2018 Honda Civic four door press kit

 Contents

 

1. Introduction: New Civic saloon exhibits best-ever dynamics, refinement and sophistication

 

2. Sporty, fresh and distinctive exterior design

 

3. Newly engineered from the ground up, the Civic platform was developed for an engaging and refined driving experience

 

4. Latest VTEC TURBO petrol and i-DTEC diesel engines deliver outstanding real-world efficiency and performance

 

5. Class-leading interior space with improved usability

 

6. Next-generation Honda Connect delivers enhanced, more intuitive connected infotainment

 

7. Standard Honda SENSING across the range makes new Civic saloon one of the safest cars in its class

 

8. Technical specifications

 

 

1. Introduction: New Civic saloon exhibits best-ever dynamics, refinement and sophistication

 

• Sporty and distinctive design
• Engineered to deliver an engaging and dynamic driving experience
• Latest petrol and diesel engines deliver outstanding real-world efficiency and refinement
• Next-generation Honda Connect delivers enhanced intuitive operation
• Honda SENSING makes new Civic saloon one of the safest cars in its class

 

The new Honda Civic saloon is a dynamic and sophisticated four-door compact. It represents a significant step forward for Honda in the segment, benefiting from the largest single model global development programme in the company’s history.

 

The Civic is a core model for Honda in Europe and has been at the heart of the brand’s strong sales and manufacturing heritage in the region. For many European customers the Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand and the development team targeted a dynamic rejuvenation of Civic to place it in a league of its own.

 

“The creation of this tenth-generation Civic represents one of the most comprehensive and ambitious new model developments ever undertaken by Honda,” said Mitsuru Kariya, Chief Engineer and Global Project Leader. “As well as an unprecedented commitment of R&D resources, the process involved sales and manufacturing operations around the world, from North America and Japan, to Europe, South America and Asia. This car sets new benchmarks for the compact class in terms of dynamic performance, fuel efficiency, spaciousness, safety and interior quality.”

 

Achieving class leadership – while also meeting requirements for sales price, fuel efficiency and manufacturability – demanded new thinking and new approaches to body construction, vehicle aerodynamics and chassis design. The development team rallied around the core project slogan ‘otokomae’ to create a strong clarity of purpose. Otokamae embodies a sense of grace and elegance as well as an inner beauty.

 

The development team conducted extensive real-world benchmark testing, including assessment of European luxury vehicles, in setting the targets for ride, handling, steering and NVH, as well as interior quality and overall refinement.

 

Building on its 40-year heritage, the car stays true to the original Civic concept of “a car for all people, a car for the world”. It is a marriage of distinctive design, sporty styling and versatile practicality – with a renewed focus on rewarding driving dynamics.

 

The purposeful silhouette makes a confident statement about the Civic saloon’s sporty character. The new car has a short front overhang and taut lines that reference the high levels of aerodynamic efficiency. A sharp and aggressive ‘face’, pronounced wheel-arches and sculpted front and rear intakes hint at the Civic’s sporting character.

 

The new Civic has been engineered from the ground up to fulfil the promise of agile and rewarding dynamics. A lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell – the product of innovative new engineering and construction techniques – complements the lower centre of gravity and a sophisticated new suspension system in contributing directly to an engaging and fun driving experience.

 

The new wider, longer platform results in class-leading interior space. The entirely new interior features a simple, uncluttered layout, new technologies, exceptional refinement and high-grade materials. The new Civic saloon builds on the model’s reputation for combining unrivalled passenger and luggage space with versatile, practical usability. The second-generation of the Honda Connect infotainment and connectivity system incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

 

The new Civic saloon is available with a choice of VTEC TURBO petrol or i-DTEC diesel engines that have been developed specifically to deliver a powerful, engaging and efficient driving experience.

 

The Honda SENSING suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies available across the range ensures the car is among the very safest in its class.

 

 

 

2. Sporty, fresh and distinctive exterior design

 

• Dramatic next-generation interpretation of signature Civic design
• Lower, wider and longer than previous model for a sleeker silhouette and sure-footed, muscular stance
• Class-leading aerodynamics

 

With an assertive stance and advanced aerodynamics, the new Civic saloon advances the model’s design into the next era. The sleek and swept-back silhouette articulates a fresh and distinctive new Honda design direction that conveys a strong and sporty character. Sharp lines are complemented by the most comprehensive aerodynamic packaging in the segment, including complete underbody panelling.

 

The athletic look starts with low and wide proportions which reflect an increased footprint. The new Civic saloon is 46 mm wider, 74 mm longer and 20 mm lower than its four-door predecessor. These generous dimensions underpin the distinctive design and sporty styling, while also facilitating rewarding dynamics and increased interior space.

 

New larger and wider wheels and tyres further emphasise the wide stance, while the long wheelbase, short front overhang and sweeping cabin area further add to the dynamic feel of the exterior.

 

“What we sought to instil in the completely rejuvenated new Civic was genuine charisma,” comments Mitsuru Kariya, Chief Engineer and Global Project Leader. “While this has to come from more than the styling, the athletic external appearance must allude to the dynamic attributes and technologies that lie within.”

 

Sporty and sophisticated design details include a short front overhang with distinctive large air intakes for a more purposeful stature. The result is a sharp and contemporary interpretation of Honda’s family ‘face’, incorporating signature Honda front headlight clusters.

 

The top edges of the front light clusters meet the top of the grille at the leading edge of the bonnet to create a neat, seamless, accented strip across the full width of the car, helping to project a wide, sure-footed stance. Depending on the model grade, the thin, high-tech front lamp clusters feature either projector halogen bulbs or sharp high-tech LED headlights. All models feature LED daytime running lights that illuminate a hockey-stick shaped strip at the outer edge of the cluster.

