HONDA has launched its all-new Civic mannequin in Australia as a single-body model, solitary- by-product proposition that’s not solely extra refined and athletic than the equal outgoing mannequin – but in addition significantly dearer.
Honda says the transfer is about providing Australian patrons a extra upmarket Civic that can compete with European rivals and that the Japanese model now not needs to be measured by the variety of autos it sells in our market. Effectively, contemplating how poorly the final technology Civic bought in contrast with its contemporaries, that’s most likely a great factor…
However, in its try and carry extra “pleasure” to its die-hard non-public clients, Honda has successfully priced many Civic patrons out of the market. The brand new Civic VTi-LX five-door hatch now begins from $47,200 drive-away, which is $10,600 greater than the sticker value of its equal predecessor… and $7600 greater than the earlier range-topping Civic RS.
The only-spec Civic involves market at a time that Honda Australia is “repositioning” its enterprise to give attention to non-public and premium small automotive patrons as a part of a broader resolution that can see the model promote simply 20,000 autos yearly transferring ahead – or round 10,000 models lower than the variety of gross sales the Toyota Corolla vary normally garners within the area of a yr.
The eleventh-generation Civic is powered by an up to date model of the 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO four-cylinder petrol engine. The 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-pot has been discontinued.
The output figures of the VTEC TURBO engine are rated at 131kW (+4kW) and 240Nm (+20Nm), the determine rising to 134kW on 95 RON premium unleaded gasoline. The entrance wheels are pushed through an automated repeatedly variable transmission, which Honda says has “redeveloped and improved” for 2022.
The model claims the Civic VTi-LX will speed up from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds and the mannequin’s common gasoline financial system determine is listed at 6.3 litres per 100km (ADR Mixed).
The MY22 Civic vary shall be additional bolstered when the e:HEV (petrol-electric) hybrid and sporty Kind R arrive within the latter half of subsequent yr.
The brand new Civic locations an emphasis on innovation, design management and excellent driving dynamics, Honda says. Its clear fashionable design is paired with a high-tech, human-centred inside outfitted with the most recent Honda Sensing energetic and passive security methods.
The Japanese-built mannequin rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and Honda provides a tyre-repair package in lieu of a spare wheel. Because of this, the Civic’s claimed baggage capability has grown by 45 litres, with an under-floor tray taking the place of the area saver spare wheel.
The Civic additionally includes a bigger cabin than earlier than with “ample head, leg, shoulder, and hip room for all passengers”, Honda says, which is a substantial feat, given the coupe-like styling of the glossy five-door mannequin.
