Honda typically markets their models according to either 4, 5, or 6 years life cycle. This means that a particular design for a model, commonly called a generation will last for either 4, 5 or 6 years before a totally new design is introduced. In the past, many of Honda's most popular models have a 4 years life cycle but Honda has been steadily moving towards a longer life cycle in recent times. For e.g. the Civic used to have a 4 years cycle but with the latest generation, it has since been changed to a 5 years life cycle.
Five years is a long time for any model to be marketed and a lot of things can change within that period. Certainly as production of that model goes along, updates in the design can become required or desirable. Furthermore, the competition can and will improve drastically over the 5 years. As a result, after the initial first couple of years, a rather long list of updates to the design can become apparent. While some trivial updates can and often do get integrated into daily production, others like change of rear brake from drums to discs will require more work to the production facility. Furthermore, it is desirable to clearly demarcate such updates as they have a significant impact to the model's specification. So the most logical way would be to compile all the significant updates and introduce them as a complete package to the production line. At the same time, the changes in the model specifications can be clearly communicated to the buyer. In this way, it is often possible to update the model design to keep it fresh and competitive, even to changes in the market or to improved competition.
This then is the reason for Honda (and most all other car manufacturers for that matter) to introduce mid-cycle update 'packages' to their models. This mid-cycle update is termed Minor Model Change by Honda.
A Honda MMC usually introduces small detailed changes to model specifications, equipment levels or even elements of its design. Actually there's really no hard and fast rule controlling what changes will or will not be introduced in an MMC. About the only sure thing in a Honda MMC is that the base design will remain unchanged. In this sense, Honda is typically better than a lot of manufacturers and often, a Honda MMC can introduce very desirable updates to the model's design. The legendary B16A engine, the first VTEC engine made by Honda, had its 1st generation to 2nd generation change in an MMC for the 2nd generation (1989-1993) DA/DB Integra for the JDM in 1991. This B16A generation change was the one which introduced the 170ps version, up 10ps from the original 1st generation B16A used on the 1989-1991 DA Integra and 1990-1991 Civic and CRX SiRs. More recently, the JDM S2000 saw an engine cbange, from the original 250ps F20C to a larger F22C engine utilizing DBW and delivering 242ps.
Occasionally, even the basic design of a model will not be spared in an MMC if it is deemed important to the market. The recent Honda City MMC for e.g. introduced a change to the actual body shape : a longer nose, revised chassis and a brand new suspension setting.
For other cases, an MMC will introduce a brand new variant or type to a model line-up. The mighty DC2 Integra Type-R or the EK9 Civic Type-R was introduced as part of an MMC for their respective generation models (1993-2000 Integra and 1995-2000 Civic). The now famous ET1 Civic 2.0 i-VTEC which introduces a K20A powered Civic sedan was also done through an MMC for the just replaced ES Civic generation.
Nevertheless, the norm for a Honda MMC usually means minor changes in details, to the specification and equipment trim levels and to small details in the exterior or interior. These almost always include changes to headlights, tail-lights and bumpers. Equipment changes usually includes HID lights while specification changes might introduce upgrades to discs for cases where the rear brakes are drums in the original design.
About the only definite thing a Honda fan can be sure of from a Honda MMC is that it will almost never be just a simple face-lift.
Wong KN
January 2006
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