 

The sleek and swept-back body contour lines continue along the flanks of the car, with a swage line which bisects front and rear door handles before culminating in the distinctive C-shaped LED rear lights. These provide a further dramatic interpretation of signature Civic aesthetic on the saloon, with the top edge of the cluster extending to meet the boot lip spoiler.

 

A second, lower bodyside character line extends from the base of the front door behind the front wheel, up through the doors and meets the rear wheel arches, creating a forward-in-motion look that emphasises the car’s dynamic potential.

 

The sleek roofline, featuring a fin-type antenna, flows into C-pillars that extend the dynamic shape rearward. A further styling line extends from the trailing edge of the C-pillar quarter window, drawing back towards the aerodynamic boot lip. The overall effect is sleek, sophisticated dynamism with distinctive and thoroughly modern Civic exterior design.

 

The new Civic saloon is available in seven exterior paint finishes: solid Rallye Red and Taffeta White, metallic Lunar Silver, Polished Metal and Brilliant Sporty Blue, and pearlescent Crystal Black and Midnight Burgundy.

 

Class-leading aerodynamics

The Civic’s development team sought to achieve the most aerodynamically efficient body in its class, balancing low aerodynamic drag with high-speed stability. It achieved this through careful management of airflow over and under the car to minimise lift.

 

Advanced designs for the A-pillar and front and rear bumpers minimise disturbance of the passing air and the front grille is shaped to reduce engine cooling air losses. Under-engine and under-floor covers provide an almost entirely flat vehicle underside, while the short front overhang also contributes to improved aerodynamic efficiency. Stamped steel exhaust silencers are aerodynamically shaped and eliminate the need for an additional underside cover at the rear of the vehicle.

 

The flush-mounted windscreen and side window glass and minimised panel gaps further improve aerodynamic performance.

 

 

 

 

3. Newly engineered from the ground up, the Civic platform was developed for an engaging and dynamic driving experience

 

• New Civic is the result of the largest single model development programme in Honda’s history
• The most engaging and fun Civic driving experience ever
• Lower, sportier driving position
• New suspension setup delivers exceptional handling and ride comfort
• Advanced NVH management delivers class-leading interior refinement

 

Recognising that customers in the new Civic’s global target markets now expect European standards of quality, refinement and dynamic performance, the Civic development team planned Honda’s biggest ever single model engineering programme to create an entirely new car from the ground up.

 

The objective was to realise a dynamic rejuvenation of the Civic that would make it competitive with the best in the segment. From the earliest stage of platform development, the engineering team benchmarked the world’s best compact-class cars, including those from leading premium brands. This evaluation process ultimately served to define the new Civic’s targets in ride, handling, steering and NVH, as well as interior quality and overall refinement.

 

“From the very first stages, we defined our number-one objective for this new Civic as the creation of soulful performance,” said Mitsuru Kariya, Chief Engineer and Global Project Leader. “Dynamic performance targets were set and achieved through an exhaustive, gruelling regime of testing and development. The result is a platform that provides both superior driving stability and refinement, as well as a confidence-building, low-slung driving position.”

 

Despite the ambitious engineering programme, the new Civic saloon still meets the requirements of “a car for all people, a car for the world” by retaining its position as an affordable compact car in terms of cost, fuel efficiency and manufacturability. As such, the development process demanded new thinking and new approaches to body construction, aerodynamics, powertrain and chassis design. 

 

The global programme – unprecedented in its scale for Honda – incorporated the five-door hatchback, four-door saloon, two-door coupe and the Type R variants as part of a single development project that aimed to exceed benchmark European quality and performance standards.

 

Development driving of the new Civic saloon was carried out in Europe at the Nürburgring Nordschleife test track as well as through extensive on-road testing across Germany and Greece.

 

Advanced new unibody platform

The new platform’s design, the selection of materials, the engineering process, and novel manufacturing techniques have been key to creating a lighter, significantly more rigid structure. It is 16 kg lighter than that of the previous generation Civic saloon, while exhibiting 52 percent greater torsional stiffness.

 

Significant platform design features include front and rear bulkhead ‘rings’ that encircle the entire interior cabin space. Further platform rigidity is provided by a low-sensitivity front-floor structure, including cross braces in front of the engine bay and between the base of the A- and B-pillars.

 

The lightweight, high tensile materials employed across the structure are among the most advanced in the industry. Honda worked closely with Gestamp, a German supplier of a new generation of ultra-high strength hot-stamped steel. This collaboration resulted in the proportion of that material used in the platform increasing to 14 percent from just one percent in the previous Civic.

 

The new production technique results in single stampings that possesses precisely configured variable degrees of material strength. This allows the same single stamping to contain both high strength and ‘soft zone’ crushable areas. As one stamping provides different tensile strengths across its length and span, it eliminates the need to use several stampings of the required different tensile strengths that then need joining together with brackets.

 

The use of hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel increases the strength and reduces the overall weight of the entire body frame. For example, one of the most significant areas for the platform’s overall strength is the B-pillar and lower sill. The hot-stamped ultra-high tensile steel in that area is rated at 1500 MPa. But within this single stamping is a soft zone with a rated strength of 550-650 MPa.

 

Further innovation is employed in the body’s assembly process, which involves an innovative high-efficiency joining technique. The entire inner frame is assembled first, followed by the outer frame, and then the joints. This defies the conventional method of body frame assembly, which sees the outer frame assembled first, followed by inner assembly and the joints. This new production technology contributes greatly to the overall stiffness of the body.

 

Short-pitch welding places spot welds 20 mm apart in critical areas of the unibody, compared to traditional spacing of between 40 mm and 45 mm. This further contributes to increased stiffness and durability.

