In Cars, Honda, International News / By Gerard Lye / 29 April 2021 10:56 am / 85 comments
The all-new Honda Civic Sedan has finally made its full debut in the United States, bringing with it a completely new design that was first previewed by a prototype last November. The 11th-generation C-segment model also receives upgrades in other departments, including powertrain, chassis, safety and other technologies.
Like last year’s concept, the production version sports the same Accord-like sweeping roofline and distinctive window line kink near the C-pillars. According to Honda, the A-pillars have been pushed back by 1.96 inches so that it not only visually connects the pillars to the front wheel hub, but also elongates the bonnet for a more attractive silhouette.
Said bonnet ends at a more mature face, which ditches the “Solid Wing Face” full-width grille bar for a body-coloured notch just above the downturned upper intake. This is accompanied by the Honda logo in the centre and sleeker headlamps that are less upswept than before, with each cluster featuring a L-shaped DRL signature. Meanwhile, the lower apron appears to be a spitting image of the prototype, with a large intake flanked by C-shaped structures that integrate the fog lamps.
More hints of the Accord can be seen at the rear, where the Civic’s boot lid features a ducktail on it, along with Audi-esque taillights that have the same L-shaped lighting signature as up front. Along the sides, you’ll spot two distinctive character lines, with one running above the door handles and lowered beltline, linking the bonnet to the taillights, while an upswept line is seen from the front wheel arches to the rear reflectors.
We also get some new dimensions as a result of the new body, with the Civic now being 33 mm (1.3 inches) longer than before at 4,674 mm (184 inches), while the wheelbase is up 36 mm (1.4 inches) to 2,736 mm (107.7 inches). The width (1,801 mm or 70.9 inches) and height (1,415 mm or 55.7 inches) remain unchanged from the tenth-generation FC Civic.
The new styling is certainly a lot more subtle compared to the previous FC, and the company says it focused on its design approach of Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum (M/M), which is meant to simplify while enhancing ergonomics, perceived space and usability. Beneath the metal skin, the latest Civic is underpinned by an updated version of Honda’s Compact Global Platform, also used by its predecessor.
Like the exterior, the interior of the new Civic is nearly identical to the sketch released by the company previously. The most notable cue here is the honeycomb mesh that spans the width of the dashboard, with stalk controls sticking out of the air vents. Honda says this design decision was made to conceal the air vents that would otherwise deface the uncluttered and harmonious look of the dash.
The mesh acts as a divider for the climate controls and touchscreen infotainment system, which is offered in seven- and nine-inch sizes, and comes standard with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For the first time, a Bose premium sound system makes its way into the Civic, with 12 speakers scattered around the cabin for a premium listening experience.
Progressing to the centre stack, you’ll find a storage cubby with a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad along with USB and power outlets. The centre console is also heavily revised from the FC, with the gear lever, drive mode selector, electronic parking brake and brake hold controls arranged in a single file, with cupholders beside them.
For the driver, there’s a new steering wheel with more conventional on-wheel controls and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, the latter being the first for the Civic and is standard on the top trim level – lesser ones get a partial 7-inch digital system with an analogue speedometer.
Other highlights include higher quality materials, a new front seat design and new-generation seat frames developed using Honda’s Body Stabilising Seat approach. There’s also better visibility as a result of the exterior styling, along with improved rear shoulder room (+25 mm or an inch), front hip room (+15 mm or 0.6 inches) and rear hip room (+41 mm or 1.6 inches).
On the safety front, the latest Civic adopts airbag technology found in the Acura TLX and MDX, with the front airbags featuring a new structure to cradle and hold the head to reduce rotation in the event of a collision. All in, there are 10 airbags in the Civic, while the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure has been enhanced to offer improved occupant protection in angled frontal collisions.
The Honda Sensing suite is also standard and uses a new single-camera system that provides a wider field of view compared to the previous radar- and camera-based system. New software and more powerful processing allow the system to more quickly and accurately identifying pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles, along with road lines and road signs.
The new setup improves on existing functions such as more natural brake application and quicker reactions when using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), while providing a more linear and natural steering action when using the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). Other suite enhancements include the addition of Traffic Jam Assist and eight sonar sensors, which allows for Low-Speed Braking Control as well as front and rear false-start prevention.
Under the bonnet, the Civic’s LX and Sport variants soldier on with a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine that serves up 158 hp at 6,500 rpm and 187 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.
The 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder is also carried over in the EX and Touring variants, but has been tuned to deliver slightly more power. It now makes 180 hp at 6,000 rpm (+6 hp) and 240 Nm from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm (+20 Nm) when running on 87 octane fuel.
