The next-generation Civic hatchback and sedan was at the 37th Thai International Motor Show. The design of this new Civic heralds a significant step-change from previous versions of Honda’s core models, focusing on provocative design and rewarding driving dynamics.
For many ASEAN customers, Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand. The all-new Civic continues this tradition with even more excitement in store for regional buyers.
The all-new Civic hatchback will be 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current generation. New larger and wider wheels and tyres give a feeling of an assured stance, while the long wheelbase, short overhangs and sleek cabin area further add to the dynamic feel of the exterior.
At the front of the car, a short overhang with large air intakes presents a sharp and aggressive interpretation of Honda’s family face. LED headlights and daytime running lights flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches.
The sleek and swept-back body lines continue along the side of the car with a swage line that incorporates front and rear door handles before culminating in the distinctive C-shaped LED rear lights. A second, lower character line extends from behind the front wheels up through the doors and meets the rear wheel arches, emphasising the car’s dynamic forward-leaning stance. At the rear, the bumper incorporates angular creases and vents, designed to echo the aggressively styled nature of the rest of the car.
Topping the range is a brand new 1.5-litre engine with VTEC, direct-injection and turbocharging technologies producing an impressive 173hp and 220Nm of torque.
The other engine option is the carried-over E85-compatible 1.8-litre block that can also be found in the HR-V compact SUV. Outputs are rated at 141hp and 174Nm.
Both versions come with CVT automatic transmission and steering-mounted paddle-shifters to operate the seven-speed manual mode. The ninth-gen Civic came with five-speed torque-converter automatic in Thailand.
Highlighted passive safety features include front, side and head airbags, while active ones include chassis and braking electronics, as well as blind-spot monitoring system. Convenience items include 8- and 4-way adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger accordingly, dual-zone climate control, engine remote start and the latest in infotainment accommodating Apple CarPlay.
Prices for the Thailand market are set at 869,000 baht for 1.8E and 959,000 baht for 1.8EL. The Turbo goes for 1.099 million baht and 1.199 million baht in range-topping RS spec.
(Civic RS model above has different headlights and nose treatment from the 1.8L version pictured below)
Daisuke Tsutamori, Project Leader for the 10th generation Civic provides an insight into how the distinctive design was conceived and realised: “we knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic’s core values. The result is a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality.”
