Honda presented in Malaga the new honda civic, the ninth of its generation, of a saga that began in 1971. The Civic was born from the desire of Honda to create an economical yet comfortable and fun-to-drive vehicle, and nine generations later it seems to keep its DNA intact
Will marketed from February 2012 and following the market trend only in 5 doors; its famous 3-door version is not planned at the moment Type S.
Even though it is a new model, it maintains a strong resemblance to the current version (8th generation) because due to the existing competitive market in the C segment, in which the model Civic is the banner of Honda in Europe, the development team has chosen to retain the gains made with the Current Civic and improve their virtues.
Most of the components are new, such as the suspension with larger diameter torsion bars and silent block hydraulic in the rear shock absorber, better materials in the interior, the latest aerodynamics and with better efficiency, and the engines with lower CO2 emission.
For the first time, the model has been developed with the European market in mind and as a novelty, suggestions made by customers have been taken into account, especially from the demanding German consumer. Based on these opinions, attempts have been made to improve rear visibility, and reduced suspension noise, consumption and emissions among others.
The design is based on the shapes of an airplane in which the wings are attached to the fuselage. From that idea, with the evolution of the sketches, the joining points between surfaces disappear, so that the bumpers and the wings merge into the bodywork. And they have had the help from Formula 1 engineers, experts in aerodynamics.
EXTERIOR
Measuring 4.300mm long, 1.770mm wide and 1470mm high, the new model is 20mm lower and 10mm wider than the current one. Noted for its marked sporty character despite being a 5 doors; the smaller size of the side windows highlights the wedge-shaped cabin. In addition, in the side view, some 16” or 17” wheels, greater integrated LED mirrors and new bar-type door handles.
On the front, stand out the new HID xenon headlights controlled by a CMOS camera on the windshield, which allows us to focus on driving without being aware of the change of high-low beams. Also new is a grill with shutter on diesel versions, which opens and closes depending on speed and temperature, reducing air resistance and consumption. Another significant change is the integrated bumpers and with a lower profile.
The rear presents a very horizontal view: the lights protrude, are higher and have an aerodynamic function. The third brake light doubles as a spoiler. (also with aerodynamic function) and the rear windscreen is lower to improve visibility. As a novelty, it incorporates windshield wipers.
The new Honda Civic will available in nine colors, of which three are new: Topaz Yellow, Orchid White and Pearl Forest Green.
INTERIOR
The driving position is based on the cockpit of a fighter or a Formula One single-seater, with three different areas to offer us information:
- Un lower viewfinder with rev counter, temperature and fuel gauge surrounded by metal rings giving them a sporty character.
- A top viewfinder with speedometer and the Honda i-MID display that provides information on fuel consumption, outside temperature, time, kilometers and various data on the air conditioning, sound system, etc. We can consult it without losing sight of the road.
- Una 800 x 400mm WVGA side display, with the multimedia equipment y navigator.
The driver's seat includes adjustable lumbar adjustment and lateral support, so it adapts to any type of body build and increases integration with the car. Between the seats there is a small glove compartment in which the power outlet and USB and auxiliary inputs, which does not seem to me to be the most logical and comfortable arrangement.
The gear lever has been moved closer to the driving position and the horizontal displacements have been shortened, making the handling more comfortable.
The steering wheel incorporates controls for speed control, multifunction screen and sound system. It is finished in leather that is very pleasant to the touch.
The difference is made by the interior materials, very well finished and pleasant to the touch, with ambient blue lighting in the door trim. Actually, they are much superior to the usual finish in a segment C.
It also has an electric sunroof, truly panoramic. The rear seats are theHonda Magic Seats", multi configuration seating that we already know from the current model. They are very modular and provide endless combinations, giving the Honda Civic de the most practical charging option on the market in your segment
The trunk has a capacity of 477 liters and 1.378 liters with the seats folded. The interior can be chosen in black or grey.
ENGINES
The new Civic It will have three engines:
- a gasoline 1.400 cc, called i-VTEC, 100 CV with acceleration 0/100 in 13,4 seconds and a maximum speed of 187 km/h, with a combined consumption of 5,5 litres.
- Another 1.800 cc gasoline, 142 hp, the i-VTEC that accelerates 0/100 in 9,1 seconds with a maximum speed of 215 km/h, with a combined consumption of 6,4 litres.
- One version 2,2 l i-DTEC diesel with 150 hp, accelerating from 0/100 in 8,5 seconds, with a top speed of 217 km/h, with a combined consumption 4,4 liters.
El diesel engine It reduces consumption by 20% compared to the previous model, and the 1.8 i-VTEC by 10%, despite the increase in performance. They all include the idle stop system, and the versions with manual gearbox, hill start assistance. It is a system that prevents the vehicle from falling backwards when the brake is released and the accelerator is pressed, keeping the brakes applied for a second, which allows smooth starting.
The gearbox is 6-speed and has been adapted to make it compatible with the idle stop; there is a 5-speed automatic version that will only be available on the 1.8-litre petrol engine.
HONDA CIVIC TEST
Upon arrival at the airport Málaga I was waiting for a line new honda civic. Two engines were available, the i.VTEC 1.8 and the i-DTEC 2.2.
Honda Spain He had prepared a Roadbbok for us of about 140 km, which included a mixed route through the winding roads of the Sierra de Málaga and by highway. I had the opportunity to test the two engines, both in Executive finish.
The first tour I do with the 1.8 i-VTEC. The first impression when opening the door and taking a seat in the driving position is very positive: the materials transmit quality and the combination of colors is comfortable.