Both engines are paired to a CVT that has been revised, with the NA-specific unit using a more robust electric hydraulic pump that reduces the load on the mechanical pump and a ball-bearing secondary shaft to reduce friction. The CVT for the VTEC Turbo engine features improved torque converter performance, while also adopting revised Step-Shift programming.
On Sport and Touring trims there’s a new Sport mode in addition to the Normal and Econ modes, which alters the drive ratios and mapping for a sportier feel, and changes the meter lighting to red. Econ mode reduces throttle and transmission sensitivity, as well as air conditioning output to help preserve fuel efficiency.
Other driving-related changes relate to the suspension, with the front MacPherson struts receiving new low-friction ball joints and front damper mount bearings to improve steering feel and self-centring, while the spring and damper alignment has been optimised to minimise operational friction.
For the rear, the track is 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) wider for enhanced stability, with a new larger compliance bushing with an improved bushing axis to reduce harshness. Furthermore, the two rear lower arms are equipped with a new bushing that reduces noise and vibration inside the cabin, while also promoting better straight-line stability and turn in.
The electronic power steering has been tuned to provide better feedback and improved straight-line stability, while low-drag front brake calipers and low-friction wheel bearings reduce rolling resistance to improve fuel economy.
The aluminium front subframe is also new and features an improved truss and rib structure for better rigidity and stability. Additionally, a new lightweight flex tube in the exhaust system decreases noise transmission.
The 11th-generation Civic Sedan will be built at Honda’s facility in Alliston, Ontario, Canada, and pricing for the model will be announced later on. The model will be joined by the Civic Hatchback later on, which will be built for the first time in the US – since the Swindon plant is closing down – at the company’s Greensburg, Indiana plant.
So, there you have it, the all-new Civic. What do you think of it? Is it an improvement over the FC we currently have here? Based on an earlier report, we could welcome the new model within 2021, as hinted by Honda Malaysia president and COO Sarly Adle Sarkum. Excited?
GALLERY: 2020 Honda Civic Sedan FC 1.5 TC-P facelift (Malaysia market)
Honda’s stride is usually 1 good design gen ..and then followed by a bad one .. then good again ..
AC vent adjusters are porn-inspired?
It seems like the legacy of odd numbered poor selling figure will continue on.
now that carmakers are going to a floating screen headunit, the structure and design of dashboards are all looking very similar…. Accord, Mazda3, Civic, Audi, etc.
Yup, just like every other smartphones that looks like any other smartphones.
The plain dashboard, would be made easy for LHD and RHD switching.
Reduce cost and time for production.
Looks outdated already. Even the outgoing model still looks lightyears ahead in terms of design.
the design is so… underwhelming.
Remove the H badge and it looks like any chinese car out there.
Man those holes on the dashboard will be a pain to clean.
The honeycomb mesh that spans the width of the dashboard seems like a Good dust magnet…
Paultan terbalik the width and height is it? The dimension looks like a mini van instead.. lol
Quite hideous for me. The front and back are not that attractive. Looks plain.
I’m boring? So tell me, what makes you so exciting?
This is the tallest c segment sedan in the automobile history
should i upgrade to new Civic 1.5 VTEC Turbo 180hp or G20 BMW 320i… hmmmm
Civic FD – garang & goreng pisang panas Civic FB – cute & goreng pisang sejuk Civic FC – garang & laku keras All new Civic 22′ – cute & is it going to sell well like FC?
Honda is incredibly efficient and reliable. VTEC
Speechless..cant Honda Japan use supercomputers to create some “fresh” designs? The frontage is Jurassic. The rear is like cut and paste from a Kia or Toyota. What on earth are the Honda car designers doing,or do they want to borrow the services of our Proton chief designer? When the car is finally launched in Bolehland,will a Rm120-140K price tag appeal to buyers?
If I squint enough, the exterior looks like a better proportioned version of the Proton Saga. From the front fascia to the rear boot lid aero treatment.
Boring..if this car slap on a hyundai badge, people wont even bother
the headlight design like spoil 1 center bulb.. FC outlook with FE interior = perfect
This one going to be an eyesore on Malaysian road.
A radarless Sense? That dont sound good, sounds like they cheapen the system
Only 240nm? That tsi has achieved that loooooonnnnnnggggg ago and mind you with 1.4 litre engine
No need to talk about more powerful 3 cyl geely engine
That interior is very nice
It looks exactly like the new VW Jetta in the US market!
Vintage design. Current civic owners will be so happy that their car looks cooler than the 2022 model.
More powerful by keep stressing the 1.5T? I rather choose 2.0T which is relatively durable
No more ketam but still fugly especially the boot.
