An upper view of the body structure of the 2016 Honda Civic. Steel parts
are colour coded based on their tensile strength in megapascals.
Toronto, Ontario -- March 16, 2016 -- Honda Canada
has released new body repair information for the 2016 Honda Civic.
Please note that the information provided here is for information
purposes only. Always refer directly to the appropriate OEM procedures
from Honda before attempting any repairs.
The 2016 Civic uses Honda’s Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility
Engineering (ACE) body structure. The body construction uses 58 percent
high-tensile-strength steel (HSS), including 26 percent
ultra-high-strength steel. In addition, a weight-saving steel centre
pillar stiffener has been added, and the rear frame has soft zones for
crash performance.
The lower front bulkhead assembly is a bolt-on resin composite. The
upper bulkhead frame is constructed of mild steel. The bulkhead is
attached with 20 bolts. Honda Canada advises that a damaged bulkhead
must be replaced, not repaired.
The 2016 Honda Civic also has a wealth of advanced safety and driver
assist technologies, including a collision mitigation braking system
with pedestrian sensing capability.
Honda Canada cautions that heat must not be applied to any body part
during straightening as it may compromise the internal structure and
strength of high-strength steel parts. Any part that has had heat
applied to it during straightening must be replaced with new parts.
Ignoring this directive may significantly reduce occupant protection.
For more information, please see “2016 Civic New Model Body Repair information” at techinfo.honda.com.
Roomy and refined interior wrapped in sleek and sporty new body
Two new fun and efficient powerplants: 2.0-liter i-VTEC and 1.5-liter Turbo
Sophisticated chassis provides superior comfort, refinement and dynamic handling performance in a compact-class coupe
Available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ enhance connectivity
Honda introduces new responsive consumer website with Civic page on automobiles.honda.com
Delivering a new level of style, sporty driving performance,
technological sophistication and value, the all-new 2016 Civic Coupe
goes on sale on March 15 with a starting MSRP of $19,0501 for
the Civic LX Coupe with manual transmission. Following the highly
successful introduction of the 2016 Civic Sedan, named 2016 North
American Car of the Year, the Civic Coupe includes many of the same
attributes in a more personal and enthusiast oriented two-door body
style.
The 2016 Civic Coupe is available in three powertrain configurations: a 174-horsepower2 1.5-liter DOHC turbo engine with CVT (EX and above), a 158-horsepower3
2.0-liter i-VTEC™ paired with CVT (LX and LX-P) and the same 2.0-liter
engine with a six-speed manual transmission (on LX trim). EPA fuel
economy ratings for the 2016 Civic Coupe are 31/41/35 mpg4
(city/highway/combined) for 1.5-liter turbo models with CVT, 30/41/34
mpg for 2.0-liter models with CVT and 26/38/31 mpg for the LX with
2.0-liter engine and manual transmission.
"This new Civic Coupe exemplifies Honda’s focus on fun-to-drive
character with two powerful engine options and a chassis tuned
specifically for driving fun," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president
and general manager of the Honda Division. "As the second model in our
sportiest and most ambitious Civic lineup ever, the coupe sets the bar
for performance, refinement and connectivity in the compact coupe
segment.”
Virtually everything about the 2016 Civic Coupe is new – all-new
vehicle architecture, sporty and sophisticated new interior and exterior
styling, a more spacious and high-quality cabin, two advanced new
engines, and a host of new premium features and technologies. Further,
with the addition of Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive
technologies on the Civic Touring Coupe and the first application of
Honda turbo engine technology to EX and above trims, the 2016 Civic
Coupe offers buyers a wider range of options than ever before, each a
high-value proposition.
For the 2016 Civic Honda will roll out a new consumer website design
on March 15. The one page vehicle experience has a responsive design to
be fully functional on mobile devices and is focused to inspire,
educate, and activate customers. This new design will be introduced
initially on Civic but ultimately the pages for all Honda models will be
upgraded. Customers can experience the new website design and view,
build and price a 2016 Honda Civic Coupe at automobiles.honda.com/civic.
2016 Civic Coupe Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings (US NUMBERS)
Trim
Transmission
MSRP1
EPA MPG Rating4 (city/highway/combined)
LX
6MT
$19,050
26/38/31
LX
CVT
$19,850
30/41/34
LX-P
CVT
$20,850
31/41/35
EX
CVT
$22,300
31/41/35
EX-L
CVT
$23,425
31/41/35
Touring
CVT
$26,125
31/41/35
New Technologies Major new technologies, features and capabilities of the 2016 Civic Coupe, depending on trim, are as follows:
Powertrains
Ultra-rigid body with 63 percent application of high-strength steel
and 12 percent application of ultra-high-strength steel (up from 55
percent and 1 percent, respectively, in the previous model) – the most
extensive use of high-tensile steel ever in a Civic
76 pound reduction in unibody weight versus the previous Civic Coupe, despite its larger size and greater stiffness
ACE™ body structure with new crash stroke design (Honda and Civic
first) for improved collision performance in a sportier, more compact
front frame design
Ultra-rigid 590-MPa high-strength-steel floor for enhanced collision performance and improved ride quality (Civic first)
Most tightly sealed Honda body ever, with a 75 percent improvement in air leak performance over the previous model
Premium noise isolation materials and design features that combine
with the tightly sealed body for cabin quietness that challenges
luxury-class compact-segment products
Chassis
New multi-link independent rear suspension
Hydraulic compliance bushings for premium levels of ride quality and road vibration isolation (Civic first)
Larger stabilizer bars with bonded bushings for more refined body control (Civic first)
Agile Handling Assist brake torque vectoring for cornering precision and stability (Civic first)
Dual-pinion electric power steering with variable gear ratio for improved steering feel and maneuverability (Civic first)
Exterior
Standard aluminum wheels on all trims
Available LED exterior lighting
Complete underbody covering for fuel efficiency and cabin quietness
Flush mounted, acoustic glass windshield
Capless refueling
Interior
91.0 (LX) and 88.6 (EX-T and above) cubic-feet of passenger volume
(+7.8 cubic feet vs. previous Civic Coupe) – amongst the most spacious
cabins in the compact class
New ultra-thin A-pillars for enhanced forward visibility
Premium, soft touch cabin materials exceeding current class standards
Electronic parking brake
Standard automatic climate control (LX)
Dual zone automatic climate control (EX and above)
Available Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto™5 and Apple CarPlay®6
Available premium comfort and convenience features including Remote
Engine start, Smart Entry with Push Button Start and rain-sensing wipers
Safety and Driver Assistance
Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies (Touring trim)
Next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
New crash stroke front frame design
Ultra-rigid 590-MPa high-strength steel floor for enhanced collision performance
Targeted highest-available collision performance safety ratings – a 5
star Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA’s NCAP, a TOP SAFETY PICK from
the IIHS for the LX through EX-L trims and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the
IIHS for the Touring trim.
