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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The all-new, ninth-generation 2012 Honda Civic, arriving at dealers nationwide starting on April 20, debuts with a new, sleek style and a fuel-efficient, technologically advanced lineup.
“The all-new Civic builds on the tremendous popularity of the previous generation with a complete technology makeover and a higher level of refinement and style,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Only the Civic provides the most diverse car lineup in the industry to best meet the needs and preferences of individual customers.”
The Civic range consists of sedans and coupes powered by conventional gasoline, high-performance, hybrid, and compressed natural gas engine choices. Technology and features new to the Civic include an available “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID), an available Eco Assist™ system and a new Motion Adaptive Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system that works in conjunction with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), included as standard equipment on all models. All Civic models achieve higher EPA fuel economy ratings# compared to the 2011 models, up by as much as 8 percent on the highway in Civic Sedans and Coupes equipped with automatic transmissions.
For 2012, the Civic Sedan and Coupe continue to be available in trim level choices of Civic DX (basic features), LX (popular features), EX (full features) and EX-L (luxury features). The new i-MID on Civic LX-and-above models provides a convenient platform for integration of vehicle information and compatible personal electronics with a driver-oriented 5-inch color LCD display and intuitive steering wheel controls. All 2012 Civic models, except the Civic Si, receive Eco Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button while also providing visual feedback to promote or confirm an efficient driving style.
With the best city, highway and combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating1 for any currently available sedan (44 mpg), the Civic Hybrid introduces the latest generation of the fuel-efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA®) system – now with a lithium-ion battery for the first time on a Honda hybrid vehicle. Plus, an entirely new model, the Civic HF, debuts as a value-oriented, high fuel-economy sedan with the best highway fuel economy rating1 (41 mpg) for a conventional, gasoline-only powered vehicle with an automatic transmission. The Civic Natural Gas (previously named Civic GX) remains the only manufacturer-built, natural gas-powered car currently available in the United States and is now available with a navigation system that includes public refueling stations for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The performance enthusiast-inspired Civic Si Coupe and Civic Si Sedan, each with a larger 2.4-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 22 percent more peak torque than before, debut as the most powerful production Civic Si models ever introduced.
The 2012 Civic represents another important milestone for Honda’s best-selling compact vehicle, and reconfirms the company’s commitment to excellence with efficient i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine technologies for economy and performance, along with an engaging driving experience and advanced standard safety features. Notable traits include its distinctive “one-motion” aerodynamic exterior styling from front to rear bumper and a functional, spacious interior.
The i-MID provides access to multiple information screens and customizable features. Compatible music players attached through a USB audio interface can display available track information and artwork on the i-MID, with album and track selection possible through steering wheel controls.
Futuristic “One-Motion” Profile
Designed with a sleek windshield rake, a sweeping roofline and a new interpretation of the previous generation’s “one-motion” profile, the lines of the 2012 Civic Sedan suggest a sophisticated and athletic appearance. The Civic Coupe with its shorter length and unique front and rear styling result in a more aggressive and dramatic styling demeanor. Both vehicles feature a low and wide stance that contributes to a distinctive visual presence, while thinner A-pillars stretch further toward the front of the vehicle than before to improve visibility and the perception of interior space. The C-pillars also stretch further toward the rear of the vehicle compared to the previous generation to better complete the flowing one-motion appearance.
The 2012 Civic embraces Honda’s tradition of making its vehicles fun to drive by continuing to use a fully independent suspension design, a premium and exceptional feature in the entry compact segment. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspensions are tuned for sporty driving fun, yet provide refined ride comfort. Ride and handling improvements are made possible by a 10-percent more rigid unit-body structure resulting from enhanced structural designs and increased use of high-strength steel (55 percent on the sedan compared to 50 percent on the previous model).
For safety, a wide variety of standard equipment includes Honda’s exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision energy management and vehicle-to-vehicle frontal crash compatibility. ACE enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. Standard safety equipment includes VSA that integrates with the new Motion Adaptive EPS system; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; front side airbags with occupant position detection system (OPDS); side curtain airbags; and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Civic’s hood and front fender areas are designed to deform if contacted by the head of a pedestrian in a frontal collision.
Advanced Interior Design
The Civic’s 5-passenger interior is a careful blend of form and function, with an intuitive “two-tier” layout that prioritizes frequently referenced instruments like the speedometer up high in the driver’s line of sight with less frequently referenced information positioned down lower. A “smart interface” approach divides the vehicle controls into smartly grouped zones for audio, air conditioning and vehicle controls. Ergonomically shaped dials, buttons and the gear shifter operate with solid precision and have a tactile feel. Building on the successful packaging of the previous generation, the 2012 Civic Sedan passenger volume of 94.7 cubic feet (Civic LX Sedan) increases by 3.7 cubic feet, and gains have also been made in front shoulder room (+2.9 inches) and rear legroom (+1.6 inches).
Civic LX and above models are equipped with audio systems that range from a 160-watt AM/FM/CD unit (Civic LX, EX Sedan, EX-L Sedan, HF and Hybrid) to a 360-watt AM/FM/CD unit with a subwoofer (Civic EX Coupe, EX-L Coupe, Si). Standard audio features include WMA and MP3 audio file capability, Radio Data System (RDS), Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC), an audio input jack and a USB audio interface. The Civic EX and above models add Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and audio streaming, front tweeters, and the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice activation and a 6.5-inch TFT color touch display. The navigation system can now overlay FM Traffic data on its maps, a free public resource available in participating major metropolitan areas for freeway congestion, collisons and construction zones.
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System debuting on the 2012 Civic features 16 GB of flash memory in place of the DVD-based system used previously. Like other Honda navigation systems, this new system allows simple, intuitive operation and has an extensive on-board database. The system features more than 10 million points of interest and the voice activation is capable of recognizing numbers, street names and cities. For ease-of-reference, the i-MID can display turn-by-turn directions in conjunction with the navigation screen.
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