corner of a vehicle collides with a pole, tree or another car at high speeds. The Civic's strong performance in the test can likely be attributed to a new Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure that better distributes the impact during a frontal collision.

While the Civic took a leap forward in safety for the 2013 model year, Honda's designers also worked to improve convenience, comfort and style. Bluetooth connectivity is now standard for streaming music and hands-free phone calls, while the addition of soft-touch materials on the upper door trim and instrument panel creates a more inviting cabin. Outside, the 2013 Honda Civic conveys a more sophisticated look with a wide lower-grille slot, a higher trunk lid and a horizontal chrome trim piece in the rear.

"The Honda Civic underwent a complete redesign for the 2012 model year, so the continued improvements for 2013 show just how competitive the compact segment is and just how committed Honda is to keeping the Civic on top," added Pescatore. "Buyers are finding a model that is safer, smarter and more stylish, and because of that, we expect the Civic to be the best-selling compact car again this year."

About Rosen Honda:
Rosen Honda has proudly served Illinois motorists for years, providing new and used Honda sales, service and parts in a customer-focused environment. Featuring the entire lineup of new Honda vehicles, including the Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, Fit, Odyssey, Ridgeline, Insight, CR-Z, Pilot and Crosstour, their Chicagoland Honda dealership has become a prime location for buyers that want a reliable yet stylish ride. Visit their showroom at 7000 Grand Avenue in Gurnee, Ill. or call them at 866-769-3949. Rosen Honda's entire inventory can also be viewed online at www.rosenhonda.com, and they can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rosenhondanissan.