Exterior Design Advanced engineering and
next-generation sporty Civic design themes are combined in the sleek new
Civic Coupe exterior styling. The taut, tidy and sporty overall
proportions of the new Civic Coupe are complemented and accentuated by
its performance inspired design details, including its sleek, swept-back
bodylines, its sharp and aggressive face, and its bulging wheel arches.
The hood features sharply defined character lines that draw the eye
forward and down to the Civic’s aggressive new face, highlighted by a
chrome-plated Honda “wing” that runs the full width of the front fascia
and is flanked by available new LED headlights in an in-line
configuration.
The new Civic’s ultra-thin A-pillars lend the cabin an open, airy
feeling with excellent forward visibility, while the aggressively sloped
roof line connects seamlessly with gracefully arching C-pillars that
carry the curvature of the roof rearward to the outside rear corners of
the long deck, where they intersect with distinctive C-shaped
“light-pipe” LED taillights forming a continuous line across the rear.
The sharply creased and curving upper-body side line swells over the
rear wheel arches and curves aggressively inward to join the upper bend
of the distinctive LED taillights, while the upswept lower-body side
line is bisected by the bulging rear wheel arches before bending inward
to meet up with the rear bumper’s upper surface. The overall effect is
one of dynamism and premium quality with an unmistakable and yet
thoroughly modern Civic design aesthetic.
Interior Design The completely
new interior of the 2016 Civic Coupe carries through on the exciting,
modern and sophisticated styling of the exterior while providing
enhanced comfort, leading-edge technology and class-leading quality. The
2016 Civic Coupe takes Civic interior quality to a new level. High
quality, soft-to-the-touch materials are applied liberally—to the
instrument panel, front door sash and door inserts and the larger, more
thickly padded center armrest. Fit, finish and materials quality
throughout the cabin have been thoroughly modernized and upgraded in
keeping with the more premium and sporty compact coupe character of this
all new Civic.
Interior Packaging Honda’s vehicle packaging
expertise, along with the Civic’s longer wheelbase and wider body,
results in the most spacious interior in the competitive class. With
91.0 cubic feet of available passenger space (LX) and 88.6 cubic feet
(LX-P and above trims), the 2016 Civic Coupe delivers top-of-class
comfort by giving its occupants a sense of spaciousness and premium
comfort beyond the compact class with ample headroom, legroom, shoulder
clearance and side head clearance, including an additional five inches
of rear seat legroom compared to the previous model.
A class leading 84.3 degrees of forward visibility is aided by a new,
ultra-thin A-pillar design, 18.2 mm (0.72 inch) narrower than the
A-pillar in the outgoing 2015 Civic. Even the forward visibility of
rear-seat occupants is taken into account, as the new Civic features
newly shaped front seatbacks and a smaller head restraint.
More legroom for the driver is made possible by the reduced intrusion
of the instrument panel into the driver’s knee space, while rear-seat
foot room is improved by a 27 mm (1.1 inches) wider space between the
front seat rails. Trunk room has also been significantly increased, by
0.2 cubic-feet to 12.1 cubic-feet (LX), among the largest in the compact
class, with a lower lift over height, larger rear opening, and wider
and taller cargo area than the outgoing model. An all-new reconfigurable
center console, with up to 7.2 liters of storage space, can hold
multiple full-size tablets or an oversized water bottle with the console
lid closed.
Interior Comfort, Convenience and Connectivity
The new Civic is designed to be the most comfortable, convenient and
connected Civic ever. In addition to its more spacious interior, the
2016 Civic Coupe incorporates new, available premium comfort and
convenience features including, remote engine start, electronic parking
brake, walk away door locking, dual-zone automatic climate control,
heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers.
Raising intuitive operation and digital connectivity to the next
level, the 2016 Civic Coupe in EX-T and above trims incorporates a new
7-inch Display Audio touchscreen that serves as the nerve center for
control of audio, HVAC and other functions. The new Display Audio is
integrated with new Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ platforms,
providing seamless integration of smartphone features and functions,
including app-based navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search
capabilities, and access to a host of Apple- or Google-approved
smartphone apps.
Powertrains Powering the 2016 Civic Coupe are
two all-new engines, first introduced in the Civic Sedan, that were both
designed to provide highly refined, responsive and fuel-efficient
performance. Civic Coupes in LX and LX-P trim are powered by a 2.0-liter
DOHC, 16-valve, port-injected, inline 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC™
valvetrain producing a peak 158 hp at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb-ft. of
torque at 4,200 rpm, making it the most powerful base engine ever
offered in Civic. The new 2.0-liter engine is mated to a sporty
continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Design shift
control, or on the LX trim, a quick-shifting 6-speed manual
transmission.
Civic Coupes in EX, EX-L and Touring trim are powered by an all-new
turbocharged 1.5-liter DOHC, direct-injected 4-cylinder engine with VTC
and electronic wastegate, turning out 174 hp at 6,000 rpm and peak
torque of 162 lb-ft. from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm. The 1.5-liter turbo engine
is mated to a new CVT that leverages the engine’s low-inertia turbo
with electronic waste gate and variable cam timing (VTC) to optimize
power delivery across the engine’s full operating range.
Both engines feature a wide array of friction-reduction design and
engineering features that support both high performance and high fuel
efficiency. These two ultra-efficient engines, married to the 2016
Civic’s light, rigid and highly aerodynamic body, help the Civic garner
anticipated class-leading EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 30/41/34
mpg (city/highway/combined) for the 2.0-liter engine with CVT,
26/38/31mpg1 for the LX with the 2.0-liter engine and manual transmission, and 31/41/35 mpg for the 1.5-liter turbo with CVT.
Body The 2016 Civic Coupe’s new powertrains and
sophisticated chassis design are underpinned by its entirely new body
construction, where engineers went deeper in the study of dynamic body
rigidity to realize an ultra-rigid platform architecture that serves as
the foundation for its more sophisticated chassis design, its
class-leading collision performance, and its powerful and fuel-efficient
powertrains.
Global bending and torsional rigidity are increased with specifically
localized body rigidity tuning in key areas, especially at suspension
and subframe mounting points which are dramatically improved.
The new Civic’s sleeker body design combines with aerodynamic
features, including nearly full underbody covering, front and rear wheel
strakes, optimized rear exhaust silencers and a highly aero-efficient
engine compartment, to create the most aerodynamically efficient body in
the compact class. The 2016 Civic Coupe’s Cd*A – the combination of
coefficient of drag (Cd) and frontal area (A) – is improved by 12.5
percent over the outgoing Civic to best-in-class levels, based on Honda
internal test data. The Civic aero design was optimized using a
combination of advanced CFD (computation fluid dynamics) and wind tunnel
testing of highly detailed 25- and 40-percent scale models and a
full-scale model.
Chassis Building on the foundation of its
ultra-rigid and lightweight body structure, the 2016 Civic Coupe
utilizes the most sophisticated chassis design in the history of Civic.