When adjusting the driving position, it is a bit difficult for me to familiarize myself, because the seat has the controls on the side and a little low, but the result is super practical because I can adjust the lumbar and lateral position. By regulating the mirrors, I appreciate a large size covering a large visual surface.
I start the engine and it's hard to get familiar with the screens, because the information is divided, but once you get used to it, it's functional. charge the path in browser and I start walking: the navigator seems to be a bit low to visualize it without losing sight of the road, but it is compensated because the nearest indications are displayed on the upper screen.
Well, I've already got the controls and I'm going to 'give' a little to the engine. This is perhaps where I get the worst impression of the entire test: the 1.8 engine between 2.000 and 4.000 rpm is lazy and slow when it comes to revving up, for the fame of "cucumber" that the engine has. Civic. The thing changes with the performance that it offers from 3.800/4.000 rpm: it seems different! I attribute this to the new engine running in and I think it is easily remedied by working on the engine map.
The gear lever handles smooth and with short travel. The curves and potholes begin: this is where the good job done on this model. Regardless of the size of the road irregularity, it always absorbs it with the same ease, giving us the security that the steering wheel will respond to our demands, and also without any noise.
Its dynamic behavior is excellent. Already finishing the tour of the highway is where it is most appreciated that it is a super-silent car: not an aerodynamic noise or chassis behavior.
Now it's time for the 2.2 diesel… The finish is the same (Executive). She behaves dynamically, just like her gasoline brother, but the engine is much more appreciative. I can maintain a higher pace, without messing with the gear as much. The acceleration and overtaking are more effective,
It has gotten dark and I return to the airport, grateful for the elegant blue lighting of the interior and the excellent lighting of the bi-xenon headlights.
FEES
You can choose between three finishes:
| Version | . CV | CO2 | IEM | PVP |
| 1.4 i-VTEC COMFORT | 100 | 129 | 4,75% | 18.900,00 |
| 1.4 i-VTEC SPORT | 100 | 131 | 4,75% | 20.500,00 |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SPORT | 142 | 145 | 4,75% | 22.700,00 |
| 1.8 i-VTEC EXECUTIVE | 142 | 145 | 4,75% | 26.800,00 |
| 1.8 i-VTEC AT SPORT | 142 | 148 | 4,75% | 23.900,00 |
| 1.8 i-VTEC AT EXECUTIVE | 142 | 155 | 4,75% | 28.000,00 |
| 2.2 i-OTEC COMFORT | 150 | 110 | 0,00% | 22.500,00 |
| 2.2 i-OTEC SPORT | 150 | 115 | 0,00% | 24.200,00 |
| 2.2 i-OTEC EXECUTIVE | 150 | 115 | 0,00% | 28.300,00 |
OPTIONS for Executive: • HDD Browser: €2.200
• ACC / CMBS + HDD Navigator: €4.000
Honda Access Europe will offer a full range of genuine accessories to personalize the new Civic. Accessories have been developed in parallel with the Civic design program to ensure a perfect match to the new model.
The accessories will be marketed in three packages:
- sports package, comprised of a body-color tailgate spoiler, illuminated door sill finisher (with blue illuminated Civic logo), and front, rear and side skirts finished in a carbon fiber-inspired texture.
- design pack, includes sports cover for the fuel tank mouth, trim for the air intake, tailgate decoration, covers for the mirrors and sports grill finished in matt silver gray metallic.
- functional package, a door trim, side mouldings, fenders and a boot tray. In addition to the preconfigured packs, it's naturally possible to customize the Civic with a host of stand-alone accessories.
In one of the photos, it looks as if they have been left with short carpet in the pedal area, seeing part of the padding as blue that it wears under the black carpet,,, very ugly detail for such a modern, expensive and with as much cache as Honda gives it….
I hope they are details of a pre-series car, because I don't understand how they can do it like that,,,, if all that part was a little more covered, it would be better,,,, both Honda and Honda….not even my Skoda has that fault right there, and even if it is in the pedal area and it is not very showy, there it lacks carpet whatever they say,…..
The photo is taken from below, upwards and what you see is the soundproofing of the dashboard, as in 95% of vehicles. I can guarantee you that this model has perfect finishes.
I hope so, because this Civic has to fight a lot against the Germans and the Japanese, already knowing how they are, they had no choice but to do more than one test in Europe for the same reason, because they are very demanding with quality….
When it goes on the market and we see it "in situ", I'll tell you,,,or you'll tell me! hahaha……..I like it, for the record, I'm not criticizing it, on the contrary, it gives me courage that a car in this category it has those types of details that I have named, I do not understand it, but then I know that it is a good car,...,,, with saying that it is a great candidate for my next purchase,,,, but what has been said, when it is see and tell me that it brings the quality that I ask for, we'll see what I do….
Does it have piezoelectric injectors? does anyone know?...
greetings.
That piece in which "the carpet is missing" is absolutely normal and most cars have it, that is, the base of the steering column is visible.
Regards!
Another thing, by the way, the pedals are a shame, I would even say that they are the same as the ones that my old Seat 124 had, and in addition to being ugly, do not think that because they put them in aluminum and such they will improve them a lot, for that look like a stick,,,, that skeletal accelerator rod….for my taste one of the ugliest pedals that a car can have today…..why they didn't open the pedal system that tilts from the ground How can they take, for example, the Audi?,.,.,,, it would be better and more modern, as well as more comfortable and effective….tested by oneself ehh!,.hehe………..
I like the line, but the interior finishes,,, puff, what a flattering I've been looking at these photos... as I repeat, I hope they improve it in the street production model because Honda does not hit this type of failure and such botched finishes……and less in a doche of more than 4 kilos of the old pesetas……or almost 5 of the Executive…come on, it's not exactly a “Lost coast” !!!