Honda Motor Southern Africa is proudly maintaining its presence in the C sedan segment with the introduction of the new, eleventh-generation Honda Civic. With a heritage that spans five decades the Civic is Honda’s longest-running nameplate and the newcomer – available in RS trim only – will continue to build on a reputation for engineering excellence, fun-to-drive dynamics, quality construction and frugal fuel consumption.
Drawing inspiration from previous generations, the exterior styling of the All-New Civic RS features a low beltline, a long and low bonnet, pulled back A-pillars, and large glass areas. Attractive, wide-set LED headlights and taillights are connected by a sharp character line that carries from the front bumper to the rear, where the horizontal orientation of the light cluster lends a sense of stability and solidness. Privacy glass, and a dual tailpipe finisher round off the look.
Apart from 18-inch black matte alloy wheels, the RS gets gloss black finishes for the side mirrors, shark fin antenna, outer door handles and rear boot spoiler. Body colour options includes Platinum White (Pearl), Coffee Cherry Red (Metallic), Meteoroid Grey (Metallic), Lunar Silver (Metallic), and Brilliant Sporty Blue (Metallic).
In keeping with its new-age identity, the All-New Civic is 25mm longer than its predecessor. It is also slightly lower, while the wheelbase has stretched by 35mm. As such it is 4 677mm long, 1 802mm wide, 1 415mm high, and with a wheelbase of 2 735mm.
The design of the human-centered cabin of the All-New Civic RS is a reflection of a clear focus on detail. Leather/suede-combination upholstery for the power adjustable and heated seats, red ambient interior lighting, a black headlining, sport pedals and a finely textured centre console add to the sporty, sophisticated feel. A metal honeycomb mesh panel that stretches from door to door across the entire dash serves multiple functions. It creates a visual dividing line that splits the dash into an information section – with the instrument panel and touchscreen audio systems – on the top, and a control section at the bottom. In order to keep the dash uncluttered, the panel also incorporates concealed air vents. Honda’s 9‑inch Advanced HMI Display Audio with Apple CarPlay™ (wireless) and Android Auto Connectivity has been designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. A 10.2‑inch interactive all-digital LCD instrument cluster enables the driver to scroll through music playlists, navigation directions.
Additional mod cons include dual zone automatic air-conditioning with rear ventilation, an auto dimming rearview mirror, electric windows front and rear, auto windscreen wipers, and cruise control.
In a first for Honda, the eleventh-generation Civic offers a branded audio system as standard. Featuring Bose CenterPoint 2 and Bose SurroundStage digital signal processing, the new 12-speaker system was custom-engineered for the Civic and delivers a clear and impactful listening experience.
The Civic RS now comes with Honda’s enhanced 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine, with outputs having been raised to 131kW of power at 6 000 r/min, and peak torque of 240Nm between 1 700 r/min and 4 500 r/min. Combined with an updated continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), it offers improved power delivery, refinement, and fuel efficiency. More natural responsiveness is ensured through Honda’s “Step-Shift” programming, which simulates gear changes when accelerating.
The Civic also features three drive modes: ECON, Normal and Sport. Switching between the three is simplified through the intuitive Drive Mode Switch located on the centre console.
With a fuel tank capacity of 47 litres, the Civic RS uses 6.2 litres/100 km in a combined cycle.
The All-New Civic RS offers a full suite of active and passive safety technologies as standard, all designed to make driving easier and safer.
Additional Honda SENSING technologies include:
- Collision mitigation braking system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keeping assist system
- Road departure mitigation
- Auto high beam
- Lane-watch camera
The All-New Civic is only available in the flagship RS derivative, with a full house of standard features, the latest 1.5L DOHC VTEC Turbo powertrain and CVT transmission. The price of R669 000 includes a 5-year/200 000km warranty, and a 5-year/90 000km service plan. Also included is 3-year AA roadside assistance.