Its fully independent suspension includes an all-new multi-link rear
design mated to a rigidly-mounted rear subframe for a high degree of
lateral stability.
Hydraulic compliance bushings, a feature typically reserved for
larger or more expense vehicles, are also utilized on Civic (front
bushings on all trims, front and rear on Civic Coupes with 1.5-liter
turbo engine), improving ride compliance and reducing road vibrations
without compromising sporty handling feel. The new Civic Coupe also
applies bonded front and rear stabilizer bushings for smoother and more
progressive anti-roll behavior. And Civic’s new dual-pinion electric
power steering with variable gear ratio provides for more precise
steering control and feel—with only 2.2 turns lock-to-lock (vs. 2.87
turns on the previous model) for greatly improved low-speed
maneuverability.
The new Civic Coupe’s wider track, plus 1.9 inches at the front and
plus 2.5 inches at the rear, and its 0.39 inch wider tire tread,
compared to previous Civic Coupe, aid flat handling and lateral grip,
while its 3.1 inch longer wheelbase improves ride quality on undulating
or rough road surfaces. The Civic also applies Agile Handling Assist for
the first time, using the VSA4 system to apply the brake of
the front inside wheel at the entry to a corner, improving cornering
attitude, stability and precision.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Engineers
for the new Civic adopted premium noise-isolating materials and design
features to achieve a new level of cabin quietness in the compact class.
This includes the adoption of new methods to measure and reduce air
leaks in the Civic body that, based on Honda’s internal test data, is
the most tightly sealed body in the competitive class. Full body air
leaks have been reduced 75 percent compared to the previous Civic
Coupe.
Safety and Driver Assistive Features The 2016
Civic Coupe is designed to provide a high level of collision safety
performance in a wide variety of collision scenarios, including offset
and oblique-angle frontal collisions as well as side and rear impacts.
The Civic’s safety performance starts with its class-leading forward
visibility and precise, stable and predictable steering, handling and
braking performance. Standard four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) 7
with traction control and Agile Handling Assist further enhance dynamic
stability and emergency maneuvering and braking performance.
Standard on the Civic Touring Coupe, Honda Sensing™ safety and
driver-assistive technology can further reduce the potential for a
collision and mitigate the consequences, alerting the driver and taking
emergency action when a collision is determined to be imminent. Honda
Sensing™ uses both millimeter wave radar and a monocular camera to sense
and respond to detected road hazards. The Civic Honda Sensing
technology suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow.
Honda Sensing features include the following:
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™)8
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)9 integrated with RDM
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)10 integrated with CMBS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow11
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)12
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)13
All Civics come equipped with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera14 and Expanded View Driver’s Mirror.
The 2016 Civic utilizes its advanced body structure – including its
next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure
(ACE™), new crash stroke technology and a 590MPa high-strength steel
floor – to provide a high degree of occupant protection while minimizing
weight and aiding fuel efficiency.
Engineers were challenged not only to create a body that supported
their goals for dynamic performance, but also for top-in-class collision
performance. The adoption of a more compact front end and shorter front
overhang proved to be an exceptional challenge to achieving their
goals, effectively shortening the front frame’s crash stroke (the area
available to absorb and redirect frontal collision energy). To overcome
this challenge and maintain the sporty proportions of the new Civic,
engineers developed a new crash stroke design for frontal collisions. A
new subframe linked attachment creates a mechanical hinge effect that
directs the engine downward in a frontal impact, effectively increasing
the front “crash stroke” by 80 mm (3.0 inches).
The Civic utilizes advanced front, side and side curtain airbag
technology, including a driver’s front airbag with new spiral stitching
for an improved deployment profile; SmartVent® technology for the driver
and front passenger side airbags; and a new front passenger airbag with
safety vent technology that can mitigate the possibility of injury from
airbag deployment when the passenger is “out of position.” These
systems work in conjunction with the advanced body structure and
optimally tuned interior components to help mitigate injuries in a
collision.
Utilizing these design features and safety technologies, the 2016
Civic Coupe targets the highest available crash protection ratings – a
5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program
(NCAP), with top ratings in all test modes; and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating
from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for LX through EX-L
trims, with a score of GOOD in all test modes, and a TOP SAFETY PICK+
rating for the Touring trim, equipped with Honda Sensing.
Manufacturing The 2016 Civic Coupe for the U.S.
market will be produced at Honda’s global lead plant for Civic in
Ontario, Canada, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Both new
engines and the CVT transmission are produced in North America, with the
1.5-liter turbo engine being produced in Anna, Ohio, at the largest
automobile engine plant in Honda’s global production network, the
2.0-liter engine being produced in Alliston, Ontario, and its highly
precise CVT transmissions are assembled in Russells Point, Ohio, where
two on-site wind turbines provide for upwards of 10 percent of the
plant’s power needs.
For More Information Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/civic. To join the Civic Coupe community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/hondacivic.
Additional media information including detailed pricing features and
high-resolution photography of the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe is available
at hondanews.com/channels/civic.
1 MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)
excluding tax, license, registration, $835 destination charge and
options. Dealer prices may vary. 2 174 horsepower at 6,000 rpm (SAE net) 3 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm (SAE net) 4
Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only.
Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your
vehicle, driving conditions and other factors. 5 Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google Inc. 6 Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. 7
VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the
vehicle’s course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving.
Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver. 8
CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object;
accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System
operation affected by extreme interior heat. System designed to mitigate
crash forces. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle
and avoiding collisions. 9 LDW only alerts drivers when
lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not detect
all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on
weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme
interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle
and avoiding collisions. 10 FCW cannot detect all objects
ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on
weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by extreme
interior heat. FCW does not include a braking function. Driver remains
responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions. 11
ACC cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object;
accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. ACC should
not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather or on winding roads. The
driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a
collision. 12 LKAS only alerts drivers when lane drift is
detected without a turn signal in use and can apply mild steering
torque to assist driver in maintaining proper lane position. LKAS may
not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary
based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by
extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating
vehicle and avoiding collisions. 13 Road Departure
Mitigation only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a
turn signal in use and can apply mild steering torque to assist driver
in maintaining proper lane position and/or brake pressure to slow the
vehicle's departure from a detected lane. Road Departure Mitigation may
not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary
based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by
extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating
vehicle and avoiding collisions. 14 Always visually
confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up; the rearview camera
display does not provide complete information about all conditions and
objects at the rear of your vehicle.
New owners of the 2016 Honda Civic Sedan got a bit of a surprise when they found these easter eggs hidden in their car.
Oftentimes
car manufacturers will slip in a couple of easter eggs (unexpected or
unofficial features as a bonus) and it looks like Honda and their new
2016 Civic is no exception. According to Honda Pro Jason and confirmed by the fine people over at CivicX,
the 2016 Honda Civic has at least one Easter Egg that comes standard
on all 2016 Honda Civic Sedans. Within the center console and underneath
the removable mat, there is a special imposed image of a couple of
milestones in Honda’s history displayed. Check out the video of Honda
Pro Jason revealing one of the images below.
