Over the course of the past nine generations, the Civic has continuously evolved to meet changing customer needs around the world. It has consistently set the bar for fuel efficiency, driving performance, build quality and owner satisfaction. So it was no surprise to hear that Honda's longest-running automotive nameplate is also its biggest-selling model globally, with more than 23-million Civics sold to date.
The new Honda Civic was based on three main pillars: design that offers appeal, supported by the car's technology and performance.
Part of the appeal was described as "soul", delivering new levels of dynamic and sporty performance that remain true to the Honda brand.
Due to its focus on comfort, Honda incorporated advanced equipment for an era that demands ever more integration between people, their personal technology and the vehicle, while also increasing the Civic's comfort, safety and quality standards.
In aiming for superior levels of design and comfort, the challenge for Honda engineers was to combine a sleek and aerodynamic exterior with D-segment levels of spaciousness and comfort.
The newcomer's striking styling carefully reflects a revolutionary silhouette for a four-door sedan, creating the overall impression of a sleek sports coupé.
The clean, sculpted body shape emphasises the new Civic's sporty character, reinforced by its lower and wider stance, longer bonnet and short front overhang.
All these combine to give the new Honda sedan a more aggressive, athletic and dynamic appearance, while also creating more interior room compared to the outgoing model. Overall, the wheelbase has been increased by 30mm, and the total length by 109mm, while the height has been lowered by 20mm.
The reduced height and the more dynamic aesthetic appeal also translate into a lower centre of gravity for greater on-road stability, boosting cornering confidence and encouraging sporty, engaging driving.
Contemporary renditions of Honda's signature design cues are evident throughout the newcomer's execution, including a solid wing face that spans the entire front width of the car, while incorporating the brand's bold grille design and the new slim headlight treatment.
Advanced full LED headlights and LED daytime running lights are fitted to the 1,5-litre TURBO models for the first time, with the remaining models in the range equipped with projector-type halogen units. LED daytime running lights are standard on all models.
A selection of futuristic-looking 16" and 17" wheel designs completes the sophisticated and athletic design.
The all-new Civic's interior treatment combines high-quality materials with an ergonomically intuitive centre console and a sporty yet comfortable driving position.
This includes the new high-deck centre console that encompasses key features such as the all-new Electric Parking Brake and Brake Hold function. To reduce cabin noise and enhance ride quality, the interior package is fitted with lightweight sound proofing materials. This includes underbody coverings and a noise isolation door system.
Overall, we can concur with Honda's statement that it had managed to significantly reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to achieve segment-best levels of on-road quietness.
Driving comfort has been significantly bolstered through the fitment of all-new sleek seat designs featuring a broader range of adjustability, as well as a hip point lowered by 20mm.
Leather seats (heated in front) are standard on all but the entry-level model and the steering wheel offers tilt and telescopic adjustment.
Rear-seat knee space has increased by 55mm, along with further gains in shoulder room for the rear occupants. Boot capacity has also improved by 20%.
TECHNOLOGY
An extensive range of advanced technologies have been introduced in the all-new Civic to make driving easier and safer, while also increasing driver and passenger comfort.
One of the most exciting new features is the advanced interface provided by the high-resolution, seven-inch- WVGA LCD display that forms the centrepiece for the digital audio system. The expansive IPS display can be viewed from both driver and passenger seats and the air-conditioning can also be operated on the display panel.
The innovative system enables connection with numerous smart phone functions, including maps for ease of navigation. This makes it the most connected Civic ever. The system is also compatible with various media formats and can be operated by controls on the multifunction steering wheel.
In addition, a switch on the steering wheel can perform alphabet searches and switching of content. A separate switch for the volume, which is frequently used, has also been added.
Several other Civic firsts are also included, such as Walk Away Auto Lock operated by the smart key system, which is standard on the Sport and Executive models.
The system automatically locks the car doors once the key is approximately 2,5m away from the vehicle, thus ensuring additional security and day-to-day convenience. Smart keyless entry is standard on 1,5-litre turbo models.
The range-topping Civic Executive derivative reinforces its premium status with a raft of additional advanced safety features, including: -
adaptive cruise control (ACC) with low speed following (LSF), collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keeping assist system (LKAS), road departure mitigation (RDM), forward collision warning (FCW) and lane watch with side-sensing cameras.
Performance comes into sharper focus with the latest Honda Civic, featuring an all-new 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO engine that features Honda's 'Earth Dreams Technology' – the company's next generation set of technological advancements for driving performance and fuel efficiency.
Honda's first-ever 1.5 VTEC TURBO engine produces an exceptional 127kW of maximum power at 5 500r/min, along with 220Nm of maximum torque available in a broad range between 1 700 and 5 500r/min to enhance all-round driveability.
The new Civic is also available with a refined and updated version of the 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC naturally aspirated engine. It produces 104kW and 6 500r/min, allied to a torque peak of 174Nm at 4 300r/min.
In line with Honda's 'Earth Dreams Technology', both engines are paired with an exhilarating and sporty new series of CVT gearboxes as standard. This ensures powerful and smooth performance, with the added benefit of maximum efficiency.
This combination achieves a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5,9-litres per 100km for the 1.5 VTEC TURBO and 6,3-litres per 100km for the 1.8 SOHC i-VTEC – the latter representing an improvement of 8,8% on the older model.
Both engines feature Honda's ECON mode, which optimises the engine and transmission for maximum fuel economy. Additionally, Eco Assist helps the driver achieve the most efficient driving style by means of a changing colour indication on the instrument cluster.
The steering technology and front MacPherson strut suspension system gives the car a linear, firm and smooth feel on the road that adds to the sense of security the car engenders. This is further enhanced with the adoption of a variable ratio that adjusts constantly according to the driver inputs which gives the driver the perfect balance between high-speed stability and low-speed agility and responsiveness.
Honda's new Agile Handling Assist (AHA) feature is integrated with the Civic's EPS and vehicle control systems to facilitate driving enjoyment, as well as overall control and stability.
An additional safety net is provided by means of the Vehicle Stability Control, which is standard on all models, incorporating Hill Start Assist, along with ABS anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution (EBD).
All models are equipped with dual front, side and curtain airbags, complemented with a reverse camera and rear parking sensors on all but the base model.
The new Honda Civic range comprises four models, spanning a choice of two engines and four specification grades. The prices are: 1.8 Comfort CVT - R330 000; 1.8 Elegance CVT - R370 000; 1.5T Sport CVT - R430 000 and 1.5T Executive CVT - R460 000.
The recommended retail pricing includes a
five year or 200 000km warranty, a five year or 90 000km service plan, as well as three years of AA Roadside Assistance.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Klein Karoo, Hessequa news'
