Honda reveals eleventh generation Civic sedan

HONDA has pulled the covers off its 11th-generation Civic sedan, and while the newcomer might appear to be a conservative evolution on the exterior design front, Honda has made notable improvements beneath the skin.

For Civic number 11, Honda has upgraded the chassis and stiffened the structure, with torsional rigidity having improved by eight per cent and bending rigidity by 13 per cent. This adds up to improvements in the ride quality, road holding and NVH levels, according to Honda.

The structure makes extensive use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum and various grades of high-strength steel, as well as an expanded application of structural adhesives.

On the engine front, the US market Civic, which Honda revealed last week, is available with a choice of two petrol engines in the form of a 118kW, 2.0-litre normally-aspirated unit and a 134kW, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. Both are paired with a CVT continuously variable transmission as standard.

Honda has opted for a more minimalist cabin design, albeit one that retains the traditional rotary dials for the ventilation system.

The standard infotainment system is a 17.8cm touchscreen, but buyers can option up to a 22.8cm system that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. For the first time in a Civic, customers can opt for a Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers.

Other tech highlights include the Honda Sensing active safety system with a new front wide-view camera, as well as upgraded Traffic Jam Assist and Low Speed Braking Control.

With this Honda Civic sedan being detailed in North American spec, the European derivative is expected to display a number of different design cues and features.

And what about the Civic in South Africa? Currently, Honda is still offering the 10thgeneration Civic sedan locally, but sales are few and far between with the Ballade having taken over a long time ago.

With the new Civic, Honda South Africa might just decide not to import the car, instead, focusing on what sells in this country.