To our knowledge, there are four total image sets put in at random.
We’ve included all the Easter Eggs below as well as a bit of information
on each.
This first Easter Egg features MotoGP rider Marc Marquez in the Honda
RC213V race bike. Next to the bike is Honda’s S600 Racecar with this
particular example residing in Honda’s Collection Museum. The F1 Car is
their British American Racing Honda probably from 2005 with Jenson
Button behind the wheel. And the Honda Jet makes an appearance in the
top right corner.
For
this splash guard, the Honda Jet makes a return on the upper left-hand
side. The center image is Japan’s first winning car in Formula 1 that
happens to also be a Honda, the RA272. And the other car in the middle
right is a 1920’s era Curtiss Racer. According to Honda;
"When
Honda was an apprentice at Art Shokai, he assisted the company’s
owners, the Sakakibara brothers, in building a Curtiss racer. He
accompanied them as their riding mechanic at races, and they won the
fifth Japan Motor Car Championship on November 23, 1924."
On
this splash mat, we see the Honda RC166 in the top left corner. During
the 1966 World Championships for MotoGP in the 250cc classes, Honda
captured the overall win by snagging 10 out of 10 races for two
consecutive years. The Formula 1 car is the McLaren MP4/5 piloted by the
legendary Ayrton Senna. And the Honda Jet makes a return in the top
right corner.
Finally
on this splash mat, we see Honda’s ASIMO robot with a long robotic
history stretching back to the 1980’s and dubbed the unofficial
spokesperson for Honda. The Grand Prix rider is none other than Freddie
Spencer on a Honda NS500 probably taken from one of his races in 1983
where he captured first place overall at just 21-years old. Again, the
Honda Jet makes an appearance.
Car
manufacturers don’t have to add easter eggs, but they do as a nod to
their loyal customers and to add a personal touch. You can read into
these particular choices on these removable splash plates as much as you
want but honestly they’re just a bit of fun.
The fact that Honda
included their jet all four times points to them looking towards a
bright future with an emphasis on their non-automotive achievements. The
inclusion of all their best race cars cements Honda as a car company
with Racing DNA a crucial part of their identity. If there’s no racing,
there’s no Honda. And Honda ASIMO highlights their endeavours outside of
transportation, making them a well-rounded company.
With the Honda Civic Coupe, Hatchback, Si and Type R yet to hit our
showroom floors, there’s no indication if there are more easter eggs out
there, but they’ll probably have a few of their own.
Honda Pro
Jason did say that the all-new Honda Ridgeline has a couple of hidden
easter eggs we have yet to find so we’re all ears to what those will be
when people find them out.
You could almost hear it. There was a furor. And it all had to do with a transmission. On September 16, Honda showed the all-new, tenth-generation Civic. Fitted
with a turbocharged engine for the first time, enthusiasts were
excited. Until they realized the new 1.5-liter Earth Dreams
four-cylinder turbo would only be offered with a continuously variable transmission, something that elicits a passionate, all-consuming, and utterly unquenchable hatred among (most) enthusiasts.
Honda was listening. On the recent Civic
Coupe launch, the company confirmed to us that a manual transmission
will soon be offered on turbocharged Civics, regardless of body style.
And then we drove a prototype.
Now, let's be very clear, the car we drove was an early test vehicle. It
was camouflaged, cobbled together – it was born with a turbo and an
automatic before Honda's engineers got their hands on it – and to cap it
all off, we got approximately five minutes of seat time. We couldn't
even shoot the darn thing, which is why you're looking at one really bad
iPhone picture up top. But five minutes is better than nothing at all,
right?
The 2016 Honda Civic was crowned Canadian
Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada at
the kick-off Thursday to the Canadian International Auto Show.
The Civic topped the Volkswagen Golf R and the Golf Sportwagon, the other finalists up for the award.
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 beat out the Kia Sorento and Volvo XC90 to capture the 2016 Utility Vehicle of the Year title.
On Wednesday, the Civic was named Best of the Best by the Canadian
Automotive Jury. In January, it captured the North American Car of the
Year award at the Detroit auto show.
Honda received much flogging from the press for the last-generation
Civic. The 2012 model was the result of Honda improperly
reading the Magic 8-Ball amid the global slowdown. Honda’s decision
makers assumed shoppers would be looking for something more modest,
perhaps even austere, and changed direction to suit. The competition,
assuming shoppers would be looking for greater creature comforts in a
smaller package, went the opposite direction and doubled down on luxury
features.
The conventional wisdom has been that Honda “stepped in it” with the
ninth-generation sedan. Journalists complained about the plastic
quality, the styling and … customers paid little attention. The Civic’s
sales dipped slightly in 2011 during the changeover, but rapidly
rebounded to over 315,000 units a year since. Some would say that
Honda’s “emergency refreshes” were the reason for the sales success, but
I propose a different answer: the continued sales success of the
lesser-than Civic and an increase in sales of “premium” compacts showed
there was plenty of room in the segment for both.
Whatever the reality, one thing is for certain: When it came time to
design the tenth-generation Civic, Honda had “austere” removed from the
company dictionary.
JeffX from the Temple
of VTEC managed to strap a VBOX onto the 2016 Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo and
extrapolated wheel horsepower as well as a 0-60 and quarter mile time.
Ever
since the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan equipped with the 1.5 turbos
were handed out to a few lucky auto journalists, they’ve all been
hankering one way or another to stick one on a dyno to see just how fast
these turbos really are. JeffX from Temple of VTEC planned to do just that, but with his dyno guy nowhere to be found, he did the next best thing which was strap a VBOX performance meter
inside while he took the 2016 Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo out on some WOT
runs. It should be noted that at this time, the Coupe only comes
equipped with a CVT. The results were pretty surprising. Basically,
JeffX found out that the new 1.5 turbo power units were as quick as, if
not faster than the K24Z7’s found in the current 9th gen Honda Civic Si.
While
not actually a dyno, VBOX’s GPS unit and software is surprisingly
accurate. According to RaceLogic, “by using the carrier signals from
four to nine of 24 satellites, the VBOX measures speed to an accuracy of
0.1 percent.” And according to Car and Driver,
” Our own preliminary testing of the VBOX’s accuracy relative to our
Datron unit has proven the VBOX to be extremely accurate.” Heck, when Hennessey wants to break and verify speed world records, they use VBOX. Suffice to say, VBOX is a pretty accurate measurement tool.
To
accurately estimate WHP figures, an approximate total weight and a
level driving area is typically what is needed and is what we assume
JeffX put in properly into the VBOX unit.
The 2015 Honda Civic Si Coupe and Sedan puts out a respectable 205 HP and 174 lb-ft. Car and Driver was able to pull out a 6.5 second 0-60 MPH time and a 15.1 second quarter mile time.When you strap a stock K24 on the dyno,
you’ll typically see wheel hp/lb-ft around 180 HP and 160 lb-ft with
peak power well past 7000 RPM. Curb weight for the Honda Civic Si (with
no driver) is a tick over 1.5 tons, coming in at 3004-3011 pounds.
