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Sexy New Honda Civic 5-door

• Premium levels of interior quality and features

• New dashboard layout with two control interface zones

• Full-colour intelligent multi-information colour display

• Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, including Vehicle Stability Assist as standard

• Revised 1.8 i-VTEC and 2.2 i-DTEC engines

• Innovative ECO Assist and ECON Mode for outstanding fuel economy

The debut of the all-new Honda Civic 5-Door marks the arrival of the trend-setting compact hatchback’s latest evolution in the South African market. It not only ups the ante as far as style and design are concerned, but also achieves even higher levels of interior quality, sophistication and safety, together with further enhanced performance and efficiency.

These traits are matched to improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, greater comfort and more composed handling, together with superlative fuel economy with lower emissions. 

“The new Civic 5-Door builds on the core strengths of its predecessor, and takes them to an appreciably higher level,” says Yoshiaki Nakamura, managing director of Honda Motor Southern Africa. 

“It was developed specifically to meet the requirements for the extremely competitive European market, and provides a fresh design with sporty performance and advanced technologies. Those traits should ensure that local buyers will also appreciate the progress achieved, compared to its highly rated predecessor.”

DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN

The overall development concept for the new Civic revolved around a theme of ‘Clean-Dynamic’. As such, the newcomer is 20 mm lower and 10 mm wider than the outgoing version. Its bold styling embraces both sporty and futuristic elements, linked to impressive underlying practicality.

Aerodynamic efficiency is central to the Civic’s design. The eye-catching horizontal brake light, for example, also works as a spoiler to manage airflow over the top of the car, while the rear combination tail light clusters have an aerodynamic function too, protruding at the optimal position to cut off body-side airflow and reduce turbulence.

The central fuel tank layout has been retained, thus allowing for more space in the cabin. The Civic’s class-leading aerodynamics are further aided by a full-length undertray, and larger covers over the rear suspension.

INTERIOR DESIGN, SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY

The current Civic is known for its unique futuristic interior design, which also offers unprecedented space and versatility. These core characteristics remain in the new model but with a focus on upgrading the feel, functionality and refinement of the cabin.

The intuitive, driver-oriented interior has two zones separating the control areas. The Driver Interface zone gathers essential driving and vehicle-related information at the natural point of focus for the driver. The adjacent Information Interface zone places devices such as the audio system and ventilation controls within easy reach. 

The latter also incorporates Honda’s intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), a colour TFT screen that shows vehicle, entertainment, Bluetooth connectivity and support-related data.

The Civic’s wider and lower exterior shape produces the roomiest interior of any C-segment car. It offers a full 1 431 mm of shoulder room between the driver and front seat passenger, and 792 mm between the driver and rear seat passenger. 

The boot volume is also class-leading, with 401 litres of luggage space. The easily accessed under-floor compartment increases this by a further 76 litres, while Honda’s renowned ‘Magic Seats’ allow for unrivalled versatility.

Honda’s new Civic 5-Door is rated as one of Europe’s safest cars, confirmed by its maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. This is attributed to the use of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, and the fitment of front, side and curtain airbags as standard. 

On the active safety front, the Civic boasts Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS with EBD and EBA and a tyre deflation warning system.

DRIVETRAIN AND DYNAMICS

In line with its sporting character, the new Civic 5-Door is available with the latest and even more fuel efficient version of Honda’s 1,8-litre 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC engine. In its latest guise, this unit produces 104 kW of maximum power at 

6 500 r/min, together with 174 Nm of torque at 4 300 r/min. Customers have the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a new five-speed automatic with paddle shift controls.

Exceptional fuel economy and sterling performance are hallmarks of the range-topping 2,2-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel engine, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It is credited with 110 kW at 4 000 r/min and a substantial 350 Nm at 

2 000 r/min.

Notably, all Civic 5-Door models are now equipped with ECO Assist, which coaches drivers on the most fuel efficient driving style. The system also incorporates a green ‘ECON’ button that activates the most economical settings for the car.

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION

The Civic’s MacPherson-type front suspension and electric power steering system have been completely revised to improve handling, comfort and stability. 

Similarly, the basic torsion beam axle layout for the rear suspension has been retained for maximum interior space, but has been extensively redeveloped by employing more rigid trailing arms and fluid-filled bushes to improve stability and handling, but without sacrificing ride comfort.

ENHANCED TRIM AND SPECIFICATION

The new Honda Civic range not only represents a comprehensively enhanced motoring package on a technical level, but the model range has also been revised to offer a high level of standard specification, and a comprehensive array of features. 

The new i-DTEC flagship model, in particular, represents a major step forward, thanks to its top-notch Exclusive trim package, linked to the new engine’s cutting-edge turbodiesel technology.

The Exclusive specification level incorporates a panoramic glass sunroof, a premium sound system with amplifier and subwoofer, Bluetooth hands-free cellphone connectivity (with dedicated buttons on the steering wheel), and HID headlights with auto-levelling sensor and integrated washers.

There is also a reversing camera, combined with front and rear parking sensors for added convenience.

The result is a brand-new Civic hatchback line-up than can also count value for money among its many virtues.

 

MODEL RANGE AND PRICING

1.8 i-VTEC Elegance Manual R248 000

1.8 i-VTEC Elegance Automatic R261 000

1.8 i-VTEC Executive Manual R270 000

1.8 i-VTEC Executive Automatic R283 000

2.2 i-DTEC Exclusive Manual R343 800

Prices include a five-year/90 000 km service plan, and three-year/100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.