5 mins read
Driving history and innovation
In 1970, there was an increase in demand from consumers for a more diverse vehicle, due to a fiscal growth. First designed for modern cities and roads, today the New Civic has evolved into the sleekness everyone knows and loves but it wasn’t an easy journey getting there.
Twenty-seven years ago, the New Civic was born when Honda’s team of engineers decided to defy the norm and create the unthinkable. Now, the newly launched Civic in February 2020 is one model that consistently incorporates the day’s advanced technologies, making it an ideal sedan for young urban families, professionals and tech savvy individuals who demand for a stylish vehicle with advanced safety features yet practical for daily performance.
The Beginning
Honda needed to develop a completely new car that would reflect the growing modernity of Japan and which would appeal to foreign car markets. A new theme meant a new approach, so unconventionally, two teams were formed in order to challenge each other. One team, led by Hiroshi Kizawa, comprised veteran engineers in their late 30s and another, younger engineers in their late 20s and early 30s.
After extensive research, both teams gathered together to compare notes and discovered that they both had ideas of a new car with minor differences – a world-class car that is light, quick and compact.Thus the Civic was born, its name reflecting that it was a car created for citizens and cities.
Absolute Value
The main concept Honda engineers wanted to achieve with the Civic was the idea of providing absolute value to customers. It had to be “utilitarian and minimalistic, providing an optimal blend of size, performance and economy.” The idea of “man maximum with ample interior space” had to be incorporated to ensure there was a perfect balance of features and comfort versus efficiency.
The outcome of the merging of these two concepts was a two-box car, meaning its interior and trunk space formed one section, and it featured a front-engine and front-wheel drive format with a transverse mounted engine. This deviated from the usual three-box car specifications of most Japanese vehicles at the time.
With the team’s commitment to thinking out-of-the-box, a strut-type, four-wheel independent suspension system was developed, which allowed separate control of the right and left wheels. Again, going against the grain of the typical rigid rear-suspension systems in cars those days, the four-wheel system pushed limits and later became a steadfast feature in Honda’s compact and midsize car models.
Minimalist chic
The very first Civic was designed with the idea that it should have ample space for its passengers while keeping its engine and machinery as compact as possible. It provided a balance between a minimalist and utilitarian design, ensuring its top efficiency on the road.
As a three-door hatchback with a trapezoidal shape, the original Civic’s appearance was a design commonly seen in the US and Europe but it was still a rarity in Japan. This daring design won the hearts of customers and its unique style became part of its character.
After its launch, the Civic became more popular with the release of the three-door GL. With its popularity increasing amongst Japanese youth, sales grew from 21,000 units to 80,000 units in 1973. In the two years following that growth, 60,000 units were sold each year and the Civic was bestowed the Japan Car of the Year Award in 1972, 1973 and 1974 – the first to win it three years in a row.
Exceeding expectations
11th October 1972 marked the significant day that Honda’s CVCC low pollution engine design was revealed to the world. It was subsequently sent to the Emissions Laboratory of the US’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be tested in December that year and declared to have passed the strict requirements of the 1970 Clean Air Act.
The CVCC engine surpassed expectations at a time when other car manufacturers were struggling to meet the regulatory standards.
Paving the way for the 10th Generation Civic
Today, the New Civic is a looker, stealing the show on the road with its stylish exterior design. It comes with a New Front Bumper with Black Grille*, along with a New Rear Bumper Garnish and New Trunk Spoiler*. The New 18-inch Black Alloy Wheels* complete its low and wide stance dynamic presence. For those looking to jazz it up even further, the sporty set of Modulo accessories are guaranteed to get heads turning on the streets.
It doesn’t end there. The tastefully designed interior proves that the Civic is beautiful inside out. This includes New Leather Seat** Accent Design and an 8-Way Driver Power Seat, which provides extreme comfort during long drives, with the push of a button or two. As for the cargo space, the 60:40 split rear-seat configuration ensures you’d never have to worry about having enough room for groceries, road trips and airport commutes.
With the Civic’s longstanding history of engine efficiency, both the Turbo Charged (TC) and Turbo Charged Premium (TC-P) variants are Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) certified, and still offer excellent fuel economy. Powered by a 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged engine, the New Civic perfectly embodies Honda’s thrilling ‘Joy of Driving’ oomph. This is made possible by a maximum torque of 220Nm, which is equivalent to the performance of a 2.4L engine. Additionally, the New Civic also comes in the 1.8L i-VTEC variant.
Driving towards a collision-free society
The New Civic steals the show as a C-segment car with D-segment features, including the full suite of eight Honda SENSING* features. This includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Auto High Beam (AHB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that works with Low Speed Follow (LSF). Honda SENSING truly represents the company’s driver-assist solution towards achieving the dream of a collision-free society with the global concept of ‘Safety for Everyone’.
The New Civic is also equipped with Honda LaneWatch**, a camera-based safety technology that supplements the side mirror and improves the side view while reducing blind spots for safer changing of lanes – a must-have when navigating the city’s busy streets.
Those wanting to level up on their next ride will be ensured that the Honda Civic offers the perfect combination of comfort, style, safety and performance. This ride comes with five attractive colours – Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and a brand-new option, Passion Red Pearl.
For more information, please visit Honda website to learn more.
*Applicable for 1.5TC-P variant only
**Applicable for 1.5TC & 1.5TC-P variant only
