According to an article in Mag-X (via Temple of VTEC), Honda is hard at work wrapping up the design for the next-gen Civic that's expected to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. As is customary from Honda, the Japanese, European and North American markets are all expected to get their own unique versions of the popular Civic, with Americans getting their preferred sedan and coupe body styles and the other countries each receiving differing takes on the hatchback theme.
As you would expect, there will be a hybrid version of the 2012 Civic, and it's again slated to get a 1.5-liter gasoline-powered engine mated to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology. This power plant will reportedly be shared with the upcoming CR-Z hybrid hatchback where it will be available with either an automatic CVT transmission or six-speed manual.
Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas Specifications
* 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
* 5-speed automatic transmission
* ECO Assist technology
* EPA-estimated Civic HF highway fuel economy: 41 mpg
* EPA-estimated Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe highway fuel economy: 39 mpg
Civic Hybrid Specifications
* 110 horsepower, 1.5-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine (combined gasoline + electric)
* Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
* Lithium-ion battery
* ECO Assist technology
* EPA-estimated Civic Hybrid city/highway combined fuel economy: 45 mpg
Civic Si Specifications
* 200 horsepower and 170 lb-ft, 2.4-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
* 6-speed manual transmission
* EPA-estimated Civic Si highway fuel economy: 31 mpg
2012 Honda Civic Si - First Drive ReviewA juggernaut rolls on?
The new Civic retains its many characteristic strengths, but it doesn't really add any new ones. The new car may be vulnerable on issues of price and equipment against fresh rivals that are more competent than ever. We'll see if the ninth Civic can hold onto its position as a small-car-buyer favorite.
2012 Honda CivicDown 1000 rpm on its predecessor, the Honda Civic Si searches for its mojo.
Pricing for the Civic Si coupe starts at $22,955, with the sedan opening at $23,155. The only standalone option is high-performance summer tires (add $200), while nav and satellite radio are baked into a $1500 package. That puts a loaded Civic Si right where pricing for either the Mazdaspeed 3 or the Volkswagen GTI begins.
So the new Si appears to be strategically positioned against the top dogs in this class. The quality of the interior materials has improved, the front buckets provide a little more lateral support—with no sacrifice in comfort—and the red accents and stitchery provide a sporty note without looking juvenile. Based on our very limited exposure, the new Si looks like it should at least be satisfying to just about anyone. On the other hand, if you—like us—had hoped for the sort of mojo that distinguished the last generation, you may be just a bit underwhelmed.
2012 Honda Civic - Driving ImpressionsNow in its Ninth Generation, the Honda Civic Continues to Fly High
Of course, under WOT, the 1.8 is still buzzy, a reminder that the Civic's power plan is designed for fuel economy, not high performance. While some of Gen 8's small-car charm -- the immediacy of the steering, the detailed sense of the road -- has been lost with Gen 9, the end product is nonetheless superior, offering higher dynamic limits, better fuel economy, and improved comfort and on-road manners.
On a brief 40-mile drive, the Hybrid, like its gas-only sibling, proved a quiet, composed, and refined cruiser. It'll never be mistaken as speedy -- expect 0 to 60 in around 10.5 seconds -- but it offers adequate power for everyday commuting and errand-running, and the battery assist helps when a burst of torque is needed. Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system is more seamless than ever. The gas engine's auto on/off feature is less perceptible; the regenerative braking system is more natural; and maximum EV speed is not only easier to experience, but works up to 43 mph. In light of the previous gen, which returned EPA numbers of 40/41, the new Hybrid sips regular unleaded at a rate of 44/44. When it comes to hybrids, those are the numbers that matter most.
The Si's revised EPS is also noticeably better than its predecessor's setup, providing superior off-center weighting and a more organic feel. Moreover, the sport-tuned suspension -- front struts/rear multilink -- delivers a taut ride with higher limits, yet feels more compliant than the 2011 Si's. If there was a Honda that could carry the Prelude torch, this new Si seems to fit the bill perfectly.
At the 2012 Civic's press launch, Honda released details on the Natural Gas variant, which will go on sale in fall 2011 in select markets and then nationwide in 2012. Like its 1.8-liter regular-gas brethren, the NG features i-MID, Eco Assist, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and, for the first time, available navigation, which will also offer unique mapping for public CNG stations. Compared with the gasoline engine, the NG's 1.8-liter produces 110 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. Honda estimates fuel economy at 27/38, slightly below that of the gas 1.8.
2012 Honda Civic Si First DriveNine generations and counting.
What’s Hot:
Ultra-torquey new Si engine
Extra shoulder room appreciated
Hybrid inches closer to Prius’ mpg
What’s Not:
Dash/door panel plastics could be better
Has styling changed enough?
No 6-speed automatic offered
2012 Honda Civic First DriveFinding the Chakras of Fast and Snap in Honda's High Performer
First Impression:
The new Civic Si's low-end power boost, fast reflexes and subtle design evolution cement its place in the Sport Compact Hall of Fame. Its discount interior, however, keeps it from total ownership.
First Drive: 2012 Honda Civic Sedan and CoupeKeeping Pace, but No Longer Setting It
First Impression:
The new Honda Civic plays it safe, preferring to keep pace rather than set it.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Civic is that despite shunning all of the fuel-saving advancements employed by its competition, the vehicle still manages to come out as a solid player on this field. While we'd all love to see Honda knock out some truly incredibly fuel economy figures with its vehicles, the truth is that the company hasn't seen the need to add either cost or complexity to its systems given the results the vehicle is delivering right now.
Honda is well aware of the rising tide of capable compacts, and while strong entries like the Elantra, Cruze and Focus may take a bite out of Civic sales in the long run, brand loyalists will still beat down dealer doors to get their hands on this newest piece of hardware. Besides, if you were hoping for a full-on Civic revolution, history would point to you not having to wait too long. We give it another three to five years before a completely-new generation surfaces.
In the meantime, the 2012 Civic offers plenty of space, competitive fuel economy and a drive that's entertaining enough to keep you from going flat-line on your way to the office. It's a recipe that's kept Honda on the right side of history for years and it doesn't look to be failing any time soon.