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New Civic hits the road

Ninth-generation Honda Civic promises better ride and handling than ever before

Honda Civic spied

By Sam Hardy

29th July 2011

Bold looks, class-leading cabin space and more comfort than ever – that’s the new Honda Civic. 

Set to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, with sales starting here in early 2012, the ninth-generation of the Japanese firm’s compact family car has made some huge leaps forward in an attempt to steal sales from the Ford Focus. We’ll have to wait until Frankfurt to 
see the finished model, but these official pictures of a prototype at least give an idea of how the new model is shaping up.

Video: watch official footage of the new Honda Civic

 

While it won’t be as much of a visual departure as the current car was over its predecessor, there have been plenty of 
tweaks beneath the surface. Honda says its engineers have concentrated on improving the Civic’s ride and handling, with significant changes to the rear suspension set-up. 

As with the outgoing model, the new car uses a torsion beam arrangement – which is more compact than a multi-link system (as used by the Focus and 
Volkswagen Golf), and should ensure impressive rear seat space and luggage room. 

Thanks to the incorporation of fluid-filled bushes, Honda says it has improved the Civic’s ride, 
making it more comfortable over bumps. Engineers have also strengthened the car’s suspension components for better precision and stability, particularly at higher speeds. 

Under the bonnet, the majority of models will be powered by a revised 2.2-litre diesel, while a smaller 1.4-litre oil-burner will also appear alongside revised i-VTEC petrol units.

For an alternative review of the latest Honda Civic visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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6 Comments

Pointless Pictures

Oh my God is A Express still trotting out these totally useless pictures of a test mule.

By AlanShaw on 29 July, 2011, 4:23pm

Pointless Picture 2

Thats because A express "Are" totally usless!

By fastpep1 on 29 July, 2011, 7:56pm

Looking forward

I currently own the current Civic and it is the best packaged car by miles. The biggest let down is the ride without question and perhaps the composure. The Golf and Focus are more comfortable. When it comes to load lugging and family transportation, there are few small cars that can match the flexibility and space that is offered by the Civic. My other car - BMW 320 feels cramped in comparison and I really missed the space offered by the Civic. I also hope they address the blind spots.

By f1moh on 29 July, 2011, 9:28pm

One more ingredient

If Honda can create some visual excitement, they will have a big winner. Maybe the enthusiasm for the engineering will spill over into their design group.

PLEASE, Autoexpress, DO NOT MAKE THESE VIDEO AUTOSTART! YOUR READERS' SITUATIONS DO NOT ALWAYS ALLOW WATCHING. IT CAN BE EMBARRASSING ENOUGH TO DRIVE US AWAY DURING THE DAY! DOESN'T THAT MAKE SENSE???

By jwojewidka on 2 August, 2011, 5:10pm

Video autostart

I second the comment above. Even though I have a speedy internet connection it is a pain in the bum to have to endure the videos twice every time I access the page, once when I initially visit and dammit, a second time once I log on to comment. How hard can it be to make video playback optional? Sort it out soon please AE.

By sgtgrash on 2 August, 2011, 6:14pm

Make that THREE times dammit!!!!

By sgtgrash on 2 August, 2011, 6:15pm

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Pictures

Honda Civic spied
Honda Civic front three-quarters

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