Honda releases all-new Honda Civic

Honda went to great lengths to ensure that the Civic RS sedan offers fresh exterior styling and an attractive interior layout, wrapped together in a modern interpretation of the brand’s human-centered values.

This is the first Civic to wear the RS badge in South Africa and as such it sports a distinctively simple yet sporty design.

This 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.

An RS exterior package accentuates the Civic’s sporty appeal. Apart from 18-inch black matte alloy wheels, this includes gloss black finishes for the side mirrors, shark fin antenna, outer door handles and rear boot spoiler. Body colour options include platinum white (pearl), coffee cherry red (metallic), meteoroid grey (metallic), lunar silver (metallic), and brilliant sporty blue (metallic).

Refined premium interior

The design of the human-centered cabin of the all-new Civic RS is a reflection of a clear focus on detail. The instrument panel and other interior surfaces have been designed with a minimum number of cut lines to reduce visual distractions. At the same time, there is extensive use of high-quality materials, while a great deal of attention was paid to the feel and operation of all switchgear and controls, thus providing a positive tactile experience.

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.

Advanced infotainment technology

The Civic RS is equipped with Honda’s nine-inch advanced HMI display Audio with Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android auto connectivity, which has been designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. This is the same system used in the Honda Fit and features a volume knob, physical buttons for home and back functions, large icons, a fast processor for lag-free performance, and a simplified navigation structure with fewer embedded menus. A wireless smartphone charger and USB ports front and rear are also standard.

A 10.2-inch interactive all-digital LCD instrument cluster enables the driver to scroll through music playlists, navigation directions, Honda Sensing functions as well as answer phone calls – all from the steering wheel. The LCD screen features customisable areas on either side, the left being dedicated to audio and telephone information, while the right conveys driving-related information such as activating or deactivating various Honda Sensing functions, or navigation system information.

Engineered for driving enjoyment

While retaining the Civic’s traditional reputation for dynamic performance and efficient fuel consumption, the powertrain of the all-new RS rings in a major change. It now comes with Honda’s enhanced 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine, with outputs having been raised to 131kW and 240Nm.

Combined with an updated continuously variable automatic transmission, 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.

Safety at its best

Active safety features include vehicle stability assist, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, hill-start assist, brake hold, a rearview camera and parking sensors. The Civic also offers front, side, and curtain airbags, Isofix child seat anchors and seatbelt pretensioners for the front seats. In addition to reminders for the headlights, parking brake and key, the all-new Civic boasts two new safety features in the form of rear seatbelt reminders and a driver attention monitor.

Along with Honda’s proprietary advanced compatibility engineering body structure technology, the all-new Civic also features enhanced Honda Sensing safety technology, with a range of driver assistance features and driver aids, as standard. This new and improved system incorporates the newly developed wider-angle, higher definition front camera, which is able to detect a more comprehensive range of road surfaces and traffic characteristics, including enhanced night-time operation.

Additional Honda Sensing technologies include collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more.

Pricing

The price of R669 000 includes a five-year/200 000km warranty and a five-year/90 000km service plan. Also included is three-year AA roadside assistance.

Source: QuickPic