The all-new tenth-generation Honda Civic represents a significant step forward for Honda 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 has been at the heart of the brand’s sales and manufacturing heritage in the region. For many European customers the Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand and the development team targeted a dynamic rejuvenation of Civic. This aim demanded new thinking and new approaches to body construction, vehicle aerodynamics and chassis design.
The purposeful silhouette makes a confident statement about the Civic’s sporty character. Wider, longer, and lower than any of its predecessors, the all-new Civic has short overhangs and taut lines that reference the high levels of aerodynamic efficiency. A sharp and aggressive ‘face’, pronounced wheel-arches and sculpted front and rear intakes hint at the Civic’s sporting character.
The all-new Civic debuts two all-new VTEC TURBO gasoline engines that have been developed specifically to deliver a powerful, engaging and efficient driving experience.
The new Civic 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 30 mm wider and 130 mm longer than the previous-generation five-door Civic. The car is 20 mm lower than its forebear, 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 sleek and swept-back body contour lines continue along the flanks of the car, with a swage line which bisects front and rear door handles before culminating in the distinctive C-shaped LED rear lights.
The rear bumper’s sharp creases and sculpted air outlets complete a dramatic and sporty look.
The overall effect is sleek, sophisticated dynamism with distinctive and thoroughly modern Civic exterior design.
Aided in part by a longer, wider platform and 30 mm longer wheelbase, occupants benefit from greater visibility and more space in which to enjoy the premium fit and finish.
The driving position is 35 mm lower than in the previous generation Civic to create a more secure, enveloped feeling for the driver and front passenger. A more compact dashboard upper surface means it sits 65mm lower, resulting in improved forward and downward visibility – the eyeline angle to road increases to 7.60 degrees (compared to 6.56 degrees for previous generation Civic), while thin A-pillars (18mm narrower) reduce the obstructed forward view by 11.6 percent, providing a class-leading 84.3 degrees of forward visibility. This also creates an open and airy feel to the cabin.
Ergonomically-optimised front seats are designed to provide high levels of comfort, with the driver’s seat featuring an adjustable thigh support with 14 steps of adjustment to ensure the optimal seating position. The front seats have 10 mm greater fore / aft slide range, and 10 mm greater height range adjustment than the previous Civic.
Front shoulder room has been increased by 10 mm, and space between the front seats has increased by 15 mm. Rear seat shoulder room in the hatchback is up by 20 mm, while passengers in the back will also enjoy 95 mm more legroom, as well as 45 mm more knee room. Comfort for outboard occupants in the rear is improved by adjustable seat base cushions, and ingress and egress for all passengers is now easier than ever.
A light, airy feeling is further accomplished with the large tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof (available on higher grade models).