The
2016 Honda Civic EX Coupe with the 1.5 Turbo is rated at 174 HP at 6000
RPM with 16.5 psi of boost helping push torque numbers to 162 lb-ft.
According to JeffX’s VBOX, the 1.5 turbo put down between 164-166 HP to
the ground with no mention of torque figures ( if we estimate around a
six percent drivetrain loss, we’re looking at 152 lb-ft.) According to
JeffX, curb weight for the coupe plus the driver and 1/2 a tank of fuel
came out around 2,900 pounds. After a couple of power runs and standing
starts, according to VBOX, JeffX was able to pull off a 0-60 MPH time of 6.5 seconds and a quarter mile run of 14.9 seconds @ 97 MPH.
Here’s the kicker. The entire time, JeffX was using regular old 87
octane from California’s finest pumps. The 9th Gen Civic Si recommends
premium.
And when it comes to fuel efficiency, when all is said
and done from the EPA, the 2016 Honda Civic 1.5L turbo is expected to
return in excess of 40 MPG on the highway. The best a 2015 Honda Civic
Si could muster up is an EPA-rated 31 MPG.
So not only is the
mid-range 2016 Honda Civic as fast as a 2015 Honda Civic Si, it’s also
more efficient. And these unofficial results don’t account for a manual
when that hits the market sometime next year.
According to Jeffx in his final assesment,
The
car launches a bit soft with the CVT, but then it just charges and
pulls steadily. I have found it to be quite quick and actually fun to
drive as a “daily. Add to that the fact that you can easily achieve over
40mpg all day long on the freeway, and it makes this car a PHENOMENAL
“daily driver”. I’m trying to think of any cars in history that combine
this level of performance, refinement, comfort while still delivering an
honest to god >40mpg on the highway. I don’t think it’s happened.
All of this, in a fully loaded package for only $26,500. Seems like a
STEAL to me.
So if you’re in the market for something that you
want to zip around town in that’s quick on its feet, the 2016 Honda
Civic with 1.5L Turbo can fill that void.
Honda has yet to
release its 10th gen Civic Si and Type R, both promised to the North
American Market. Honda will most likely use a turbocharged 2.0 in the
Civic Si with a barn screamer turbo monster unit in the Type R.
The all-new tenth generation Civic launches with benchmark-setting
levels of performance, fuel efficiency, interior space and premium
quality
-
TORRANCE, Calif.
The 2016 Civic Sedan, a completely new-from-the-ground-up redesign of America's most popular compact car1, launches Nov. 12 at Honda dealerships nationwide with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)2
starting at $18,640 – an increase of just $150 from the outgoing model.
The 2016 Civic Sedan benefits from the most extensive and ambitious
redesign in the 43-year history of Civic, a global development effort
led for the first time by Honda's U.S. R&D team, which set their
sights on creating the world's best compact-class car with
benchmark-setting levels of quality, fuel efficiency, interior
spaciousness and fun-to-drive performance.
"The new Honda Civic offers incredible value and a fun-to-drive
spirit that will take a lot of customers by surprise," said Jeff Conrad,
senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. "This
tenth generation Civic exemplifies the incredible engineering strength
of Honda and our capacity to deliver something altogether new,
unexpected and thrilling for our customers."
The 2016 Civic Sedan offers buyers more choices than ever before with
two all-new powertrains and an expanded range of features and trims.
Civic LX and EX trims feature a new 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC™
engine—the most powerful base engine ever offered on Civic, while Civic
EX-T, EX-L and new line-topping Touring models are powered by a
174-horspower, 1.5-liter DOHC TURBO engine with unprecedented levels of
power, refinement and class-leading fuel economy ratings.
EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2016 Civic Sedan are 31/41/35 mpg3 (city/highway/combined) for 2.0-liter models with continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 31/42/35 mpg3 for 1.5-liter TURBO models with CVT.
Additional design and engineering highlights of the all-new 2016 Civic Sedan include:
Dynamic new styling – with a bolder, more
aggressive face; sharp and sophisticated body lines; a sporty fastback
profile and premium features, including the expanded use of LED exterior
lighting
All-new Civic platform architecture – with a
1.2-inch-longer wheelbase, a nearly 2-inch wider body and wider track
that gives Civic a more athletic and aggressive stance while
contributing to its more refined ride quality and larger cabin,
including 1.2 inches of added rear-seat legroom
A more rigid, lightweight and tightly sealed body – featuring a new Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™)
body structure, supporting Civic's fun-to-drive performance,
class-leading cabin quietness and targeted top-class crash safety
ratings: NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+
A more spacious and premium-quality cabin – with
premium, soft-touch surfaces and refined detailing that exceeds the
mainstream compact-car class, along with an expanded list of standard
and available features, including heated front and rear seats, automatic
climate control, remote engine start and eight-way power driver's seat
Honda Sensing™ – available suite includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™,
Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Warning, and adds, for the first
time, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, setting a new bar
for advanced safety and driver-assistive technology in the mainstream
compact class
Advanced connected-car capabilities – enabled by a
new and more intuitive 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface with
Android operating system, also featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility for seamless integration of smartphone features and functions
The 2016 Civic Sedan is the first in a series of new 10th-generation
Civic variants that will include a sedan, coupe, sports-minded Si
models, a five-door hatchback and the first-ever Civic Type-R model for
the U.S. market, comprising the most diverse and innovative lineup in
Civic's 43-year history. This 10th-generation Civic was benchmarked
against the world's best C-segment vehicles, including luxury-class
cars, as engineers sought to deliver a truly world-beating compact-class
car – the most refined, sporty and sophisticated Civic platform ever
made.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) for 2.0-liter engine
Avail.
•
1.5-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, direct-injected and turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine
•
•
•
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) for 1.5-liter TURBO
•
•
•
Exterior
Honda LED (inline-style) headlights
•
Auto on/off headlights
•
•
•
•
•
LED daytime running lights
•
•
•
•
•
LED rear taillights
•
•
•
•
•
Triple-sealed doors
•
•
•
•
•
Flush-mounted, acoustic glass windshield
•
•
•
•
•
Full underbody covers
•
•
•
•
•
Smart Entry
•
•
•
•
Chassis
Fully independent front Macpherson strut-type suspension with hydraulic compliance bushing
•
•
•
•
•
Multi-link rear suspension with rigid rear subframe
•
•
•
•
•
Rear hydraulic compliance bushing
•
•
•
Interior
Push-button start
•
•
•
•
Automatic climate control
•
•
Dual-zone automatic climate control
•
•
•
Heated driver and passenger side mirrors
•
•
•
•
Remote engine start
•
•
•
•
7-inch full-color touchscreen Display Audio with Android operating system
•
•
•
•
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
•
•
•
•
Heated front seats including heated seat backs
•
•
•
HD Radio®
•
•
•
8-way-power driver's seat
•
•
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (in addition to leather seating surfaces)
•
•
Honda satellite-linked navigation system by Garmin
Avail.
