First introduced in 1972, Honda has always defined the Civic as a ‘car for people of the world’. Now, building on 50 years of heritage and with over 27.5 million units sold across 170 countries, the 11th generation Civic represents a modern evolution of the model’s distinctive shape, and echoes the noiseless, elegant design that we have seen in recent Honda models introduced to Europe.
Honda engineers followed a development ethos of ‘Exhilarating Civic’, focussing on how exterior and interior packaging can work together to create a more comfortable and refreshing in-car experience that will enhance owners’ everyday lives. By applying a unique human-centred approach to dynamics, design and usability, Honda has created a cabin with greater comfort, visibility and spaciousness than ever before.
Following Honda’s ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ (M/M) development approach – which is based on the principle that the purpose of technology and design is to serve the needs of the driver and passengers – has resulted in an exhilarating driving experience. The Civic inspires confidence through tactile touchpoints, engaging handling and dynamics, and a powerful yet efficient drivetrain suitable for all driving requirements.
Honda’s proven e:HEV powertrain technology comes as standard, completing the brand’s mission to electrify all its mainstream European models by the end of 2022. The hybrid powertrain uses a lithium-ion battery to power two compact electric motors that work together with a 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine. It offers stunning all-round performance through impressive energy density, thermal efficiency, and torque.
Thanks to a tailored application for the new Civic, the e:HEV system is smoother with a more responsive power delivery and a greater sense of linear acceleration, as well as offering exceptionally high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions.
The all-new Honda Civic has been engineered to appeal to those seeking a dynamic and responsive option in the segment. Its e:HEV powertrain, upgraded steering and enhanced suspension combine to deliver the superior levels of performance, dynamic response and feedback that have always been central to the Civic’s appeal.
The new infotainment system has been designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available as standard. For the first time in a Civic, top grade Advance models will be equipped with a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument panel that offers users a range of customizable displays to relay the most relevant information to them.
The all-new Civic also features Honda’s expanded SENSING suite of advanced safety features and driver aids, which have been improved specifically for this new model. The introduction of new smart driver aids and active safety technology, in addition to an increased airbag count and new structural components designed for improved collision protection, ensure optimum safety for both driver and passengers.
When designing the all-new Civic, Honda engineers focused on creating a car that addressed consumers’ demand for emotional styling and dynamic feel. Staying true to Honda’s ‘Exhilarating Civic’ development ethos, the result is an evolved silhouette formed of simple and refined design elements that enhance the overall driving experience.
The Civic’s style echoes the noiseless, elegant design as seen in other recent Honda models. The new Civic features a sleeker roof line and a lower belt line that increases the glazed area, realizing exhilarating cabin space with a sense of airiness.
To create a sportier coupe-like aesthetic, the new Civic’s wheelbase is 35mm longer than the previous model, but with a 20mm shorter rear overhang and reduced overall height. The highest point of the roof line is set further forward than the previous model, with a gentle slope to the tailgate completing its sleek look. The resin tailgate – developed through new manufacturing technology – is 20% lighter than its predecessor and is crucial for achieving the sleeker design without impacting on rear head space.
The front of the Civic features a sharper bumper design than the previous model, integrating a mesh pattern in the upper grille that emphasises a sportier look. Black garnish on both sides of the lower bumper has been repositioned to give the car a lower, more planted appearance. At the rear, the tailgate deck height and combination taillights are positioned lower than the current Civic.
The rear ends of the hood have been lowered by 25mm, with the A-pillars 50mm further rearward, to align with the centre of the front wheels, giving the car a more balanced proportion in profile as well as a wider, more assured stance from all angles. This also has the effect of making the wheels and tyres appear larger, which, combined with the wider rear track and hemmed wheel arches – which helps reduce the visual gap between wheel and arch – creates a lower, more assured stance and projects a sense of greater agility. Despite the wider track, the overall vehicle width remains 1,800mm, the same as the previous model.
In profile, the Civic e:HEV presents a contemporary, uncluttered aesthetic, with touches such as flush door handles featuring touch sensors, eliminating the need for a locking button. In addition, side mirrors are now attached directly to the front doors below the belt line, instead of to the forward edge of the front door windows, helping reduce unnecessary blind spots.
For the first time on a Civic, the company has applied laser brazing to the roof. This advanced manufacturing technology has allowed the roof and side panels to be mounted closer together, increasing the premium look and feel of the car. This has been achieved through the welding technique negating the need for a moulding strip along the roof length.
The sleek headlights have been integrated to complement the smooth side profile, emphasising the new Civic’s low centre of gravity and dynamic styling. Nine LEDs, including daytime running lights, present a sharp yet approachable graphic. The central position of the high beam creates a familiar pupil-like appearance for the front lighting system, framed by the dynamic daytime running lights. The taillights have been integrated into the resin tailgate, representing a clean rear view with no visible lines. While the ‘C’ line graphic is retained from the current model, the upper and lower part of the lid lamp is also illuminated to give a sleek and wide glow when brakes are applied.
The front bumper is designed to reduce side wake effects by allowing the air to smoothly flow from the side of the front bumper, across the face of the wheel and down the body side. The tailgate, integrated boot lip and light cluster have been carefully designed for optimal aerodynamic efficiency, reducing disruptive air swirls to the rear and further improving airflow around the new Civic.
A range of alloy wheel designs are available, each of which express a refined and dynamic appearance. A 17-inch aluminium wheel comes as standard on Elegance grades, while 18-inch wheels are fitted to Sport and Advance grades; the latter gaining a two-tone finish. Each wheel’s appearance and finish has been designed to complement the Civic’s sporty and refined appearance.
The new Civic is available with a choice of contemporary exterior paint colours, with Sonic Grey as the standard option. Additional body colours include Premium Crystal Red and Premium Crystal Blue pearlescent finishes, as well as Crystal Black and Platinum White metallics.