 

These design, engineering and manufacturing innovations result in a 19 percent increase in the body's global bending rigidity compared to the previous Civic saloon, and a 23 percent increase in torsional rigidity. This in turn provides a greater opportunity to tune the suspension for superior ride and handling performance. And the ingredients for further optimisation of vehicle dynamics are further enhanced by a unibody that is 16 percent lighter.

 

The most agile and dynamically proficient Civic ever

The advanced platform provides an optimised foundation for the most sophisticated chassis dynamics set up in the Civic model’s history. The design team set themselves the target of achieving class-best handling and ride comfort.

 

New suspension, a lower centre of gravity and a boost in body rigidity help make this latest Civic saloon the most engaging and fun to drive ever. Ride comfort is exemplary as a result of exhaustive development and a focus on compliance-boosting techniques and technologies.

 

The Civic’s fuel tank has been relocated and the car’s floor is lower than that of the outgoing model. These changes also allow the driving position to be set nearer to the road, with a hip point 20 mm lower, giving a sportier feel.

 

At the front, lower-arm-type front MacPherson strut suspension provides high lateral rigidity for linear handling, and low longitudinal rigidity for optimised ride compliance. Dual pinion variable-ratio electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has been specifically tuned for the four-door model to reflect its secure handling. The system was pioneered on the 2016 Civic Type R performance hatchback and is conventionally deployed only on premium or performance vehicles.

 

Feedback from the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is exceptional thanks to the development team’s focus on achieving instantaneous response, precise traceability, sophisticated smoothness, and a sense of secure predictability. The dual ratio steering delivers a steady response at on-centre and near-centre steering angles, and a smoother response at off-centre steering angles.

 

Vibration transfer to the steering wheel is minimised by increasing the steering column diameter and locating the lightweight steering motor on the dual pinion rack, rather than in the conventional position on the steering column. So crucial was the steering feel in the overall platform’s objectives for dynamic performance that development of the EPS started at the very earliest stages of the platform’s engineering programme seven years ago.

 

At the rear, a new rear multi-link suspension set-up and new rigid subframe deliver high stability for superior ride comfort and linear handling.

 

Great attention was paid to the specific position of the suspension mounts to ensure optimal stiffness to enhance the suspension’s performance. For the first time on any Civic saloon, hydraulic fluid-filled compliance bushings at the front and rear result in superior ride isolation, as well as chassis vibration control. Furthermore, the new subframes at the front and the rear are specifically laid out so that cornering forces are transmitted more directly through the suspension to the subframes.

 

Agile Handling Assist (AHA)

Honda’s Agile Handling Assist (AHA) electronic stability system has been specially tuned for the European market to reflect typical road surface conditions and driving styles. It provides subtle, discreet assistance for added safety and smoother, more predictable vehicle behaviour at low and high speeds, and with both gentle and rapid steering inputs.

 

Class-leading refinement

The new Civic’s platform engineering and exterior design deliver class-leading interior quietness and refinement through optimal noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) management. Exemplary refinement results from minimising the generation of noise and vibration and their transfer through the body structure, and by using thorough sound sealing and insulation.

 

The minimisation of engine noise at its source results from a variety of different strategies. For example, ribs in the engine cylinder block reduce the radiation of noise and vibration from the cylinder, while a stiffer block also generates less noise and vibration. Not only was the stiffness of the engine mounts optimised, but also the position and stiffness of the engine mount stays on the bodyside.

 

Transfer of disturbances through the body structure is reduced by the inherently stiffer body, which has a lower sensitivity to vibration, and identification of noise transfer paths helped engineers optimise structures in those areas to minimise transfer and radiation NVH.

 

To deal with noise that emanates from outside the car, comprehensive body sealing and streamlining measures were deployed.

 

Larger body panels on the new Civic are shaped and sculpted using computer aided engineering (CAE) to reduce ‘booming’, while the material combination between the A- and B-pillars and the floor sills reduces idle vibration.

 

An acoustic windscreen uses an outer layer of 2.1 mm safety glass, a 0.7 mm middle layer of noise-reducing acoustic polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and a 1.8 mm inner layer of safety glass, for a total thickness of 4.6 mm – all combining to deliver class-leading wind-noise performance. And the Civic’s doors feature triple-layer seals to reduce the ingress of wind and other exterior noise.

 

To minimise the intrusion of road noise, the new Civic saloon’s engine bay and floor under-covers contains sound insulation materials, as do the rear wheel housings. The engine bay bulkhead, dashboard inner and outer panels, and interior cabin carpet all incorporate further soundproofing composites.

 

The greatly increased refinement means a quieter, more relaxing interior with fewer distractions for the driver, allowing them to focus on the engaging experience behind the wheel.

 

4. Latest VTEC TURBO petrol and i-DTEC diesel engines deliver

outstanding real-world efficiency and performance

 

• Civic saloon engines offer athletic response, low CO₂ emissions and high real-world fuel economy
• Friction-reducing technologies improve refinement and contribute to lower emissions from petrol and diesel units
• Lightweight engine components further help to boost overall efficiency
• Comprehensively-revised diesel engine assembled at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon

 

The new Civic saloon is available with Honda’s latest 1.0-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine, as well as the comprehensively-revised 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel. Both powertrains offer powerful and efficient real-world performance, as well as low CO₂ emissions.

 

Honda’s engineering heritage encompasses some of the most celebrated engines in the industry, and the latest VTEC TURBO engine is designed first and foremost to offer dynamic performance to support the new Civic’s soulful, fun-to-drive character. Nevertheless, it also achieves highly competitive fuel economy and efficiency. The 1.0-litre VTEC TURBO is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a bespoke CVT automatic.