•
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
•
4-way-power front passenger seat
•
Heated rear outboard seats
•
Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
New Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
•
•
•
•
•
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
w/ optional Honda Sensing™
•
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
•
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
•
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
•
2016 Civic Sedan – Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
Trim
Engine
Transmission
MSRP
EPA Ratings (city/hwy/comb)
LX
2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
6MT
$18,640
27/40/31
CVT
$19,440
31/41/35
LX w/ Honda Sensing™
CVT
$20,440
31/41/35
EX
CVT
$21,040
31/41/35
EX w/ Honda Sensing™
CVT
$22,040
31/41/35
EX-T
1.5L DOHC Direct Injected TURBO
CVT
$22,200
31/42/35
EX-T w/ Honda Sensing™
CVT
$23,200
31/42/35
EX-L
CVT
$23,700
31/42/35
EX-L w/ Honda Sensing™
CVT
$24,700
31/42/35
EX-L Navi
CVT
$24,700
31/42/35
Touring
CVT
$26,500
31/42/35
Sporty Civic Design The dramatic and sporty new
Civic design is grounded in its more athletic stance and low and wide
proportions. Compared to the current model, the 2016 Civic Sedan is
nearly 2 inches wider and 1 inch lower with a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase,
featuring a more compact and sporty front overhang; a longer, more
aggressively sculpted hood and fastback-style tail.
The taut and tidy proportions of the new Civic Sedan are complemented
and accentuated by refined design details, including sleek and
swept-back bodylines, a sharp and aggressive face and bulging wheel
arches. The new Civic's more premium character is also highlighted by
its available LED exterior lighting, including standard LED running
lights, distinctive C-shaped LED taillights and featuring LED headlights
on the Touring trim.
Two All-New Powertrains The 2016 Civic Sedan
features two all-new, more powerful and fuel-efficient engines: Civic
Sedan LX and EX trims are powered by a 2.0-liter, port-injected DOHC i-VTEC™ inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm4(+15
HP and +9 lb.-ft. vs. 2015 Civic 1.8L) and mated to either a six-speed
manual (LX trim only) or continuously variable automatic transmission
(CVT). Civic Sedan EX-T, EX-L and Touring trims are powered by a
1.5-liter, direct-injected DOHC TURBO inline 4-cylinder engine producing
174 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,800 to
5,500 rpm5(+31 HP and +33 lb.-ft. vs. 2015 Civic 1.8L) and
mated to an all-new CVT with torque converter designed specifically to
complement the turbocharged engine.
Both engines feature a wide array of friction-reducing design and
engineering features that support both high performance and high fuel
efficiency. These two ultra-efficient engines, married to the 2016 Civic
Sedan's highly aerodynamic body, help to garner class-leading EPA
fuel-economy ratings of 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined) for models
equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and CVT, 27/40/31 mpg for the 2.0L
with manual transmission and 31/42/35 mpg for models equipped with the
1.5-liter TURBO.
Advanced and Sporty New Body and Chassis The
2016 Civic sets a new standard for dynamic handling, steering, ride
quality and cabin quietness in the compact class, courtesy of its
all-new platform, featuring the most rigid and tightly sealed body and
the most sophisticated chassis in Civic history.
Advancing the sporty character of this all-new Civic is its more
sporty driving position, with a lower hip point compared to the outgoing
model. The Civic's all-new platform design and lower floor and engine
enable the lower hip point. The new Civic chassis features a redesigned
strut front suspension and a new multi-link rear suspension mounted to
an ultra-rigid rear subframe.
Torsional rigidity of the new body is improved by 25 percent aided in
part by more intensive use of ultra-high-strength steel. Fifty-nine
percent of the unit body is composed of high-strength steel, including
14 percent hot-stamp steel. Aerodynamic efficiency is improved by 12
percent to class-leading levels through detailed CFD modeling, wind
tunnel testing and tuning, and from the use full underbody covers (a
Civic first).
Despite its larger size, the new Civic unit body is 68 pounds lighter
than before, while new body-sealing techniques result in a 58 percent
reduction in cabin air leaks. Class-leading cabin quietness is further
improved by the use of premium noise-reducing features, including a
flush-mounted acoustic glass windshield, a more tightly sealed engine
compartment and triple-sealed doors.
To achieve the Civic development team's high targets for dynamic
performance and refined ride quality, the new Civic Sedan utilizes
hydraulic compliance bushings; a technology typically reserved for more
expensive vehicles, aiding the isolation of road vibration. Additional
new chassis technologies include variable gear-ratio steering, beefier
front and rear stabilizer bars and standard four-wheel disc brakes,
along with the application of new Agile Handling Assist brake-torque
vectoring technology for more precise and agile cornering.
Spacious, Sophisticated and Advanced Cabin The
new Civic interior is designed to offer the most comfortable,
sophisticated and premium-feeling cabin in the compact class. An
additional 3.2 cubic feet of interior space translates into the largest
cabin in the compact segment with 1.2 inches of added rear-seat legroom
versus the outgoing model. In front, new ultra-thin front roof pillars
enable class-leading forward visibility. At the rear, trunk space has
been increased by 2.6 cubic feet a configuration with a lower lift-over
height, larger opening and wider and taller cargo area. Civic Sedan EX
and higher trims will feature a 60/40 split and folding rear seat. All
Civic Sedan models also feature a larger, reconfigurable new center
console with up to 7.2 liters of secure storage space; approaching SUV
levels of console utility.
The new Civic interior strikes a more premium tone with high-quality
materials and high-contrast finishes. These include a new one-piece,
soft-touch instrumental panel with molded stitching; more premium seat
fabrics; a new full-color TFT center meter (EX and above trims); a
center console with piano black finish and high-contrast silver bezel;
door inserts with real stitching; an LED shift indicator and LED
overhead lighting; and for EX and higher trims, a leather shift boot.
The 2016 Civic Sedan offers customers more premium features than ever
before. New standard equipment includes automatic climate control,
auto-up/down front-power windows, an electronic parking brake with Brake
Hold and Walk-Away auto door locks. Additional available premium
features, depending upon trim, include heated side mirrors (EX and
above), remote engine start rain-sensing wipers (Touring), heated front
seats (EXT and above) and heated outboard rear seats (Touring), an
eight-way power driver's seat (EX-L and Touring), a four-way power front
passenger's seat (Touring) and an adjustable driver's seat thigh
support with 14 degrees of tilt.
Civic Audio and Connectivity Civic EX and higher
trims come equipped with a new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen with a
higher resolution Android-based operating system. The Civic joins the
2016 Accord as two of the first high-volume models in the industry to
incorporate both the Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
platforms, providing seamless integration of smartphone features and
functions. Smartphone connectivity for the Civic Sedan is now
accomplished using a single USB cable connection.
