Honda Civic - an improvement on the good
The closer to perfection, the harder it is to improve. What to do completely from scratch. The current generation Civic has set a very high bar for its successor. Functionally, he probably managed to break the level, but as far as style, I'm not entirely sure.
The new generation of Civic has been modified according to the prevailing fashion - the car has become 3,7 cm longer and 1 cm wider than its predecessor, but 2 cm lower. The changes are not big, but it was enough to change the nature of the form. The new Civic is similar to the current one, but no longer has the ideal proportions that make it a rocket in flight. Despite the similarity, there are many new details and stylistic solutions. The most striking combination of headlights, grille and Y-shaped central air intake of the bumper, which can be emphasized with a different color. At the rear, the most important changes are the shape and position of the rear lights, which in the new model have been placed slightly higher and connected to a spoiler. The edges of the lanterns protrude so clearly beyond the lines of the body, as if they were lining. Changing the position of the spoiler, as well as lowering the lower edge of the rear window, should have improved rear visibility, which many buyers complained about.
The five-door body resembles a three-door one, because the rear door handle is hidden in the window frame. In general, stylistically, the new generation of Civic disappoints me a little. This also applies to interiors. The basic character of the dashboard and center console has been retained, which seem to surround the driver and "embed" him into the structure of the car. As with this generation, Honda admits to drawing inspiration from fighter jet cockpits, but perhaps much more the designers saw the car. However, the air conditioning controls, which used to be located on the edge of the dashboard, just below the driver's fingers, are located on the center console in a very classic way. The red engine start button is on the right side of the steering wheel, not on the left yet.
The instrument panel indicator layout has been retained. Behind the steering wheel, there is a tachometer in the center, and a smaller clock on the sides showing, among other things, fuel level and engine temperature. The digital speedometer is located under the windshield so that the driver does not have to take his eyes off the road for a long time.
The interior can be available in two colors - gray and black. Some materials used for decoration resemble leather.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a better grip and more audio controls.
Honda announces that an important role has been given to dampening the car, both through engine damping and suspension. The goal was to be able to speak freely with the passenger, as well as not be distracted during a hands-free phone call.
The new driver's seat allows you to adjust not only the lumbar support, but also the range of side airbag support. in the cabin. The trunk of the car holds 40 liters, another 60 liters has a compartment under the floor.
Honda has prepared three engines for the new Civic - two i-VTEC petrols of 1,4 and 1,8 liters and a 2,2 i-DTEC turbodiesel. It is also planned to introduce a 1,6-liter turbodiesel into the lineup.
The first gasoline engine produces 100 hp. and maximum torque of 127 Nm. The larger petrol engine develops 142 hp. and maximum torque of 174 Nm. Compared to the current generation engine, it will have a 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Acceleration of the car to 100 km / h takes 9,1 seconds.
The turbodiesel, compared to the current generation, has improved exhaust gas cleanliness by 20 percent. and the average fuel consumption is 4,2 l/100 km. A car with a power of 150 hp. and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, it can accelerate to 100 km / h in 8,5 seconds.
In the fight for the lowest fuel consumption, all versions are equipped with Start-Stop systems, and the turbodiesel has an additional automatic damper, which, depending on the conditions and engine temperature, allows more air to open onto the radiator, and when closed, this improves the aerodynamics of the car. An ECO mode has also been introduced, in which the system informs the driver whether he is driving economically or not by changing the color of the speedometer backlight.
Honda Poland announces the launch of the vehicle in March 2012 and sales of 4000 such vehicles this year. Plans for the next two years include an annual increase in the number of Civics sold by 100 vehicles. Pricing will only be known before the car hits the market, but Honda promises to keep them at levels similar to the current generation.