 

A highly efficient 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine is also available in the new Civic saloon, offering an outstanding combination of performance and efficiency. Honda has made significant improvements to the engine and the exhaust system to maximise real-world performance. The latest diesel engine is available with a choice of six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmissions.

 

Engaging driveability from new VTEC TURBO

With direct injection, a compact, low-inertia mono-scroll turbocharger, electronic wastegate, Honda’s Intelligent-Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) and Dual-Variable Timing Control (Dual-VTC), the turbocharged petrol engine has been designed to develop the power and torque of much larger engines. As a result, the latest VTEC TURBO engines achieve engaging driveability and soulful performance – with high specific outputs of maximum torque and power – while also delivering Euro 6 compliant environmental performance that is among the class leaders.

 

The three-cylinder 1.0-litre VTEC TURBO petrol unit delivers a significant improvement in everyday driveability – thanks to greater torque at low and mid-range engine speeds – as well as fuel efficiency, over the 1.8-litre VTEC engine of the previous generation Civic models. Maximum torque of 200 Nm with the six-speed manual is available at 2,250 rpm, and 180 Nm with the CVT is available between 1,700 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Maximum power is 126 PS (93 kW) at 5,500 rpm. Official CO2 emissions are as low as 107 g/km for the CVT-equipped model, with fuel economy on the NEDC combined cycle from 60.1mpg.*

 

VTEC TURBO engine technologies

Honda’s engineers employed numerous advanced technologies in the development of the latest VTEC TURBO petrol engine, to optimise power and efficiency, and improve the responsiveness of the unit, with reduced internal friction and weight saving representing core concepts.

 

Low-inertia mono scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate

Compared to other small displacement turbocharged engines on the market, the turbocharger unit for the VTEC TURBO units is more compact, with a small-diameter turbine. The mono scroll housing design helps the turbo build boost pressure even at relatively small throttle openings and low rpm. Furthermore, the electrically actuated wastegate allows boost pressure to be precisely controlled.

 

A large, low-restriction air intercooler is positioned low in the front of the car, where it receives unobstructed airflow when the vehicle is in motion. The intercooler reduces the temperature of air entering the engine, making it denser for greater performance. To reduce weight, the turbo system utilises rigid, lightweight resin-composite inlet pipes to carry intake air to and from the intercooler.

 

Lightweight cylinder block, crankshaft and piston heads

A lightweight, die-cast aluminium block with individual reinforced main bearing caps minimises weight, while cast iron cylinder liners ensure durability. Each journal on the lightweight forged steel crankshaft is micropolished to reduce internal friction.

 

The engine’s lightweight pistons have a carefully optimised skirt design to minimise reciprocating weight, which reduces vibrations and increases operating efficiency. They also help to maintain stable combustion and contribute to improved efficiency with cavity-shaped crowns. Furthermore, a piston cooling gallery reduces knocking and improves fuel economy.

 

Cylinder head and valvetrain

The lightweight DOHC cylinder head is made of pressure-cast aluminium alloy and incorporates smaller and lighter sparkplugs. With exhaust ports cast directly into the cylinder head, the need for a traditional separate exhaust manifold is eliminated. To further help reduce weight, new thin-wall hollow camshafts are used.

 

To benefit fuel efficiency, emissions and power, the exhaust valves are sodium filled, which means they can be internally cooled. This removes the need for an enriched fuel mixture – a common requirement in turbo engines to help cool these valves. The resultant leaner mixture reduces emissions, increases fuel efficiency and supports increased power.

 

Dual-VTC varies the timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts independently and continuously for optimised combustion to suit the driving conditions. Under light loads, valve overlap can be increased to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel efficiency. When engine speed is low and engine load is high, such as during initial acceleration, the amount of overlap is increased to boost the scavenging effect, which improves torque and responsiveness. When engine speed is high and engine load is also high, such as during full-throttle acceleration, the amount of valve overlap is reduced to increase engine output by improving both intake and scavenging.

 

Direct injection

Direct injection enables increased torque across the engine’s full operating range, incorporating a compact, high-pressure pump that allows for high fuel flow with a variable pressure control to optimise operation. A multi-hole injector delivers fuel directly into each cylinder rather than to the intake port, as in conventional port fuel injection designs, allowing for more efficient combustion.

 

Friction-reducing technology

The Civic saloon’s VTEC TURBO petrol engine features new friction-reducing technologies designed to improve efficiency. The outer skirts of the lightweight aluminium pistons feature a low-friction coating applied in a unique pattern application. The result is reduced overall friction as the pistons move within the cylinder bores.

 

Plateau honing further lowers the friction level between the pistons and the cylinders by creating an ultra-smooth surface. Plateau honing is a two-stage machining process that uses two grinding processes instead of the more conventional single honing process. This also enhances the long-term wear characteristics of the engine.

 

Low viscosity oil (0W-20), a special two-stage oil pump relief valve, low-friction oil seals, special low-drag piston ring design, low-friction timing belt and a lightweight crankshaft also contribute to excellent overall operating efficiency.

 

Powerful and efficient i-DTEC diesel engine

Honda has comprehensively revised its 120 PS 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine for the new Honda Civic range, offering an outstanding combination of performance and efficiency. The development objective for this engine upgrade was to deliver an athletic response and agile feeling for the driver, greater refinement through precision technologies, and lower emissions.

 

The four-cylinder diesel engine provides maximum power of 120 PS (88 kW) at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 300Nm (221 lb-ft) at 2,000 rpm, capable of powering the Civic saloon from zero to 62 mph in 9.9 seconds. CO₂ emissions (under the updated NEDC test conditions*) are from 91 g/km when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. Combined fuel economy under the updated test conditions* is 83mpg.

