Honda Civic (ninth generation)
The ninth generation Honda Civic was launched in the North American market in April 2011, Europe in February 2012 and Asia-Pacific in early 2012.
Coupe/Sedan (FB/FG; 2011–2016)
North American market model (2012)
In May 2010, the ninth generation Civic was said to be delayed into 2011 because of changing market conditions and tougher fuel economy and emissions regulations.The Civic was originally planned to become bigger, but after the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the global credit crisis in 2008, Honda wanted to make the car smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient, while increasing space inside.
On December 13, 2010, Honda unveiled a sketch of the new ninth generation Civic which was described as "energetic, sleek and aerodynamic." Both coupe and sedan concepts for the North American market were shown on January 10, 2011 at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The production version of the ninth generation Civic based on the revealed concepts went on sale on April 20, 2011.
Gasoline, hybrid and natural gas variants will be offered. The gasoline-engined lineup includes a sedan and coupe. Both of them will be also offered in Si performance versions.
In 2012, the Acura ILX was introduced and is based on the ninth-generation Honda Civic. The ILX replaces the Acura CSX, sold only in Canada.
The new model is slightly smaller and lighter than the outgoing models. The sheet metal is all new, with a longer hood but still a familiar profile: Honda calls it the "one-motion" design.
Gasoline, hybrid and natural gas variants are offered. The non-hybrid gasoline-engined lineup includes sedan and coupe, and Si performance versions are available as coupe and sedan. Honda has also released the Civic HF sedan, a model with aerodynamic and fuel efficiency enhancements which revives the "HF" moniker last used for the 1991 CRX HF. It features a Honda R18 1.8 L inline-four engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission like the regular gas-powered models, but it has been tuned so that it returns 41 highway miles per gallon. It comes with fifteen-inch alloy wheels with low rolling-resistance tires that reduce rolling resistance by 20%, additional underbody covers, a rear decklid spoiler and keyless entry with a security alarm. This results in a 4% improvement in aerodynamic performance. It comes in two colors, Polished Metal Metallic or Taffeta White Clear Coat with a gray interior. The Civic GX NGV has been available since late 2011.
The "two-tier" instrument panel from the previous generation saw a significant redesign. All models come with an Intelligent Multi-Informational Display, situated on the enlarged upper tier and to the right of the digital speedometer. The 5-inch color LCD screen replaces the trip computer below the analog tachometer on the lower tier while integrating information of the vehicle with that from compatible personal electronics and steering wheel controls. It displays information such as current odometer and trip mileage, time and date, fuel economy, audio system, climate control information, and more. The Maintenance Minder now includes interval reminders for scheduled maintenance, such as air filter, cabin pollen filter, tire rotations, drive belt inspections as well as an oil change reminder. It will display an alphanumeric code, which is listed in the owners manual, signifying maintenance for the identified item is due. Owners who do their own maintenance can be reminded and the feature can be easily reset after the maintenance has been performed.
Honda's Eco Assist technology, introduced earlier on the Insight, is added to most models, and becomes the first gasoline-only powered Honda to employ such technology in North America. It is an information system to help the driver adopt a more fuel-efficient driving style, and is proven to improve fuel economy by about 10% for Honda's hybrid vehicles in Japan by providing visual feedback to promote or confirm efficient driving. To this end, the dashboard includes a pair of color-changing indicators, adjacent to the speedometer, that change from green to blue based on the vehicle's actual driving efficiency, together with a linear fuel economy indicator accompanying the fuel gauge, replacing the coolant gauge. The Eco Assist can also alter the transmission's shift pattern in the hybrid model. A new Motion Adaptive electric power steering system helps to mitigate oversteer or understeer in conjunction with the standard Vehicle Stability Assist.
All Civic models have better fuel economy in the U.S. EPA ratings, by as much as 8% on the highway for models with an automatic transmission compared to 2011 versions. Two versions achieve or above in U.S. government testing. Aerodynamics and weight reduction play important role in fuel economy improvement: aero parts are placed under the engine bay, fuel tank, and the rear underbody to enhance airflow; front spoiler and strakes ahead of tires direct airflow around the wheel wells; there is a new flat underfloor; resulting in 3.4% lower coefficient of drag. Increase use of high-strength steel to 55% on the sedan from 50% contributes to a 7% reduction in body weight. The electric power steering system is lighter by 1.3 kg ; the front subframe is lighter by 1.7 kg ; a thinner-walled fuel tank saves 1.0 kg and a laser-welded exhaust silencer that is 0.5 kg lighter. As a result, the LX trim with an automatic transmission is almost 50 lb lighter.