The new Civic Sedan also delivers on the audio front with more
powerful systems and expanded listening options, including SiriusXM®
Radio, Pandora® compatibility and HD Radio™. Civic LX trims
feature a 160-watt, four-speaker sound system and 5-inch LCD screen for
control of audio functions, while EX and EX-L trims feature a 180-watt
system, eight-speaker system and utilize the new 7-inch Display Audio
touchscreen as the nerve center for audio and climate control. The
new-line-topping Touring trim features a 450-watt, 10-speaker audio
system—the most powerful in its competitive set—integrated with Display
Audio.
Finally, while all Civic models with Display Audio provide for
smartphone-powered GPS navigation via the Apple CarPlay® and Android
Auto™ platforms (with compatible smartphone and customer data
plan), for customers who want an embedded navigation capability, the
Civic EX-L Navi and Touring trims are equipped with an all-new Honda
Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ developed in cooperation
with the experts at Garmin – offering more intuitive operation, improved
graphics and enhanced mapping capabilities.
Civic Safety Performance The 2016 Civic utilizes an advanced body structure – including a next generation Advanced Compatibility Body Structure™ (ACE™),
a high-strength steel floor and tailor-tempered, ultra-high-strength
B-pillars and rear frame rails – to provide a high degree of occupant
protection while minimizing weight and aiding fuel efficiency. The new
body structure works in concert with advanced front-side and side
curtain airbag technology, including SmartVent® technology for the
driver and front passenger side airbags.
Utilizing these systems in conjunction with the new Honda Sensing™
suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, the 2016
Civic Sedan targets the highest available U.S. safety ratings – an NCAP
5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Civic Manufacturing The 2016 Civic Sedan marks
the first time Honda's North American manufacturing operations have
served as the global lead plant for a model like Civic, sold worldwide.
Further, all 2016 Civic Sedans for the North American market are
manufactured at the company's Alliston, Ontario, and Greensburg,
Indiana, auto plants6. The two new engines for the 2016
Civics are manufactured at Honda engine plants in Anna, Ohio, and
Alliston, Ontario, with the new turbo engine produced exclusively at the
Anna Engine Plant. The two continuously variable automatic
transmissions are being produced by Honda plants in Russells Point,
Ohio, and Celaya, Mexico.
About Civic Civic is Honda's best-selling car
globally, the best-selling compact car in America with individual retail
car buyers for the past eight years7 and the most popular car with U.S. millennials8.
The first-generation Civic debuted in America in 1972 and Civic has
played a leading role in advancing fuel efficiency, small-car safety
performance, design, technology and fun-to-drive performance for nine
generations. American car buyers have purchased more than 10 million
Civics throughout its 43 years in the U.S. market and Civic has been
manufactured in North America since 1986, with cumulative Civic
production in North America exceeding 9 million units.
About Honda
Honda offers a complete lineup of Honda cars, trucks and service with
a network of more than 1,000 Honda dealerships within the United
States. Eight Honda auto plants in North America, including four in the
U.S., have the capacity to produce 1.92 million automobiles each year.
In 2014, more than 97 percent of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in
the U.S. were produced in North America6.
1Based on IHS Automotive, Polk new retail vehicle
registration data for CY2010-2014 in the non-luxury traditional compact
segment. 2MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) excluding
tax, license, registration, $880 destination charge and options. Dealer
prices may vary. 3Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison
purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and
maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors, 4Peak power: 158 HP @ 6000 rpm (SAE net), peak torque: 138 ft-lb @ 4200 rpm (SAE net). 5 Peak power: 174 HP @ 5500 (SAE net); peak torque; 164 ft-lb from 1800 to 5500 rpm (SAE net). 6Manufactured using domestic and globally sourced parts. 7Based on IHS Automotive, Polk new retail vehicle
registration data for CY2010-2014 in the non-luxury traditional compact
segment. 8Based on IHS Automotive, Polk new U.S. retail vehicle registration and age of head of household data for 2015CYTD June.
Here’s a question we don’t ask ourselves very often: Is more power
better? Yet that’s something we pondered during the launch of the
all-new, 10th-generation Honda Civic,
at which we drove both the new base 2.0-liter engine and the more
powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged four. At the end of the day, there was
no clear-cut answer as to which version is best. What was abundantly
clear, however, is that the base engine isn’t bad.
Nor is the rest of the 2016 Civic, but we’ll get to that. The all-new
2.0-liter engine is offered only in the entry-level LX model and in the
one-rung-up EX. It is said by Honda to both weigh less and have reduced
internal friction compared with last year’s 1.8-liter, while kicking out
an additional 15 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque. The totals are now
158 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 138 lb-ft at 4200 rpm. In true Honda
i-VTEC fashion, power builds in a linear crescendo, with no lumpiness or
lag. Just as sweet is the 2.0-liter’s rorty Honda sound—that’s pure
sound, without synthesizing or amplification—which permeates the
Civic’s well-insulated cabin with every full-tilt run up to the engine’s
6700-rpm redline.
And rev it hard we did, since it’s none too quick—expect a zero-to-60-mph time in the low-eight-second range. We just clocked the turbocharged 2016 Civic
at 6.8 seconds to 60, with its 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
The 2.0-liter also has an old-school Honda charm that the 1.5-liter’s
standard CVT automatic dulls a bit; if character counts, the 2.0-liter
makes a case for itself.
There’s Still a Stick
The other reason to respect the base Civic is that it offers a manual
transmission (like last year, though, it’s restricted to the
price-leading LX). Honda representatives have told us that we can expect
more Civics—including the 1.5-liter turbo—to offer a stick shift in the
future, but that development resources for now are focused on bringing
out the other Civic variants yet to appear, including the coupe, the
four-door hatchback, the Si, and the Type R.
While the new six-speed gearbox doesn’t feel quite as sweet as the one
in the 2016 Accord Sport, it’s far from sloppy, with clearly defined
gates and short throws, and it's paired with a nicely progressive
clutch.
It certainly beats the CVT, which is optional on the LX and standard on
EX models and above. The lack of any form of manual ratio selection—via
paddles, shift lever, or otherwise—seems a bit of an oversight on
Honda’s part, although a Sport mode keeps the engine whirring closer to
its power peak if you’re feeling frisky. (And no, it’s not the same CVT
that has recently been recalled in the 2014 and 2015 Civic and Fit.)
Like other Civics, the base model turns in quickly and rotates with
heroically little front-end push, although all of the models we drove
would benefit from more tire grip. Other than 16-inch wheels and
215/55-series tires versus 17-inch wheels with 50-series tires, there is
little that separates the chassis of 2.0-liter cars from their
turbocharged brethren. They do weigh some 150 pounds less, however, much
of which comes off the front axle for somewhat improved front-to-rear
weight distribution (59.6/40.4 for the 2.0-liter compared with 61.3/38.7
for the 1.5-liter). The Civic 2.0 also has a refreshing sense of
lightness and sharpness, the slight dead spot in the steering
notwithstanding.