 

Newly-enhanced diesel engine technologies

The improvements to the 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine include enhancements to reduce cylinder friction, boost the efficiency of NOx conversion, and to further develop the driveability of the car. Honda’s engineers have employed new production processes, introduced different materials, and sourced next-generation components to deliver a comprehensively-revised engine.

 

Lightweight aluminium structure

Honda’s 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine is comprised of a lightweight aluminium cylinder head joined to an all-aluminium, open-deck, high-pressure, die-cast engine block to minimise the engine’s weight. Additional cast ribs on the surface of the cylinder block increase structural rigidity and, consequently, improve the management of noise, vibration and harshness.

 

The lightweight dual-overhead camshaft (DOHC) cylinder head is made of pressure-cast aluminium alloy. In this re-engineered unit, the head requires less reinforcement thanks to improved cooling in the block, so the thickness – and therefore weight – of the aluminium structure has been reduced. The new component is 280 grams lighter than in the previous generation 1.6-litre i-DTEC, representing a 2% reduction.

 

Pistons and connecting rods

In the previous 1.6 i-DTEC, the pistons were made from aluminium. In the revised i-DTEC engine, the pistons are manufactured from steel. The use of forged steel reduces cooling loss. It prevents thermal energy from escaping to the engine block and makes it possible to improve thermal efficiency. This change enables the cylinder head to be thinner and lighter, but with no detriment to durability. A high-strength, lightweight slender crankshaft is also used to further minimise weight.

 

Friction-reducing technology

The new 1.6 i-DTEC engine features ‘super plateau honing’ – the same technique used in the VTEC TURBO engine manufacturing – which lowers the friction level between the pistons and the cylinder bores by creating an ultra-smooth surface.

 

Lower friction generates less heat, and so the plateau honing also contributes to a lower maximum combustion pressure (Pmax) in the cylinders: from 15.8 MPa in the previous 1.6 i-DTEC to 14.6 MPa in the newly-revised engine. By lowering temperature and pressure during combustion, Honda has been able to improve fuel economy from the 1.6 i-DTEC engine, even while introducing additional technologies to reduce the NOx produced – which would typically increase fuel consumption.

 

Next-generation efficient turbocharger

The revised 1.6 i-DTEC employs a turbocharger with a new design. It features a highly efficient variable-nozzle design and its rotational speed is precisely controlled by the car’s electronics, minimising turbo lag and providing an optimal combination of low- to mid-range pull and high-speed performance. Energy loss from the system is lower than in the previous i-DTEC, thanks to a new design of compressor in the turbocharger.

 

Efficient fuel injection system and engine air flow

The 1.6-litre engine uses a solenoid fuel injection system that is capable of operating at a high pressure of 1800bar. The higher the fuel pressure, the more rapidly it is injected, with finer atomization of the fuel spray that mixes with the air in the chamber. This results in a cleaner and more efficient combustion helping to achieve low emissions and fuel consumption.

 

The i-DTEC’s cylinders have high volumetric efficiency, featuring a high-intake flow and a high-swirl head port that precisely controls the combustion process to reduce hot spots that create unwanted emissions. The engine air flow is managed by using an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system that operates at high and low pressure to reduce NOx emissions.

 

Low emissions technology

Honda has adjusted the injectors to reduce emissions. The addition of post injection at lower ambient and coolant temperature increases the exhaust temperature and enables earlier activation of the catalytic converter, and an increase in pilot injection frequency also helps to reduce NOx levels., when regeneration of the particulate filter may occur, multiple post injections have been applied to reduce oil dilution and help to maintain efficient engine performance.

 

Honda’s new 1.6 i-DTEC is one of the first engines to be officially tested through the Real Driving Emission (RDE) procedure to validate NOx and particulate emission levels. The diesel powertrain has a new NOx Storage Converter (NSC) system with a higher processing cell density, which enables faster conversion and a reduction in emissions. A silver thin-coated particulate filter further improves the combustion efficiency of particulate matter, extending exhaust component durability, due to shorter heat production in the filter component.

 

Revised six-speed manual transmission

The petrol and diesel engine both benefit from a re-engineered six-speed manual transmission. A smooth and precise shift feel results from an enhanced synchroniser ring in the synchro-mesh gear of the transmission.

 

A constant-mesh helical reverse gear mechanism significantly reduces noise, and the dual mass flywheel also contributes to improved management of noise, vibration and harshness.

 

Advanced CVT redesigned for VTEC TURBO application

Honda’s latest CVT automatic transmission has been designed especially for its integration with the new VTEC TURBO engines. Compared to traditional CVT systems which exhibit a ‘rubber band’ feel under more demanding acceleration, the new unit delivers a totally different, more direct delivery of engine speed, which in turn results in a more linear response. It exhibits characteristics similar to those of current-generation dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

 

The CVT delivers its more natural drivability via a ‘multi-gear’ feel thanks to control software that is exclusive to Europe. This simulates seven speeds through the rev range, with optimised ‘gear change’ mapping providing the driver with the familiar feel of gear changes. Steering wheel-mounted gear shift paddles offer the driver the opportunity to take more control both in automatic and in ‘manual’ mode.

 

Efficient nine-speed automatic option for i-DTEC engine

The tenth-generation Civic range includes the choice of a diesel engine combined with an automatic gearbox – the first time this has been available for the Civic model.

 

With a wide spread of gears, the nine-speed transmission boasts superb efficiency: the very low first-gear ratio delivers a smooth and powerful launch, while a high top-gear ratio ensures low engine speed while cruising, which reduces fuel consumption and noise.

 

The spread of ratios in the gearbox means the automatic delivers smooth shifts, and a feeling of linear acceleration through the gears. Depending on the engine speed and throttle application, the transmission is also capable of ‘skipping’ gears for quick response, for example shifting down directly from 9th to 5th gear or from 7th to 4th gear, in addition to one- and two-gear downshifts.

