Here comes
The all-new Honda civic
WHEN photos of the latest generation Civic started surfacing online, it was a clear indication that the iconic sedan will eventually make its Philippine debut soon. Finally, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) brought in the 11th generation Civic and it is ready to accelerate greatness. The iconic sedan features a new clean-cut look along with a range of high-tech features. The best part, the VTEC turbo engine now comes standard across all available variants.
It was in 1991when the Civic made its entry to the local market and happened to be Honda’s first vehicle offering in the country. Throughout several generations, the iconic model garnered much love from many loyalists and enthusiasts. Notably, the Civic recorded sales of more than 132,000 units locally, as of October 2021.
Grand concept
AGAIN, it seemed Honda went back to the drawing board to come up with another revolutionary design for the latest generation model. According to the Japanese automaker, it was able to achieve the “Exhilarating Civic” through focusing on three core values: Design, Dynamics, and HMI (Human Machine Interface).
The result is a more matured look, keeping it in line with its stablemates. Design execution involved a fine mixture of elegance and sportiness. Like the cleaner yet more prominent-looking front end with newly shaped LED headlights (RS model) integrated with standard Daytime Running Lights (DRLS) and LED fog lights (reserved for both the V Turbo CVT Honda Sensing and the RS Turbo CVT Honda Sensing).
The flanks flaunt sleek lines complimenting the long bonnet and sloping roof line for that added character. Integrated turn signals in the side mirrors are standard. Its front pillar was also pushed back by nearly two inches improving driver’s visibility, including the door mirror’s design changes. Further, the compact sedan is now longer by 29mm resulting to a longer wheelbase by 37mm compared to its predecessor.
As for the rear end, it has a new pair of LED taillights. Exclusive to the RS model are black-painted side mirrors, door handles, sharkfin antenna and trunk spoiler, along with chrome-finished dual-exhaust pipes for a sportier look. Wheel options, meantime, include 16inch rims (S variant), 17-inch alloys (V range), and 18-inch matte black wheels (RS model).
Meanwhile, the interior’s overall layout is a complete departure from the previous generation. While it promotes minimalism in terms of design, one cannot deny the layout’s engaging effect. From quality materials like soft touchpoints to the stretched honeycomb pattern found on the vents. The top spec RS received a blended suede and leather upholstery while the rest come with fabric seats.
For in-car entertainment, the RS model has the nine-inch touchscreen display audio while smaller seven-inch screen is for the other variants. Both screens are Android Auto and Apple Carplay capable, while the larger screen has Wireless Apple Carplay. In terms of speaker systems, the S variant has four while the V grade received eight speakers. The RS variant, meantime, comes with a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
VTEC Turbo all the way
ONE of the main highlights of the 11th generation Civic is the improved 1.5-liter four-cylinder DOHC VTEC Turbo engine available in all grades. This engaging engine generates 176 hp and 240 N-m of maximum torque (additional 5 hp and 20 N-m versus its predecessor). Paired to the improved turbo engine is the same Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Still available are driving modes such as Econ, Normal, and Sport (exclusive to RS).
Honda Sensing
IN pursuit of Honda’s mission to provide “Safety for Everyone,” Honda Sensing now comes standard with the all-new Civic. The safety suite features Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), Auto Highbeam (AHB), and Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN).
The new Honda Sensing system uses a single monocular camera with a wider field of view combined with improved software offering better vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian and road marking recognition.
The Civic also received Honda’s gforce Control (G-CON) Collision Safety Body that enhances impact absorption for the added protection of passengers in the event of a collision. Other standard safety features are Speed Sensing Door Locks, Multi-view Reverse Camera, and Keyless Entry System., Honda Lanewatch Camera, and the Walk Away Auto Door Lock function are exclusive on the RS variant.
Moreover, there are Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags (RS model), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Child Lock, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor, Security Alarm, and immobilizer are standard safety features for all variants.
Pricing and colors
THE S Turbo CVT Honda Sensing variant retails at P1.290 million while the V Turbo CVT Honda Sensing grade is at P1.498 million. As for the RS Turbo CVT Honda Sensing model, the retail price is at P1.690 million. Colors available are Morning Mist Blue Metallic (new color; V and S variants), Meteoroid grey Metallic (new color; RS, V, and S variants, Ignite Red Metallic (exclusively for RS model), Platinum White Pearl (RS and V variants only with an additional P20,000 premium), and Lunar Silver Metallic (exclusively for S variant).