Honda is calls it the 11th-gen Honda Civic, but to a layman, it looks pretty much like the previous generation which, if I can be honest, I love to hate. Not the engine though. It’s just the design that irks me, like, a lot. I can’t help but to think that Honda’s designers were trying to be grand and sporty at the same time, and failed badly at it.
Anyways, the 11th generation has been revealed and much to my dismay, design-wise, the changes aren’t immediately apparent. But the real meat here is the driving experience which Honda promised to delivery sportier driving character, fun-to-drive performance “accentuated with available 6-speed manual transmission.” That, I can approve.
The 11th-gen Honda Civic destined for the U.S. will be built in the U.S. It is the first for the Civics. Here are what to expect from the 11th-generation Honda Civic straight from the horse’s mouth:
What’s New:
• Sporty Euro-inspired exterior styling with a coupe-like profile
• Simple, clean interior design with improved outward visibility
• New lightweight composite hatch structure reduces hinge size for a clean roofline
• Enhanced structure with 19-percent increase in torsional rigidity
• Cargo opening widened by 1.6-inches
• Distinct front-end styling adds to sporty character
• Available short-throw 6-speed manual transmission (Sport and Sport Touring)
• Available 1.5-liter turbocharged engine makes 180 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. (240 Nm) of torque on regular unleaded
• New Boost Blue Pearl and Smoky Mauve Pearl exterior colors
Key Features (shared with Civic Sedan)
• Standard new 7” color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ integration
• Available new HD 9” color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ integration
• Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers (Sport Touring)
• Qi-compatible wireless charging (Sport Touring)
• Improved body structure stiffness and crashworthiness
• Updated suspension and steering tuning for improved handling and ride comfort, and a somewhat sportier flavor than Civic Sedan
• Groundbreaking new front airbags designed to reduce the risk of traumatic brain and neck injuries
• Rear seat side airbags
• Updated single camera Honda Sensing® system with new Traffic Jam Assist (standard), and Low Speed Braking Control (Sport Touring)
The other engine option is a naturally aspirated 2.0L inline four motor that produces 158 horsepower and generates 138 lb-ft (187 Nm) of torque. With the 1.5L, it felt like Honda is going back to Civic’s roots and we welcome that. Both engines has the option of 6-speed manual gearbox. Though CVT will come as standard.
The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback will be joining the 2022 Civic Sedan that arrived at the dealerships earlier this month (June). Production will begin later this year at Honda’s Indiana auto plant.
It is worthy to note that outside of North America, the Civic will be the latest model to use Honda’s e:HEV powertrain as standard. It will be offered exclusively as a hybrid for the EU markets where it will be available in Autumn 2022.
In the meantime, you can learn more about the U.S. models HERE.
Images: Honda Motor Co..
