2012 Honda Civic Updated Information

Honda makes a more civil Civic
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Honda decided to remake the Civic with further environmental awareness – not because of the current social climate but because that’s what Civic has stood for since its introduction in 1972.

Honda is promising the all-new 2012 Civic will better address the diverse needs of the compact car buyer when it launches in spring 2011, including a renewed commitment to fuel economy.

A component of that is aerodynamics, with the new Civic sedan’s snout bearing more than a passing resemblance to both the Insight five-door hatchback Insight hybrid and the FCX Clarity fuel-cell sedan. The coupe’s nose is pointier, with a smaller grille.

It will again be available in coupe and sedan bodystyles, both in various trim levels, and with a hybrid sedan still in the mix.

“The Civic is the only model in the industry that can deliver on all fronts – fuel economy, sporty performance, smart packaging, alternative fuel and long-term value,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of sales for Honda Canada Inc. “For the ninth-generation Civic, we are emphasizing improved fuel economy across the board, from the hybrid sedan to the sporty Si models.”

The Civic Hybrid sedan will come with aerodynamic components for improved efficiency as well as Honda’s ECO Assist technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback to promote more efficient individual driving styles. It will be available on coupe and sedan models, as well – the first such application in gasoline only models.

Its impact is considerable, with the 2012 Honda Civic sedan, for example, carrying an estimated fuel economy rating of 7.2 L/100km in the city and 5.0 on the highway (a 12% improvement on the current model).

A two percent improvement in fuel economy is also being touted for the Civic Si coupe and sedan, despite the models’ 2.4 litre four-cylinder engines (linked to new six-speed automatics?!? I do believe that they mean manual transmission) that make an anticipated 200 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque (a 22% increase).

The regular Civics get motivation from 140 hp 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines, with a choice of five-speed manuals or five-speed automatics, while the Hybrid uses a 110-hp 1.5-litre “four” with a continuously variable transmission. All engines use i-VTEC, Honda’s variable valve timing and lift system) for improved power and economy.

The interior is an evolution of the current Civic’s two-tiered design, with the centre stack angled toward the driver to create a plane cockpit feeling. The steering wheel is also evolved from the current meaty tri-spoke design.

More details and final pricing for the new 2012 Civic will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date. Civic coupes and sedans will be built at Honda’s plant in Alliston, Ont.

Summary:
Year/Make/Model
2012 Honda Civic
Trim level
Exp. DX; SE; EL; Si
Price range
not yet set
Options
leather upholstery; automatic transmission; sunroof
EnerGuide fuel economy ratings
Est. 7.2 city; 5.0 hwy (sedan)
Competitors
Chevrolet Cruze; Fiat 500; Ford Focus; Hyundai Elantra; Kia Forte; Mazda3; Mitsubishi Lancer; Nissan Sentra; Toyota Corolla; Volkswagen Jetta

Source;
http://www.autonet.ca/autos/search/newmodels/2011/02/25/17408176-autonet.html