2017 Honda Civic Explained – Video
The tenth-generation Honda Civic sedan is an all-new sporty four-door compact. It represents a significant step forward for Honda in the C-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, the sportiest Civic ever, sets new benchmarks for the compact class in terms of dynamic performance, fuel efficiency, spaciousness, safety and interior quality.”
To achieve 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 its sporty character. Wider, longer, and lower than any of its predecessors, the all-new Civic sedan 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 all-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 seating position is lower to give the driver a greater feeling of connection with the car, and the new Civic builds on the model’s reputation for combining unrivalled passenger and luggage space with versatile, practical usability. The second-generation of Honda’s infotainment and connectivity system incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The all-new Civic debuts an all-new VTEC TURBO gasoline engine that has 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 ensure the car is among the very safest in its class.
The concepts, approach and technologies embodied by the all-new Civic present an affirmation of Honda’s position as a sporty and advanced brand, while also confirming Honda’s commitment to Europe and the compact segment.