Designers, Arise!
As for the rest of the 2016 Civic, the improvements cannot be
understated. Its design is sleek and fastback-like, with a large,
severely raked greenhouse that no longer includes frumpy front
quarter-windows. The front fenders feature bulges over the wheel arches,
and the body overall has plenty of sculpting. The rear-three-quarter
view is the most distinctive, owing to the standard C-shaped LED
taillamps, tapering windows, and sunken backlight. This is a highly
styled automobile. After years of sleepy aesthetics from Honda, we can
now consider the automaker’s design team to be fully awake.
The cabin environs seem simultaneously more modern and more intimate,
thanks to the wide dashboard design, one-inch-lower front hip point, and
taller two-tiered center console that cossets the front passengers. An
old Honda trait has returned in the form of the remarkably low
windshield cowl, which has dropped 1.6 inches and allows an expansive
view of the road ahead.
Civic pricing
starts at $19,475 for the LX and $21,875 for the better-equipped EX,
with prices for the turbo models rising from there. But even at the LX
level, the Civic is no stripper, with its standard digital speedometer,
automatic climate control, comfortable cloth seats, electronic parking
brake, automatic headlamps, and more. Opting for the EX yields a full
digital dashboard, Honda’s nifty LaneWatch camera system, remote engine
starting, a power sunroof, heated mirrors, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto,
alloy wheels (versus steelies with wheel covers), and the aforementioned
CVT. The EX also brings Honda’s annoying flat-panel “Display Audio”
system that begs for a volume knob; thankfully, the Civic’s new
steering-wheel-mounted audio controls help minimize the use of said
touch screen.
We offer more opinions about the Civic’s newfound goodness (and some of its shortcomings) in our instrumented test of the top-dog Touring model,
which comes with many more gadgets and gizmos, as well as the 1.5-liter
turbocharged engine. Whether that engine is the more desirable of the
two is debatable, but our positive experience with the 2.0-liter models
suggests that Honda has once again taken up the cause of building basic
transportation that doesn’t feel basic.
DEXTER, MI – After being eclipsed last year by its longtime rival the Toyota Corolla, Honda is looking to take back leadership in the compact-car segment in the U.S.
It believes it has just the vehicle to do it in the 10th-generation Civic, the first variant of which, the sedan, goes on sale next month in the U.S.
“I think in time we will get back to No.1 in segment,” Michael Willrich, product planner for the new Civic, tells WardsAuto here during a media preview of the car.
Willrich
bases his belief on the car reembracing its athletic roots for ’16, in a
larger, stylish and more technologically advanced package.
While
Civic sales were down just 1.5% through September, the Corolla has seen
a 7.7% increase in the same period, thanks to 278,742 deliveries this
year, roughly 20,000 more than the Civic.
That volume makes the Corolla No.1 in WardAuto’s Upper Small car segment through September. The Civic is No.2 and the Hyundai Elantra, with 193,962 sales, is No.3.
Focusing
too heavily on the notoriously softer-riding Corolla and the North
American market in general is partially why the outgoing
ninth-generation Civic got watered down, says the car’s assistant chief
engineer, Gary Evert.
“Somewhere
along the line something happened,” he tells media here. “We lost the
vehicle’s character, and we began to focus only on the North American
mass-market competitors like the Corolla. We wanted to change that. We
wanted to make something truly special with this new Civic,” he says of
the development team targeting sportier European luxury C-cars,
including its benchmark, the Audi A3.
Honda
also has cited the post-recessionary mood of the country for the
ninth-gen Civic’s less-than-stellar interior materials and ride and
handling. That version debuted in spring 2011, two years after the Great
Recession.
Despite New Turbo, LX Still Seen as Best Seller
Willrich’s
contention the Civic will again be the top-selling C-car in the U.S.
“in time” refers to the sedan being just the tip of the iceberg.
The
next-gen Civic coupe goes on sale this coming winter, while a 5-door
hatchback, the Civic’s Si sport variants and a Type R, a competitor to
the Ford Focus RS and Volkswagen Golf R, debut later. Honda promises the wait won’t be too long.
Type R launch timing for the U.S. reportedly is 2017, although a Honda spokeswoman suggests 2017 could mean the ’17 model year.
In
the meantime, Honda will have five grades of the sedan to sell: LX, EX,
EX-L and the new EX-T and Touring models. The EX-T has Honda’s first
turbocharged engine in the U.S., while the Touring is being billed as
the highest-end Civic ever.
Willrich
says the LX model, which replaced the DX discontinued with the launch
of the ’13 Civic, has been the most purchased grade, with a 50% take
rate since the recession ended.
He expects that to continue initially, but notes the mix will change with the launch of the forthcoming variants.
Honda continues to offer a manual for the LX grade, which has a 2.0L 4-cyl. Willrich estimates 5%-7% of ’16 Civic buyers will opt to shift their own gears.
While
manuals are declining as a transmission choice – automatic-transmission
fuel economy typically is better than that of manual-equipped models
and younger drivers don’t know how to drive a stick, Willrich doesn’t
foresee a day the Civic won’t offer a manual.
“The market’s moving that way, but if I had my way we’ll always have a manual,” he says.
The
Civic Hybrid is discontinued with the close of the ninth-gen model and
Willrich sees buyers who might have opted for another migrating to
future Honda green cars, such as forthcoming dedicated plug-in hybrid
and electric vehicles.
Young and Young at Heart
Honda
is targeting “young-at-heart” buyers, projecting two generations will
opt for the Civic, Generation Y and older empty-nesters with a youthful
mindset.
For Gen Y, buyers will be
split 50/50 between along gender and single/married lines, with a median
age of 29 and an annual household income of $63,000.
Consumer research done earlier this year in Texas convinced Willrich Honda
has a winner on its hands, as about 400 people cited the car’s
unexpected styling and its image shift from practical to “distinctive
and exciting” as alluring attributes, along with Honda’s longtime lures
of dependability, quality and reliability.
“We
want to continue building lifetime owner loyalty, we want to continue
conquesting sales and we want to improve the overall opinion of the
Honda brand with this car.”
Honda
executives previously have stated they don’t see the rise in CUVs
impacting compact sales, expecting the new Civic to light a fire in the
segment whose 2% growth through September lags Small CUV growth of 43%
and Middle CUVs gain of 11%.
Honda
isn’t talking sales expectations for the Civic in the U.S., but last
month one of the automaker’s top American executives cited a company
goal to maintain 800,000 global sales.
The
U.S. has long been the top market for the Civic. The car reached its
pinnacle in 2008, when unleaded gasoline prices hit $4 per gallon in the
U.S. and Honda sold 339,289.
If Honda wants to outpace Toyota
it may have to hit that number again. Toyota sold roughly 340,000
Corollas in the U.S. last year while Honda delivered 325,981 Civics.