 

 

* Applicable Regulation = Exhaust Emissions: Number of the base regulatory act and latest amending regulatory act applicable: EC 715/2007 / EU 2017/1347

5. Class-leading interior space with improved usability

 

• New Civic saloon is more spacious than the previous model
• More room for passengers and luggage
• Premium cabin quality, new LCD instrument binnacle layout and versatile two-tier ‘technology centre’ console

 

The all-new Civic is set to continue the model’s reputation for providing class-leading practicality and unrivalled passenger and cargo space. High quality materials, a simple and sophisticated design theme, and new digital instrument binnacle display provide a fresh, premium interior ambience.

 

“The charismatic exterior design continues inside. It is a modern cabin in which advanced technologies and high-quality materials naturally work together to create an enhanced level of space and comfort, while the overriding sense of well-being is achieved through exceptional visibility, as well as an unmistakable feeling of safety and security. This is at the heart of our achievement in redefining the compact car the Honda way.”

 

More spacious passenger cabin

Aided in part by the longer, wider platform and longer wheelbase, front seat and rear seat occupants benefit from greater visibility and more space in which to enjoy the premium fit and finish.

 

The driving position is 35 mm lower than in the previous generation Civic saloon to create a more secure, enveloped feeling for the driver and front passenger. 15% thinner A-pillars reduce the obstructed forward view, providing a class-leading 84.3 degrees of forward visibility. This also creates an open and airy feel to the cabin.

 

Ergonomically-optimised front seats are designed to provide high levels of comfort. The front seats have 10 mm greater fore / aft slide range, and 10 mm greater height range adjustment than the previous Civic. Top grade vehicles feature front-seat electric lumbar support adjustment for both driver and passenger.

 

Front shoulder room has been increased by 10 mm, and space between the front seats has increased by 15 mm. Rear seat shoulder room is up by 20 mm, while passengers in the back will also enjoy 45 mm more legroom, as well as 55 mm more knee room. Comfort for outboard occupants in the rear is improved by adjustable seat base cushions, and ingress and egress for all passengers is now easier than ever.

 

Class-leading boot space and versatility

Behind the 60:40 split rear seats, the focus is not just on luggage volume – although with 519 litres, it is 20.8% larger than the previous model – but also on ease of access and versatility of the boot. The low sill and wide boot opening combine with the flat boot floor and 20.6% larger pass-through to make loading heavy, wider and longer items easy. The four-door Civic’s boot will accommodate four soft suitcases or four golf bags – one more of each compared to the previous Civic saloon.

 

Premium interior design and quality

The all-new interior is designed to offer the most comfortable and sophisticated cabin in the compact class and gives the all-new Civic a thoroughly modern, sleek and simple aesthetic to complement the sharply sculpted exterior. This is achieved with horizontal lines that accentuate the feeling of width and length, and therefore spaciousness.

 

A sophisticated, premium ambience is augmented by cabin trim finished in high-quality materials, including a one-piece soft-touch instrument panel with moulded stitching, premium seat fabrics and door inserts with moulded stitching. Full leather upholstery is standard on top-grade vehicles.

 

‘Technology centre’ console

The centre console features a piano-black finish and was designed to follow a ‘technology centre’ theme.

 

The lower part in front of the gear lever is configured as a two-tier storage tray, specifically with the management of personal electronic devices in mind. The front tray provides at-a-glance and grab-and-go access to devices, with an integrated wireless smartphone charging pad available on some grades.

 

The second tray behind the centre console provides a more discreet storage area and access to the HDMI and USB ports, as well as the 12v power socket. A hole through the centre console means that plugged in cables can be passed from the second-tier tray to the front tray, helping to keep cable connectivity and device charging and connectivity neat and tidy. LED lighting aids visibility for the two-tier tray layout at night.

 

Above the storage tray, a contrasting silver panel presents the few simple, uncluttered ventilation controls, while overhead LED lighting adds to the premium ambience.

 

At the top of the centre console sits the seven-inch Honda Connect colour touchscreen display (please see next section). As well as being a touch-control device for the infotainment and climate control functions, the display integrates with a reversing camera on the top grades.

 

In front of the driver, a completely new instrument display layout provides vivid clarity and highly intuitive usability. A new seven-inch colour TFT-LCD Driver Information Interface (DII) display makes up the largest central section of the all-new reconfigured instrument binnacle. It includes a large digital tachometer – with analogue or digital rev needle, depending on the model grade – and a digital speedometer readout.

 

Integrated into the DII display is a large area in which the driver can switch between a variety of infotainment screens, including navigation instructions, SMS and email (complemented by voice activated responses), audio track information, smartphone contacts, journey trip information, and smart vehicle maintenance information. On Sport grades, drivers can also monitor turbo boost level.

 

This primary display is flanked by coolant-temperature and fuel-level gauges, again on TFT-LCD displays. All the displays are high contrast, easy-to-read, and contemporary in their typeface. As the driver enters the car, the instrumentation illuminates progressively to give a sophisticated, warm welcome.

 

Scrolling and selecting the information to display in the DII is performed via thumbpad controls on the left spoke of the steering wheel. It gives the driver the capability to scroll through the DII modes and adjust settings, perform alphabetic searches – of contacts or music tracks, for example – as well as to select the preferred information to display in the instrument binnacle’s DII. Also on the left spoke of the steering wheel are the integrated Bluetooth®3 HandsFreeLink® telephone controls. The combination of thumbpad controls and DII display in the driver’s forward line-of-sight helps to minimise distractions for the driver while underway.

 

A second thumbpad on the right spoke of the steering wheel operates the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist system settings.