On the other hand, for the 2012 sedan, passenger volume is increased by 3.8 ft³ to 94.7 ft³, with three more inches of elbowroom in the front and about two more inches of legroom in the back.
The piston assembly was the source of the most significant losses in an engine. To reduce friction loss in the engine, pistons in the 1.8 litre engine have a molybdenum treatment applied in a polka-dot pattern.
A HF model, the most fuel-efficient gasoline-only powered Civic in the lineup, gets under EPA highway test cycle, compares with for previous generation, increasing the combined fuel economy rating to .
The Civic hybrid, with a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that produces 90 hp and 97 lb ft of torque and a lithium-ion battery, is rated at in combined city and highway EPA test cycle, an improvement of over the previous generation hybrid. A new stronger electric motor produces 23 hp and 78 lb ft of torque. The new lithium-ion battery is lighter and more powerful compared with the nickel-metal hydride one in previous model.
Both the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models have improved aerodynamics.
Other gasoline-only powered Civic sedans and coupes get in highway tests, an improvement of over previous generation, and for city driving. The Civic GX natural gas model will have a 7% improvement in fuel economy. The above models are also equipped with the Honda ECO Assist technology.
Si
The ninth generation Civic SI is available as a coupe and as a sedan. It is powered by a new 2.4-liter K-Series inline-four engine which has increased displacement through longer piston stroke than the K20Z3 from the eighth generation Civic Si, yet the K24Z7 retains the 11.0:1 compression used in the K20Z3. It produces and of torque. Honda retuned the exhaust system in early 2014, increasing the output to and of torque.The redline of the K24Z7 is 7,000 rpm with a fuel cut at 7,200 rpm. A 6-speed manual transmission with a helical LSD is still offered as the only available transmission option for the Civic Si. The wing spoilers are different from the 8th generation, and the interior of the car received slight updates with the addition of a rev limit indicator and a power meter displayed in the new i-MID. Sway bars have been changed to F18mm/R15mm from the F28mm/R17mm in eighth generation. The chassis is also more rigid, and the curb weight is slightly lower than the eighth generation. The Civic Si achieves an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of, an increase of.
In 2012, Honda recalled 50,000 2012 Civics because the process required during assembly to seat the driver's side driveshaft and set the retaining clip was not completed.
Other markets
Chinese models went on sale on October 29, 2011. Early models include a choice of two engines: 1.8L and 2.0L; 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic or 5-speed Tiptronic transmission and navigation system for. It was not sold in Japan because sales were affected by the fact the width dimension exceeded 1,700mm, an important distinction according to Japanese Government dimension regulations.In the Philippines, the ninth generation Civic was initially launched in early 2012 and sold in 4 variants: 1.8 S which is the base model of the Civic with a choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, 1.8 E and the 1.8 EXi have the same alloy wheels and mirror with side turning lights while the EXi received fog lights and the top-of-the-line 2.0 EL with unique 17-inch style wheels, HID headlights, automatic climate control and leather seats, while the 1.8 E and 2.0 EL variants comes with the optional Modulo kit. In 2014, Honda Philippines unveiled a facelift version of the Civic that includes new sportier front grille while the 1.8 EXi is no longer available and the 1.8 S now receives front fog lights. The 1.8 E receives new alloy wheels and is available in standard or Modulo kit and the 2.0 EL now receives side curtain airbags and a choice between standard model or with Mugen kit. The ECON button is available in all models while the 1.8 E and 2.0 EL receives the touchscreen audio panel with USB and HDMI connectivity and push start or stop engine.
Starting from September 2015, models for the Turkish market were available with factory converted LPG version with the commencement of a new LPG-only assembly line in Honda's Turkey plant. Turkish models had been available with dealer-installed LPG conversion since 2011.
In Pakistan, Honda Atlas has launched the ninth generation Civic in the middle of September 2012. This new model was also called Honda Civic 2013.
