Images of the tenth-generation Honda Civic have been released ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut.
The new Civic is the result of the largest single model development programme in the company’s history. Described as a core model for Honda in Europe, and one that many European customers see as synonymous with the Honda brand, the Japanese car maker targeted a dynamic rejuvenation of the Civic which ‘demanded new thinking and new approaches to body construction, vehicle aerodynamics and chassis design’.
A ‘purposeful silhouette’ makes a confident statement about the Civic’s sporty character, says Honda; Wider, longer, and lower than any of its predecessors, the new Civic has short overhangs and ‘taut lines’ that reference the aerodynamic efficiency. A sharp and aggressive front end, pronounced wheel-arches and sculpted front and rear intakes hint at the Civic’s sporting character. New larger and wider wheels further emphasise the sporty stance.
Under the bonnet the new Civic is the first model in Europe to offer Honda’s 1.0 litre three-cylinder and 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol turbocharged engines. The new VTEC TURBO units are designed first and foremost to offer dynamic performance, says Honda, but 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 greater torque at low and mid-range engine speeds. Maximum torque of 200 Nm with the six-speed manual is available at 2,250 rpm, and 180 Nm with the CVT is available between 1,700 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Maximum power is 129 PS (95 kW) at 5,500 rpm.
The larger four-cylinder 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine provides what Honda describes as ‘substantially greater performance’ – in power and torque – over the previous Civic’s 1.8-litre VTEC. Maximum power is 182 PS (134 kW) at 5,500 rpm (at 6,000 rpm with CVT). With the six-speed manual, 240 Nm maximum torque is delivered between 1,900 rpm and 5,000 rpm. With the CVT, 220 Nm is delivered between 1,700 rpm and 5,500 rpm.
The new model has been engineered from the ground up to ‘fulfil the promise of agile and rewarding dynamics’. A new platform is 16 kg lighter than that of the previous generation Civic, while offering 52 percent greater torsional stiffness. The new platform offers a lower centre of gravity while a new suspension system contributes directly to an engaging and fun driving experience, says Honda.
At the front, lower-arm-type front MacPherson strut suspension provides high lateral rigidity for linear handling, and low longitudinal rigidity for ’optimised ride compliance’. The rear suspension features an all-new rear multi-link suspension set-up and new rigid subframe delivering high stability for improved ride comfort and linear handling.
An entirely new interior features a simple, uncluttered layout, new technologies, improved refinement and high-grade materials with a lower seating position to offer 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.
A new seven-inch colour TFT-LCD Driver Information Interface (DII) display makes up the largest central section of the reconfigured instrument binnacle. It includes a large digital tachometer and speedometer readout, and integrated into the DII display, is a large area in which the driver can switch between a variety of infotainment screens. This primary display is flanked by coolant-temperature and fuel-level gauges, again on TFT-LCD displays.
Boot space remains 478 litres, with the rear seats split / fold 60:40. A low sill height and wide boot opening (1,120 mm) combines with the flat boot floor to make the loading of heavy, wide and long items easy. A hidden underfloor compartment offers a further secure storage area (excludes Sport models).
Honda’s SENSING suite of active safety and driver assist technologies will be specified across the new Civic range. 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.
The new Honda Civic will be fully revealed at the Paris Motor Show which runs 1-15 October.