 

New Civic now features a refrigerant with a much lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). Three-stage front seat heating and rear seat heating are also available on some grades.

 

The new Civic offers Brake Hold when temporarily stopped – for example, at traffic lights or busy junctions – as well as push-button start, keyless entry, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. 

 

 

6. Next-generation Honda Connect delivers enhanced, more intuitive connected infotainment

 

• New seven-inch Advanced Touch IPS display
• Full smartphone integration with both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto
• In-car apps include maps, messaging, music and more

 

The new Civic is available with the second-generation of Honda’s Connect infotainment and connectivity system, which offers enhanced intuitive operation and full smartphone integration via both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto.

 

The performance, stability and speed of the new Honda Connect system is delivered by a high performance Nvidia Tegra 3 quad core processor, which was specifically developed for extreme multitasking, ultra-smooth web browsing, brilliant graphics and rapid response to inputs. It also helps the display to present crisp, vivid, pin-sharp graphics and text on the seven-inch TFT-LCD touchscreen in the centre console.

 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included for the first time on a Civic saloon, which means that occupants can seamlessly integrate Honda Connect with the leading smartphone operating systems.

 

Integration with Apple CarPlay means that Honda Connect can now bring iPhone functionality to the driving experience, delivering the interface through the all-new Civic’s built-in display. Drivers can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music from the touchscreen or by voice using Apple’s Siri commands. The supported apps on CarPlay include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and other compatible third-party software where specified. CarPlay is compatible with iOS 8.4 or later and iPhone 5 or later.

 

Android Auto has been designed to give drivers a simple, intuitive way to use Android smartphones through both touch and voice interfaces, minimising the potential for distraction. Android Auto is compatible with Android 5.0 and higher, and the supported features include Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, music and numerous other popular apps, depending on the market.

 

The seven-inch Honda Connect touchscreen display features In-Place-Switching (IPS) technology. This delivers superior image quality and contrast ratios which provide viewers with more accurate and consistent display of colours, and much wider viewing angles than conventional LCD screens – up to 178 degrees – ensuring that both driver and passengers can read the screen without having to stretch from a comfortable seating position.

 

For the first time, Honda Connect also enables adjustment of climate control settings, which helps to minimise the number of switches in the clean, simple centre console.

 

Honda Connect gives rapid access to internet-based services such as web browsing, real-time traffic information, news and weather, social media, and internet music stations. It features pre-installed apps, with others available for download from the Honda App Centre for owners to personalise their connected experience. The pre-installed ‘Aha’ app allows effortless access to thousands of audio stations – spanning music, news, podcasts and audio books – as well as social media feeds and location-based services.

 

The touchscreen displays vehicle information – such as trip information and fuel economy – and images from the rear multi-view parking camera.

 

Honda Connect can be specified with optional Garmin satellite navigation, with pre-loaded maps, photo-real junction views, lane guidance, real-time traffic avoidance, 3D building and terrain views, and Eco Routing. Free map updates will be provided for five years, a benefit unique to Honda.

 

Options for the available audio configuration vary by grade, including an eight-speaker 180-watt output system, or high-power audio with 10 speakers (452-watt output).

7. Standard Honda SENSING across the range makes new Civic one of the safest cars in its class

 

• Civic now safer than ever thanks to new body construction and enhanced safety technologies
• Stiffer, stronger and with reduced cabin intrusion in the event of a crash
• Honda SENSING is a comprehensive suite of active safety features

 

The new Civic has been engineered to achieve industry-leading safety performance. The development team’s success in creating class-leading body rigidity and stiffness, in conjunction with a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies. These systems helped the new Civic – tested as a hatchback in 1.0-litre VTEC TURBO specification – to earn top ratings in the latest Euro NCAP tests (published November 2017). The Civic saloon shares the same safety structure and systems.

 

In line with Honda’s ‘Safety for Everyone’ philosophy, the same passive and active safety systems are included across all grades of the new Civic.

 

The exceptionally strong, rigid and stiff platform (please see section 2) provides the foundation for exceptional safety performance, with an ‘All Directions Collision Safety’ concept. The platform design incorporates Honda’s exclusive next-generation ACE™ (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body design, which employs a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly. This structural design helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger cell in the event of an impact, giving superior front, side and rear crash-worthiness.

 

On the all-new model this structure also includes ‘crash stroke technology’, which uses a hinge design on the front frame to direct the engine down and rearwards in a collision. This effectively adds 80 mm of additional energy-absorbing ‘crash stroke’ to the front of the vehicle and helps to minimise cabin intrusion in the event of a collision.

 

The six airbags help to protect occupants in the event of a collision and include i-SRS Airbag and i-Side Airbag technologies.

 

The passive safety features on the all-new Civic are complemented by the Honda SENSING suite of active safety and driver assist technologies, which – in a first for Honda – is installed on all grades. Honda SENSING is among the most comprehensive suites of safety technologies in its class. It uses a combination of radar and camera information, plus a host of high-tech sensors to warn and assist the driver in potentially dangerous scenarios. 

