Honda has returned to the United States with a fantastic runner-up in the European 2016 Civic. This year sees the release of an updated version of this best-selling vehicle in the form of a coupe, sedan, and hatchback. Si trims and the Type R are scheduled to be released in 2017. All with improved engine and interior specifications, of course. In any case, this is a fantastic opportunity for Honda to broaden its model lineup in the United States. They topped the best-seller list for almost the entire year of 2015, so this expansion is much appreciated. The new models are highly anticipated, and the Honda fanbase is almost ecstatic about the final releases.
Exterior design
Let’s begin by discussing the face of the 2016 sedan. This hasn’t changed that much from the 2013 Civic. However, some of the details on and under the grille have been left out, minimizing the look of the car.
Minimalism will definitely be a trend these upcoming years. The headlights and the fascia are visibly similar to the 2013 Civic. That one already had the nice look of a single line connecting headlight to grille to headlight, another designing trend. The air vents at the bottom line of the Civic have been improved by making them more uniform and minimalistic.
Moving on to the side of the car, the first thing you’ll notice is that the 2016 Civic sedan doesn’t have the small quarter windows at the tips of the doors. A small improvement, but an improvement nonetheless. Furthermore, the lines across the centre and lower part of the car are now less round and more creased. This results in a tougher and more aerodynamic look.
An interesting difference is the line of the car from front to back. The hood and windshield of this Civic are more defined, creating a steeper line upwards. The back of the 2016 Honda Civic has been smoothed out, instead of ending in a wavy tip, really creating a supersleek silhouette that ends in a trunklet.
The back of the car is not very different from the last version, though it’s now updated with totally cool C-shaped taillights that flow over onto the trunk lid. On the lower back there are two enlarged air vents with reflectors that look really cool.
The overall length of the 2016 Honda Civic has increased by 1.2 inches (3.04 cm), and the automobile is 2 inches wider (5.08 cm).
Interior design
The first thing you’ll notice when opening the car door is the luxurious, modern, sportive and especially roomy ambiance that the 2016 Civic emits. The all-digital gauges look clean, sharp and bright, and together with the sturdy steering wheel, they make up for most of the sportive feel this interior puts out. Then in the middle there is a rather big touch screen (7.0 inch). The touch screen system and menu have improved a lot, and the on-screen buttons have increased their size. All this adds to making it easier to operate.
The seats have improved in comfort and use of material, and it all looks very high-class. The backseat of the car is really big with lots of legroom and comes in very handy for comfortably transporting even your taller friends.
Engine specs
The 2016 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe will be launched with the choice of two more powerful and fuel-efficient engines. The base models receive a new 2.0 liter 16-valve four cylinder VTEC engine turning out 158 horsepower, which is 15 horsepower more than the 2015 Civic 1.8 liter engine. The fuel efficiency will also be much better than the last Civic’s. This engine can also be equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission on the lowest trim.
The medium to high-end Civic Coupe and Sedan models will be powered by a new 1.5-liter TURBO engine. This is actually the first turbocharged engine to make it on a Honda Civic Coupe. It has a peak output of 174 horsepower, which is 31 HP more than the 2015 Civic 1.8 lite. It’s also much more fuel efficient than its predecessor.
Tech specs
What would a new car with all these amazing interior, exterior and engine upgrades be when it doesn’t get on the technology bandwagon? Exactly. So Honda has all the fun little technological gadgets. Here goes.
The centre dashboard touch screen features Android Auto, Apple Play and Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance technologies. All Civics will come standard, including automatic on/off headlights and automatic climate control. Also, Electric Parking Brake with Brake Hold and Walk-away auto door locking system. New available features will be Remote engine start, for starting and stopping the vehicle from the outside. Also, rain-sensing wipers, which automatically start working when rain starts to fall, and heated front seats and side mirrors.
Higher trims of the Sedan and Coupe will feature the Honda Navigation system.
Safety features include automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control, for being able to let the car drive semi-autonomously in heavy commuter traffic.
Price
The base model Honda Civic sedan starts at $26,500.