Honda released the first photos and details of the new generation of the European Civic that will be officially presented in two weeks at the Paris auto show. The compact five-door hatchback will be built at the Japanese company’s factory in Swindon, England.
Its length reaches 4,497 mm, its width is 1,800 mm and it height is 1,421 mm. It weighs 16 kg less, than its predecessor thanks to a new lightweight platform that offers 52% increase in torsional stiffness and a 30 mm longer wheelbase, that gives more space for the rear passengers.
The new Civic has an independent rear suspension that is placed on a separate subframe, replacing the torsion beam used by the previous generation.
Its interior featrues rear seats that can fold in proportion 60:40, with the luggage space reaching 478 liters. The infotainment system has a 7-inch touch screen, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the car has also satellite navigation.
Initially, the new Civic will be offered in the European market with a 1-liter three-cylinder turbo engine producing 130 hp and a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder delivering 180 hp, with the two engines being available with mechanical and CVT gearboxes. Also there will be a 1.6-liter turbodiesel producing 120 hp. The Type R version is expected to be presented in 2017.
In terms of safety systems, the new Civic has an active cruise control, a lane-keeping system, a blind spot warning system, an automatic braking system and a warning system in case of an accident. The sales of the new Honda Civic will launch in Europe early next year, and with the Tourer version to be available later.
