All new 2016 Honda Civic

The first Civic, launched in 1972, was an instant success becoming one of the most popular small cars in the world. In 2015 the 10th generation started to roll out around the world, and finally, in 2016 it is coming to New Zealand.

 

We get 4 models, the base Civic S with the old 1.8L engine is rather ordinary, and will likely get picked up for fleet use. The exciting models are the new Civic Turbo, Civic RS and Civic NT. All 3 use the same 1.5L Turbo engine and differ in trim and comfort levels, with the NT topping the range.
The new engine sounds small, but makes 127kW (170hp) and a massive 220Nm of torque from as low as 1700rpm right up to 5,500rpm.
The only transmission option is a new CVT, which seems a bit wasted given that huge flat power curve. It sounds like a great engine to drive with a proper gear box.

The RS model hasn’t been seen in New Zealand since the mid 70s, when the first Gen Civic got an RS model. The first RS was a proper hot hatch (the first, beating the Golf GTI by 1 year to market) with twin carbs, bigger wheels and real suspension improvements. It also weighed 650kg, making it pretty quick with only 75hp from it’s 1200cc engine.
The new RS is sadly a cosmetic package, just another trim level to sit between the Turbo and the NT. As a piece of branding it fits nicely with the RS Jazz in the model range, but it would be nice to have seen some proper performance enhancements. This would have been a great opportunity to offer a manual gearbox and some suspension mods to give the model a real point of difference and bring back the Civic’s sporty history. The first RS become the Si which become the SiR, which evolved into the god killing Type R.
If the RS is not just a cosmetic package I’m sure I’ll be corrected, but the press release only mentions distinctive RS styling with an integrated body kit with a striking Black Grille, Rear Sports Spoiler, exclusive 17” RS Alloy Wheels, dark Chrome Door Handles, LED Headlights, LED Fog Lights, Sunroof and RS badging.

The miss-placed RS aside, the new car is loaded with features:

“Advanced connectivity and infotainment is provided in the new Civic range with a 7” Touch Screen and Honda’s Advanced Display Audio. The Civic sees the addition of Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as standard, along with a flexible Android operating system. The top spec model, the Civic NT Turbo, also features, for the first time, a built in Garmin Navigation App, with all the flexibility of an App, without the need to connect a smartphone.

The new Civic is fitted with a wide range of active and passive safety technologies designed to make driving both easier and safer, while maximising occupant and pedestrian protection. The new Civic is designed, engineered and tested in Honda’s Crash Test Facilities and is expected to achieve a top scoring five star safety rating when independently tested.

Every new Civic incorporates Honda’s proprietary Next Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure technology to form the foundation for excellent passive safety performance, enhancing occupant crash protection. A network of connected structural elements distributes crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle, reducing the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. ACE also helps minimise the potential for underride or override situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle.

The Civic range is equipped with front, side and full length curtain airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Agile Handling Assist System (AHA), Straight Drive Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Emergency Brake Assist System (EBA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Tyre Deflation Warning System and seatbelt reminders on all seating positions.

The Civic Turbo models have the addition of the LaneWatch Camera. The LaneWatch Camera is situated on the left wing mirror and displays the left hand side view of the car on the 7” Screen when the left indicator is on. This extends the driver’s view to 80 degrees reducing the left hand blind spot and making turning left or changing lanes safer.

The Civic NT Turbo adds the Honda Sensing suite of active safety technologies including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Low Speed Follow (LSF).

Packed with the latest driver technology, the Civic comes standard with Cruise Control, Multi Angle Reversing Camera with Dynamic Parking Aid, Bluetooth, Daytime Running Lights, Electric Parking Brake, Brake Hold Function and Security Alarm with engine immobiliser.

The Civic Turbo model adds Premium Fabric Interior, Fog Lights, 17” Alloy Wheels, Smart Keyless Entry with Push Button Start/Stop, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Auto Rain Sensing Wipers, Auto Headlights, privacy glass and much more. Leather with Heated Front Seats, is included in the Civic RS Turbo and Civic NT Turbo models for added luxury.”

The first model to launch is the Sedan, with the new Hatch coming later this year, or early 2017.

-Moppie

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