Model year 2013 facelift
North American market
Reviews of the 2012 Civic were generally lackluster, with many reviewers citing the car's cheap interior materials, along with worsened driving dynamics and insubstantial exterior styling changes from the previous generation, as drawbacks. Consumer Reports went so far as to remove the 2012 Civic from its 'Recommended' list of compact cars, which the vehicle had been on for many years.. In addition to Consumer Reviews, Edmunds_ reported issues with excessive wind noise, cheap interior plastics, and a small trunk.. Partly in response, Honda introduced a heavily revamped Civic for the 2013 model year. The refreshed Civic sedan featured a new front fascia with a U-shaped honeycomb grille and chrome accents, a redesigned hood and a reworked rear end with new taillight lenses, along with additional light clusters and a chrome bar on the trunk lid. In Canada, the EX-L sedan was replaced by the similarly-equipped Touring, with the main difference being new 17-inch wheels adopted from the previous generation Si, while the EX-L coupe also received the same 17-inch wheels as the Touring. New standard features included a rear backup camera, Bluetooth controls and Pandora Radio access. Ride quality, handling and interior material quality were also improved. The coupe retained the 2012 model's exterior styling, but received the same interior and engineering upgrades as the sedan.Honda CEO Takanobu Ito explained that the 2012 model was developed during the height of the global financial crisis, which led the company to believe that consumers would be willing to forego upscale content and quality in new vehicles so long as they were fuel efficient and affordable. Ironically, rival automakers such as Ford and Hyundai increased the quality and feature content of their compact vehicles around the same time, pushing sales of Civic rivals such as the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra to new heights in the United States.
Other market
In right-hand drive markets such as Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, for the facelifted model the rear taillight has remained the same as the pre-facelift model and the right-hand drive Civic Hybrid variant has never had a facelift.Model year 2014 facelift for the North American market
For 2014, minor changes were made to the Civic lineup in North America. These changes included exterior styling updates on the Civic coupe, premium interior refinements to all models, an optional audio system with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, LaneWatch blind spot monitor, "Smart Entry" with push button start, HondaLink connected-car technology and an all-new CVT for gasoline-powered Civics. Hill start assist may have also been added with the 2014 models.U.S. models included the Civic LX and EX coupes with a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT, EX-L and EX-L Navi coupes with a CVT; Civic LX sedan with a 5-speed manual or CVT, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and HF sedans with a CVT. In Canada, the EX-L sedan continued to be absent with the Touring in its place. Styling changes to the Civic coupe included a restyled grille, hood, front fenders and headlights, new taillight lenses, sportier front and rear bumpers, new side mirrors and a new selection of wheel styles. The Civic Si coupe included a unique lower front bumper garnish, larger rear decklid spoiler, a front spoiler and rear air diffuser; in addition they also received an increase in engine power to and 174 lb-ft of torque via a retuned exhaust system. U.S. EX-L models received the same 17-inch wheels that debuted the previous model year on Canadian Touring sedans and EX-L coupes. The EX-L coupe with accessories kit featured a ground effects package and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Safety (North American market model)
| Moderate overlap frontal offset | Good |
| Small overlap frontal offset* | Good |
| Side impact | Good |
| Roof strength | Good |
To improve safety, Honda used an updated ACE II body structure on 2013 Civics. Beginning with 2013 models, all Civics came standard with a rear-view backup camera.
Euro-spec 5-door hatchback (FK; 2011–2017)
The five-door hatchback Civic for European market was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. Strong identity of the previous generation European Civic led Honda to refine the current package instead of radical changes. Basic look and proportions of previous car are retained as the futuristic design was welcomed by customers. Aerodynamics, rear and side visibility are all improved. It is claimed to be the most aerodynamic car in its class, with a coefficient of 0.27. The wheelbase is 30mm shorter without a decrease of interior space. Retaining the compact torsion beam rear suspension and the centrally mounted fuel tank help contribute to a boot capacity of 470 litres. More than 20,000 miles of testing was carried out on British roads for better handling and ride quality. The rear beam axle is completely redesigned for higher stiffness, and new fluid-filled bushing is used to improve stability and cornering ability, as well as ride quality. There are more standard equipment and higher interior quality.UK models went on sale on October 1, 2011. Early models include a choice of 1.4-litre petrol, 1.8-litre petrol, 2.2-litre i-DTEC Diesel engines, with 1.6-litre Diesel engine available later in 2012.
Civic Tourer Concept (2013)
The concept vehicle previewed the upcoming Civic Tourer. It was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.The production model was first shown at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale in 2014.
2014 Civic hatchback update, 2014 Civic Tourer (2014–2017)
Changes to Civic hatchback include retuned electric power steering to provide a more secure control during higher speeds, front and rear dampers were revised for improving body control, toe and camber of the rear suspension were realigned to improve the hatchback's handling, privacy glass on the lower rear window, piano black touches on the number plate surround, tailgate and lower bumper; piano black front bumper, new alloy wheels, darker wheel arch garnishes, white stitching on the seats, steering wheel and knee pad; aluminum inserts around the cup holder, glossy black inserts.The Civic Tourer was designed and developed in Europe. It is based on the architecture of the 5 door, and at launch, included most of the updates as mentioned above. Additionally it includes an adaptive rear damping system and the largest capacity trunk space in its class. The Tourer also benefits from additional under floor storage compartments in the boot, 'Magic Seats' and 60:40 split rear seats. Overall length is longer than that of the Civic five-door.
