The new 10th-generation Honda Civic has been launched here with an entry-level price of €23,750 for the 1.0 litre i-Tech 120 Smart. Honda boasts that it represents a significant step forward for it in the C-segment, benefiting from the largest single model development programme in the company’s history.
The Civic is a core model for Honda in Europe and it has been at the heart of the brand’s sales and manufacturing heritage in the region. Building on this 40-year heritage, the car stays true to the original Civic concept of “a car for all people, a car for the world”, but the development team, in targeting a dynamic rejuvenation, said new thinking and new approaches to body construction, vehicle aerodynamics and chassis design were required. The end result is a marriage of distinctive design, sporty styling and versatile practicality – with a renewed focus on rewarding driving dynamics.
The new Civic has been engineered from the ground up to fulfil the promise of agile and rewarding dynamics. A lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell – the product of innovative new engineering and construction techniques – complements the lower centre of gravity and a sophisticated new suspension system in contributing directly to an engaging and fun driving experience.
The hatchback features a sleek and swept back silhouette, and articulates a fresh and distinctive new Honda design direction that conveys a strong and sporty character. The sharp lines are complemented by the most comprehensive aerodynamic packaging in the compact segment, including complete underbody panelling.
The athletic look starts with low and wide proportions which reflect an increased footprint. The hatchback is 30mm wider and 130mm longer than the previous-generation five-door Civic. The car is 20mm lower than its predecessors, creating a sleek roofline. These generous dimensions underpin the distinctive design and sporty styling, while also facilitating rewarding dynamics and increased interior space.
New larger and wider wheels and tyres further emphasise the wide stance, while the long wheelbase, short overhangs and sweeping cabin area further add to the dynamic feel of the exterior.
Sporty and sophisticated design details include a short front overhang with distinctive air intakes for a sporty, purposeful stature. The result is a sharp and aggressive contemporary interpretation of Honda’s family ‘face’, incorporating signature Honda front headlight clusters.
Depending on the model grade, the thin, high-tech front lamp clusters feature either sharp high-tech LED headlights or projector halogen bulbs. All models feature LED daytime running lights that illuminate a hockey-stick shaped strip at the outer edge of the cluster.
The entirely new interior features a simple, uncluttered layout, new technologies, exceptional refinement and high-grade materials with a lower seating position to give the driver a greater feeling of connection with the car. The second-generation of Honda’s infotainment and connectivity system ‘Connect’, incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The new Civic debuts two new VTEC Turbo petrol engines that have been developed specifically to deliver a powerful, engaging and efficient driving experience. The 1.0 litre three-cylinder and 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol turbocharged engines encompass some of the most celebrated high performing engines in the industry, and Honda says the new VTEC Turbo units are designed first and foremost to offer dynamic performance to support the Civic’s “soulful, sporty character”. A new 1.6 litre diesel will be here by the end of the year.
Nevertheless, these engines also achieve highly competitive fuel economy and efficiency. Both engines will be available with either a newly-designed six-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic.
The three-cylinder 1.0 litre VTEC Turbo petrol unit delivers a significant improvement in everyday driveability, thanks to greater torque at low and mid-range engine speeds. Maximum torque of 200Nm with the six-speed manual is available at 2,250rpm, and 180Nm with the CVT is available between 1,700rpm and 4,500rpm. Maximum power is 129PS (95kW ) at 5,500rpm.
The larger four-cylinder 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engine provides substantially greater performance – in power and torque – over the previous Civic’s 1.8-litre VTEC. Maximum power is 182PS (134kW ) at 5,500rpm (at 6,000rpm with CVT ). With the six-speed manual, 240Nm maximum torque is delivered between 1,900rpm and 5,500rpm. With the CVT, 220Nm is delivered between 1,700rpm and 6,000rpm.
The Honda suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies specified across the range ensures the car is among the safest in its class. It uses a combination of radar and camera information, plus a host of high-tech sensors to warn and assist the driver in potentially dangerous scenarios.
