New Civic Qs

[Dortamur]

After owning my first car for going on 15 years, I'm seriously considering buying a shiny new Civic VTi-L. I took a VTi for a test-drive earlier today, and automotively, both I and the missus love the Civic. However, I've heard and read contradictory information about the stock standard audio system that comes in the VTi and VTi-L.

The main issue of contention is whether or not it comes with Tweeters. I've heard and read that it's a 4 speaker setup, even some saying "no tweeters", yet the Civic I test-drove had tweeters (buried up near the base of the windscreen), and overall the sound system sounded decent, with a good range of highs & lows.

The sales-guy was adamant that it was the base, default system, and they all come with Tweeters. He did say that the car was a 2006 model, and the 2007 model had an "upgraded" head unit, with a line in for iPod, etc...

The reason I'm so particular is that I'll probably be packaging the vehicle through work, so I'm limited in what extras I can add on at the start, and can't do any modifications after receiving the car.

Along similar lines, the online site says the VTi-L comes with 15" Alloys as standard, yet the Salesguy said that the new VTi-Ls now come with 16" Alloys. Anyone know if that's an Australia-wide policy, or just a sales-pitch from this particular dealer?

Thanks...

[Shimian]

After owning my first car for going on 15 years, I'm seriously considering buying a shiny new Civic VTi-L. I took a VTi for a test-drive earlier today, and automotively, both I and the missus love the Civic. However, I've heard and read contradictory information about the stock standard audio system that comes in the VTi and VTi-L.

The main issue of contention is whether or not it comes with Tweeters. I've heard and read that it's a 4 speaker setup, even some saying "no tweeters", yet the Civic I test-drove had tweeters (buried up near the base of the windscreen), and overall the sound system sounded decent, with a good range of highs & lows.

The sales-guy was adamant that it was the base, default system, and they all come with Tweeters. He did say that the car was a 2006 model, and the 2007 model had an "upgraded" head unit, with a line in for iPod, etc...

The reason I'm so particular is that I'll probably be packaging the vehicle through work, so I'm limited in what extras I can add on at the start, and can't do any modifications after receiving the car.

Along similar lines, the online site says the VTi-L comes with 15" Alloys as standard, yet the Salesguy said that the new VTi-Ls now come with 16" Alloys. Anyone know if that's an Australia-wide policy, or just a sales-pitch from this particular dealer?

Thanks...



Civic does not come with tweeters. Best to install it along the pillar and not in the tweeter holdings.


07 civic comes with aux plug.


VTI/VTI-L 15"hubs/16"alloys for 07 models.

[Borg]

5 Spoke 16" Alloys are standard for VTi-Ls now, but the spare is just a steel wheel.

The VTi has 15" steelies.

The audio system is cheap sounding, and is a weak point for the car. Any audiophile would be disappointed with it. It does have an auxillary connection for MP3 players though in the 2007 model.

[cracker]

i got an 06 one and i put a really good subwoofer with it and my stock speakers can handle it really well

[JaCe]

Just to confirm, Australian model DOES NOT have tweeters. The Asian spec do, so if it's any consolation, should you choose to upgrade, you have a very good place to put 'em in whilst keeping the setup looking stock.

For me, I actually found the stock system to be really good. It wasn't that strong in the bass (but the speakers/midrange were fine), so I added a lower power RF subwoofer and amplifier to the setup. This kept me going for a while, and it was pretty near perfect, but I wanted slightly better vocals/higher range (i.e. tweeters required) so I added in some MBQ splits. I still use the stock HU, and it's connected w/ Alpine line-outs. I think it's a pretty decent system now :)

[markCivicVti]

Sad to hear about the lack of tweeters, but I wasn't really expecting any in this car. Because I'm not a huge audiophile I included the bassworks system to be included into the deal along other options. Allthough I'm not expecting this Bassworks to be 'wowzerz omg bass yo' I still expect it to meet my expectations.

I found an official installation manual for hondas bassworks system, and the interesting thing is it includes instruction on how to install 2 tweeters... I'm assuming it was either a different model (accord/euro?) or from a different market (usdm or uk).

Can't believe I was ok with waiting 3 months for this car to land in oz... still around 2 months to go and I'm going insane.