Advanced Driving Assist System package includes blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and active city braking.
The vehicles were unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and was set to go on sale in 2014, starting with Civic hatchback in January 2014.
Early Civic Tourer models include 1.6 i-DTEC engine from the Earth Dreams Technology series or the 1.8 i-VTEC engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Civic Type R (FK2; 2015–2017)
This is a version of the Civic 5-door hatchback for the European market, with a direct injection turbocharged VTEC TURBO engine from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology range rated at and of torque at 2,500 rpm. The engine red lines at 7,000 rpm. 0-62 mph takes 5.7 seconds and it has a top speed of. All cars will use a six-speed manual gearbox.Honda announced it had broken the Renault Megane 275 Trophy-R's 7:54.36 front-wheel-drive Nürburgring lap time. The new Honda Civic Type R posted a 7:50.63, beating the Renault by over three seconds, but the record was soon broken by VW GTI again
750 units of the FK2 Civic Type R were exported to Japan, making it the only variant of the ninth generation Civic officially sold in the Japanese market.
Production
As Honda's Research and Development Centre at Tochigi, Japan was damaged in the March 2011 earthquake, designers of the European Civic were transferred to the Swindon plant in the UK, where all European Civic hatchbacks are built, to ensure the development is not delayed. Production at Swindon, UK, was disrupted by supply chain disruption caused by the 2011 Japanese tsunami and flooding in Thailand. Normal production of Civic did not start until December 2011, causing the new Civic to not be available on the market until February 2012.The Automobile R&D Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. developed the engine for 2013 Honda Civic WTCC, while M-TEC Co., Ltd. manufactured and maintained 2013 Honda Civic WTCC. JAS Motorsport of Italy, was responsible for vehicle body development and manufacturing, as well as team operations.
Production of Civic 5-door hatchback began at Honda of the UK Manufacturing Limited by in November 2011.
Civic Tourer was built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd in Swindon alongside the Civic hatchback variant.
The 1.6 and 2.2 i-DTEC engines used in Honda Civic were built at Honda's Swindon plant in the UK.
Motorsport
WTCC
Honda announced to enter the 2012 World Touring Car Championship with a racer built on the 2012 Euro Civic 5 door hatchback. The car is powered by HR412E - a bespoke, new 1.6-liter direct injection turbocharged engine developed by Honda's R&D centre in Tochigi, Japan, and would race from October in Japan, China and Macau before a two car team join the 2013 championship race. The engine aims for higher efficiency and is said to herald "a new generation of high performance racing engines from Honda" and innovations during the engine's development will "further increase the efficiency of road car engines".Tiago Monteiro raced in the final three races of the 2012 season at Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau. Monteiro won the third place in a race held in Macau. A second race car driven by Gabriele Tarquini was added from the 2013 season.
Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro entered the 2013 FIA World Touring Car Championship with Civic WTCC cars. Three Honda Civic race cars made a clean sweep in races held in Slovakia and Shanghai by winning the first, second and third positions. Honda Racing Team JAS and Zengő Motorsport entered the 2013 WTCC tournament. Gabriele Tarquini won the overall second place in the 2013 WTCC drivers' championship and Honda won the Manufacturers' World Championship. The cars used a 1.6-litre inline-4 direct injection turbocharged engine with an intercooler and a dry oil sump.
Changes to the race cars for 2014 included wheel arch extensions, larger diameter wheels, sleeker aero package, extended rear spoiler and increased engine power.
Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro of JAS Motorsport entered the 2014 World Touring Car Championship, with further Civics to be entered by private outfits Zengo Motorsport and Proteam Racing for Hungary's Norbert Michelisz and Moroccan Mehdi Bennani respectively.
BTCC
Honda entered the 2012 British Touring Car Championship with two NGTC compliant European Civic hatchbacks with Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden as drivers.It was the first time for a manufacturer supported team to commit to the newly introduced rule.
Work on the first car started in July 2011 and testing on the track began in February 2012.
Shedden won the 2012 champion title.
Honda Yuasa Racing entered the 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship with a Civic Tourer race car.