Did Honda make it better?

Tenth generation Honda Civic

Honda unveiled the tenth generation Honda Civic as a concept car at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. The Civic will be based on an all-new Honda compact global platform.

Honda unveiled the 2016 Civic sedan in September 2015, production began in late October,with sales beginning on November 12th. The Civic coupe debuted at the LA Auto Show in November.Civic variants include sedan, coupe, 5-door hatchback, Si trims, and Type-R models.

The exterior features standard LED DRLs and C-shaped LED taillights. Headlamps with LED low and high beams along with amber LED turn signals are optional.

Two I4 engines are available: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter DOHC paired to either a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission, or an optional turbocharged direct injected 1.5-liter DOHC engine. The sedan’s 2.0-liter engine paired with the CVT has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined).

The sedan’s wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer with rear disc brakes made standard. The Civic is based on an all-new platform which utilizes higher grade steels, the unit body is 68 pounds lighter than the prior model and the center of gravity has been reduced 0.6 inches. To minimize NVH the Civic adds fluid-filled suspension bushings. A dual pinion steering system is introduced along with a thicker and more rigid 30 mm diameter steering column for improved steering feel, additionally the steering gear ratio is variable, with 2.2 turns lock-to-lock compared to 3.1 turns lock-to-lock from the previous model and a quicker 10.93:1 steering ratio.

Completely New

Honda claims this is the biggest complete redesign the Civic has ever received. The goal with the 10^th generation car is to recapture some of the sporty character the Civic used to be known for, but was lacking in the last generation. It’s two inches wider and one inch lower, built on a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase.

The new look has a lot of 2016 Accord up front and a blend of Insight, Crosstour and FCV Clarity in the back. Sitting ahead of the large front fender flares are available LED headlights, much like Acura’s jewel eyes. As well, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights are standard.

Better Handling

So it’s going to get the power it needs, but what about the handling? Well, the new Civic features a front strut suspension and multi-link rear end design. Honda claims body rigidity is up 25 percent, while weight is down 68 pounds, for the body at least.

Variable gear ratio steering, beefier front and rear stabilizer bars, 4-wheel disc brakes and handling assist brake-torque vectoring will all be included with the new Civic.

Bigger Inside

Inside there is now an extra 3.7 cubic feet of passenger space that leads to an extra 2 inches of rear-seat legroom that can easy accommodate a six foot passenger. And if stuck back there, it’s nice to know that heated seats for rear passengers are now available.

With that slope-back rear-end design, trunk space is also up 2.6 cubic feet. Standard in the car is automatic climate control and an electronic parking brake as well as much quieter driving experience that Honda achieved, in part, as a result of a 58-percent reduction in cabin air leaks.

As far as technology is concerned, a 7-inch high-definition Display Audio touchscreen is available that can operate Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. On the safety front, a technology suite called Honda Sensing is available with advance options like collision mitigation, road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control.