[cracker]

Just to confirm, Australian model DOES NOT have tweeters. The Asian spec do, so if it's any consolation, should you choose to upgrade, you have a very good place to put 'em in whilst keeping the setup looking stock.

For me, I actually found the stock system to be really good. It wasn't that strong in the bass (but the speakers/midrange were fine), so I added a lower power RF subwoofer and amplifier to the setup. This kept me going for a while, and it was pretty near perfect, but I wanted slightly better vocals/higher range (i.e. tweeters required) so I added in some MBQ splits. I still use the stock HU, and it's connected w/ Alpine line-outs. I think it's a pretty decent system now :)

good man its pretty good for stock tho ay?

[JaCe]

Sad to hear about the lack of tweeters, but I wasn't really expecting any in this car. Because I'm not a huge audiophile I included the bassworks system to be included into the deal along other options. Allthough I'm not expecting this Bassworks to be 'wowzerz omg bass yo' I still expect it to meet my expectations.

I think as long as you're not expecting it to be huge, I think it'll probably be sufficient. That being said, the price for the Bassworks is a bit over the top at around $500ish. You probably got a good deal on it though.


I found an official installation manual for hondas bassworks system, and the interesting thing is it includes instruction on how to install 2 tweeters... I'm assuming it was either a different model (accord/euro?) or from a different market (usdm or uk).

Not too sure, but if you search the forums, there should be a link to the 8thgencivic website in USA (not sure on the exact name) which has a really good DIY article on modifying the speakers. If you can't find it, message back and I'll try to get the link for you.


Can't believe I was ok with waiting 3 months for this car to land in oz... still around 2 months to go and I'm going insane.

*pat pat* Have a Rubik's cube.

[danny_mart]

Civic does not come with tweeters. Best to install it along the pillar and not in the tweeter holdings.


07 civic comes with aux plug.


VTI/VTI-L 15"hubs/16"alloys for 07 models.



i wouldnt be putting no tweeters in the pillar considering they have air bags in there....put mine in the door trim

[Shimian]

i wouldnt be putting no tweeters in the pillar considering they have air bags in there....put mine in the door trim

yea. what i was trying to say is, as long as its not in the tweeter compartment. Maybe on the edge of the dash itself where the A window is

[markCivicVti]

Why is it bad to install it into the tweeter compartment?

[Shimian]

bad sound quality. The sound will bounce off the windshield where as if it was aiming at you, you will get the maximum quality. My opinion anyways.

[JaCe]

bad sound quality. The sound will bounce off the windshield where as if it was aiming at you, you will get the maximum quality. My opinion anyways.

The sound stage is less than ideal but it's the easiest, cheapest and most "stock-look" (i.e. not attracting attention from outsiders) look. IMO it works out alright but then whilst I appreciate good quality audio, I'm no audiophile.

[Dortamur]

Thanks for the feedback. I took another Civic test drive (damn, I want one :o) and do think the base sound system is decent enough to begin with. I also visited a few car audio places to get a rough idea of upgrade options and prices, so have a few ideas along those lines too.

I don't think I'll go with the Honda BassWorks if it's just a bass boost - by the sounds of it, if I was spending extra, it'd be better to go after-market and go the whole hog. :D

However, one Honda sales guy suggested the BassWorks may include extra amplification for the fronts too, giving them some more oomph... He was going to try and confirm with Honda HQ and get back to me.

[Shimian]

the only thing im worried about is the sound quality after the line conversion. If i go the works (2 amps, components, rears), whether it will sound as good as those HU with RCA output. Dont want to spend $2k and find sound is not up to standards due to LOC.

[markCivicVti]

Yeah I basically took the bass works (got that, rear parking sensors, accent lighting,exhaust pipe finsiher and interior trim set all for free) because I didn't want to install a sub in the boot because of the space it'd take up.

And because I wouldn't have probably gotten around to installing aftermarket subs in the back, the bassworks will suit me just fine..... i hope :s


But yeah.. bassworks is definitly not worth paying full price for...

[cracker]

i got a sub in my car and i had to fork up more money to get a capacitor :(

[JaCe]

bassworks is really only good if you want small improvement (similar to say 6x9s) in bass without having to install a big sub... but that being said, there's no improvement to the front speakers- these are left the same as far as i know.

in terms of the cap... i don't have one and my system is fine. maybe my system is just that low powered!

[cracker]

yeah i shud of gotten something that is like urs