There is a mistake for the dimension, width should be 18xx and height is 14xx … otherwise it will look like juara ><
Looks like unker car, I pass this
The width is 1801 mm and the height 1415 mm…
Sorry to say, this Civic look is plain, uninspiring and not exciting.
Kimchi car design is much much better.
I have a feeling that the highest spec model will go up to RM 150K.
Not garang enough like the FC. Is it Honda’s trend to make the newer model less fierce? Like FD is garang, then FB comes out less garang. When they launch the FC, it is more garang again and this 11th gen is less garang.
ugly to the extend nobody care to comment?
I don’t know why, but the front reminds me of the 2nd gen Accord. Overall, a more conservative design compared to previous gen civic.
Love the Mazda3-like-but-simpler interior. Hate the jetta-like-but-uglier exterior.
This generation of Civic carries on the odd-numbered generation’s reserved/conservative design which I’m personally not a fan of. The FC might look “ah beng” to some people but IMO it looks a lot better than this 11th gen corolla wannabe.
Why bother with inches when we are in Malaysia?
I had to read it twice. Very nice.
So, it’s a torsion beam rear or the multi-link survived this one?
Honda Design is getting worse
Don’t know why, but the front reminds me of the 1990’s honda accord! Very uninspiring exterior design. The interior looks generic, same old floating tablet design. This is the best Honda can come up with!?
I had the same thought. Very similar to the 90’s Honda Accord inside out. I bet the size could be the same.
Love the interior. Clean line. Watched the video, hooked on the nice button clicking sound. Seem very well built. Exterior looks mature, stylish. Once again, simple lines help a lot. But, I want the new HRV more than this new Civic. Just my 2 cents…
The rear looks eerily similar to the corolla altis
With this more matured design, it looks like they went for the Man-maximum Boy-minimum design, to the chagrin of Civic FC rice boys..
According to designer, they wanted to have “european” styling to new Civic, but somehow, it doesn’t really come near to it.. and now it become half-baked european but not so japunis… ERRRRM…HOW???!
Is simple as 20″ inci sportrim & Spoiler tiang gol
10th Gen civic is far sleeker… more sexy than the 11th Gen. The 11th Gen is nice, but I wouldn’t say it is an improvement over the 10th, but rather a more subtle and less exciting design.
Japanese still maintain sub-200hp for their family saloon models. I eager to see a japanese cars with 200-300hp engine.
There was Evos and Imprezzas once before.
Syukur. No more trying too hard mode of styling.
The design gives…. how shall I put it… mixed feelings?.. Can’t really know until the actual thing arrives.
No mention of platform. Perhaps continuing tweaking from 8th-gen again…
Never buy the first year batches of Honda vehicles in Malaysia. Their tolerance for panel gaps are 1cm. Historically it takes Honda Malaysia at least a year to get their panels right post mass production.
If you look at all the recalls, it is coming from later batches so if one wants peace of mind with less recalls, buy from the first batches.
The issue i’ve mentioned is on Honda Malaysia’s assembly capability, where they have never been able to get their workshop jigs right for at least a year and regardless of the quality, they still deliver the vehicles to their customer insisting it is okay. Is 1.0cm – 1.5cm gaps okay to you? IF you notice, Honda Malaysia is also the only brand that doesn’t polish their car before delivery.
On your point that Honda cars will eventually have loads of recalls after a year, please substantiate what you’ve mentioned. What you just said sounds like it’s coming from the honda salesman’s mouth, albeit a stupid one.
Airbag replacement that only affected late model runs. Fuel pump recalls that only affected 2018 onward cars. Need I say more. And if you look at my comment slightly below this, no way that would’ve come from a honda salesman as you implied.
Why does Honda always do this….1 gen is a good looker and then 1 gen is not as good..hahah
Previous gen City looks like smaller version of Civic. Current gen Civic looks like bigger version of City. Designers got lazier and lazier.
mazda “less is more” concept from in n out thru the entire new design language of civic…
much better than the previous gen, civic is finally back to its root, great
Thought they tried this ‘Accord looks’ before with FB & failed
Looks like a jetta to me..
honda, are you out of ideas? this car definitely goreng pisang sejuk in Malaysia.
Honda should develop DCVT for their turbocharged engine..Advantage is to prevent belt/chain from slip during top speed/overrevving
The Gen 10 CF will become a collectable. Mark my word for it. All those holes on the dashboard, good luck with the cleaning. I have a slipper that looks like this 11th Gen model.
What can I say is the engineer is lazy to design. The Civic design is absolutely confusing CLA or copy paste Vios! After this they will come out with BRV X6
The front reminds me of Proton Wira. It kinda looks the same.
Saya ada kasut merah design macam itu ;)
FC was designed in California, 11th generation designed in Japan. Maybe that’s the reason for the conservative look.
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