 

The Honda SENSING suite of active safety technologies includes:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System: helps to bring the car to a stop if the system determines that a collision with a vehicle detected in front is unavoidable. A warning sounds, and if necessary, brake pressure is automatically applied
• Forward Collision Warning: scans the road ahead to warn drivers of a potential collision, and provides visual and audible alerts to prompt the driver to take corrective actions to avoid a crash
• Lane Departure Warning: will detect if the car is straying out of its current lane without the turn signal being activated, and provides an alert to prompt the driver to make a correction
• Road Departure Mitigation: uses data from the windscreen-mounted camera to detect whether the car is veering out of its lane. It uses the Electric Power Steering to apply subtle corrections to keep the vehicle in its lane, and in certain situations can also apply braking force. The system switches off when it detects that the driver has regained control
• Lane Keeping Assist System: helps to keep the car in the middle of the current lane, by detecting road markings with a monocular camera and making small adjustments to steer the vehicle within the white lines
• Adaptive Cruise Control: allows the driver to set a desired speed and following distance from a vehicle detected ahead, which enables the use of cruise control in light, variable-speed traffic conditions
• Traffic Sign Recognition: detects and automatically recognises road signs and displays the signs on the instrument binnacle’s IID
• Intelligent Speed Assistance: combines the automatic speed limit set by the driver with TSR to automatically adjust the vehicle speed to that indicated by the last road sign
• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control: a pioneering technology that debuted on the 2015 Honda CR-V, i-ACC predicts and automatically reacts to other vehicles ‘cutting-in’ on multi-lane highways. It uses a camera and a radar to sense the position of other vehicles on the road and applies an algorithm – developed with exhaustive research on European roads – to predict the likelihood of vehicles in neighbouring lanes ‘cutting-in’. This enables the new Civic to adjust its speed automatically before other vehicles cut in, for a safe and comfortable journey.

 

Further safety technologies in the new Civic include:

• Blind Spot Information: uses radar technology to automatically detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot and alerts the driver via a warning symbol in the door mirror
• Cross Traffic Monitor: uses rear side radar sensors to warn the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing
• Multi-angle rear view camera: provides the driver with options for complete visibility and therefore peace-of-mind when reversing; a normal 130-degree view, a wide 180-degree view and a top-down view

 

Also fitted as standard are Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with traction control, which enhances control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering, and Indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

 

 

8. Technical specifications

 

• All technical information is preliminary and subject to change
• All fuel consumption and CO₂ figures are subject to final homologation

 

Body and chassis

Four-door, five-seat saloon with unitary construction bodyshell. Three-cylinder 1.0-litre VTEC TURBO petrol and 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engines with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions driving the front wheels.

 

Engine

	1.0-litre VTEC TURBO Three-cylinder petrol		1.6-litre i-DTEC Four-cylinder diesel
	6MT	CVT	6MT	9AT
Type	4 valves per cylinder		4 valves per cylinder
Capacity (cc)	988		1,597
Bore x stroke (mm)	73mm x 78.7mm		76mm x 88mm
Compression ratio	10:1		16:1
Power	126 PS (93 kW) at 5,500 rpm		120 PS (88 kW) at 4,000 rpm
Torque	200 Nm at 2,250 rpm		300 Nm (221 lb ft) at 2,000 rpm

 

Transmission

	1.0-litre VTEC TURBO	1.6 i-DTEC
Manual	6 speeds	6 speeds
Automatic	CVT with 7 simulated gears	9-speed automatic

 

Gear ratios

	1.0-litre VTEC TURBO 6MT	1.0-litre VTEC TURBO CVT (simulated gears)	1.6-litre i-DTEC 6MT	1.6-litre i-DTEC 9AT
1st	3.642	0.408-2.526	3.642	4.713
2nd	1.884	－	1.884	2.842
3rd	1.179	－	1.179	1.909
4th	0.869	－	0.869	1.382
5th	0.705	－	0.705	1.000
6th	0.592	－	0.592	0.808
7th	-	-	-	0.699
8th	-	-	-	0.580
9th	-	-	-	0.480
Reverse	3.673	1.552-2.706	3.673	3.830
Final Drive	4.705	4.992	3.571	3.374

 

Suspension and damping

Front	MacPherson Strut
Rear	Multi-link

 

Steering

	1.0-litre VTEC TURBO	1.6-litre i-DTEC
Type	Electrically assisted rack and pinion
Steering turns (lock to lock)	2.22	2.22
Turning circle (at wheel centre)	10.6m	10.6m
Turning circle (at body)	11.5m	11.3m

 

Brakes

Front	16-inch ventilated disc
Rear	15-inch solid disc

 

Wheels and tyres

Wheel size, type	Tyres - front	Tyres - rear
x 16-inch, alloy	215/55 R16	215/55 R16
x 17-inch, alloy	215/50 R17	215/50 R17

 

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior	(mm)
Overall length	4,648
Overall width	1,799 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall width	2,075 (including door mirrors)
Overall height	1,416 (unladen)
Wheelbase	2,698

 

Capacities (litres)

Luggage	519 (seats up, VDA method)
Fuel tank	46 litres

 

Weights (kg)

Engine	1.0-litre VTEC TURBO, 6MT	1.0-litre VTEC TURBO, CVT	1.6-litre i-DTEC, 6MT	1.6-litre i-DTEC, 9AT
Kerb weight	1,269-1,303	1,279-1,315	1,314-1,366	1,337-1,389
Max. Permissible Weight	1,750	1,760	1,800	1,820
Payload	447-481	445-481	434-486	431-483
Max. Permissible Axle Weight (front / rear)	940 / 830	950 / 830	980 / 840	1,010 / 840
Max. Towing Weight, braked	1,200	800	1,400	1,400
Max. Towing Weight, unbraked	500	500	500	500

 

Performance and fuel consumption (NEDC) – base grade

Engine	1.0-litre VTEC TURBO 6MT	1.0-litre VTEC TURBO CVT	1.6-litre i-DTEC 6MT	1.6-litre i-DTEC 9AT
Maximum speed (mph)	130	124	125	124
0-62 mph (seconds)	10.7	10.4	9.9	10.7
Fuel consumption urban (mpg)	47.1	53.3	80.8	60.1
Fuel consumption extra urban (mpg)	68.9	64.2	83.1	74.4
Fuel consumption combined (mpg)	58.6	60.1	83.1	68.9
CO2 combined (g/km)	110	107	91	108

 

 - Ends -