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Honda Civic Sedan Review UK

The new styling and redesigns for the tenth-generation Civic sedan and coupe resulted in longer, wider, and lower variants of the previous generation.

This review of the Honda Civic Sedan 2016 model highlights the key specifications and interior equipment for this popular compact car.

Honda Unifies the Civic Range for Europe

In fact, the Honda Motor Company launched the 10th-generation Civic in North America in 2015.

Then, less than one year later (September 2016), they introduced it in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions.

The unification of Civic body styles, simplified for the major markets in Europe, resulted in three strikingly similar designs, a sedan, hatchback, and a coupe.

In 2016, Honda also released a Type R version as a prototype model.

For the most part, designating it as a global model helped to improve efficiency and it saved on unit costs. Honda allocated these savings to produce vehicles with enhanced performance that are sleek and sporty with the proven 'fastback' design of modern Honda 4x4 models.

Pro Tip: The use of higher grade steel for the tenth-generation Civic resulted in a lighter unit body. Furthermore, new techniques used in body sealing produced a reduction in cabin air leaks (around 58% less).

2016 Honda Civic Engine Specifications

Civic models launched in Europe come with two turbocharged petrol-powered engines. The 1.0-liter three-cylinder rated at 127 hp, and the 1.5-liter four-cylinder capable of delivering 180hp.

The transmission is either a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or the optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) that functions similar to an automatic.

Honda Civic Dimensions

The production model is 449 centimetres long (177 inches), 180 centimetres wide (70.9 inches), and 142 cm high (55.9 inches), including a lower liftover height.

Put another way:

The tenth-generation Civic sedan is 127 millimetres longer, 30 millimetres wider, and 20 millimetres lower than its predecessor.

It also has a longer wheelbase (3 cm) and it weighs sixteen (16) kilograms less than the ninth-generation Honda Civic (2011 - 2017).

Doing so helped to create improvements in leg room and generate more shoulder space for passengers. Plus, the boot space gains a little extra too, totaling 478 cubic litres (notably more than the 2017 Volkswagen Golf - one of its main rivals).

Steering and Suspension

Along with rear disc brakes, the Civic also gets fluid-filled suspension bushings to help reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

Honda Civic Sedan 2016 Review UK Specifications and Price It also uses a dual pinion steering system using a more rigid steering column (e.g. 30 mm diameter).

The outcome of a variable steering gear ratio is 2.2 turns on lock-to-lock and a much quicker steering ratio (10.93:1).

But wait - there's more:

After revamping the suspension, the front gets MacPherson struts with a new multi-link rear setup for the rear subframe.

The Honda SUV range has become synonymous with a low center of gravity. The suspension, floor, and engine are all lower on the 2016 Civic sedan. Other notable features include:

Brake-based torque vectoring
Hydraulic compliance bushings
Larger front and rear stabiliser bars
Slimmer headlights (with pronounced fenders)
Variable gear ratio steering

A favourite from previous Honda generations, the "single-tier" instrument cluster makes a comeback and replaces the "two-tier" design used in two preceding generations.

Honda Civic Body Styles

Hatchback

The manufacturers unveiled the "jointly developed" Civic Hatchback production version in 2016 at the Paris Motor Show. Soon after, the Canadian and USA models also became available for the 2017 model year.

As a result, having the standard Civic hatchback available for sale in the USA and Canada made it easier to export the Type R variant.

Sedan

The longer, wider, and lower production sedan model made its debut for North American markets in September of 2015.

Notable features include extra interior legroom in the second row seating compartment and increased trunk space.

Coupe

Honda revealed the production coupe at the Los Angeles Auto Show late 2015 and they started selling it in North America in March 2016. The two engine options for the Civic coupe includes a 1.5-liter turbo.

After dropping from 16% of sales to 6%, Honda discontinued the tenth-generation coupe for the 2021 model year. The eleventh-generation Honda Civic excludes a coupe version.

Honda Civic Performance Models

Si Sedan

A turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with a 6-speed manual transmission assembly creates the power for the Honda Civic Si.

According to Honda automobile manufacturers, the tenth-generation Civic Si only needs 7.0 seconds to reach 97 km/h (60 mph).

Type R

The unveiling of the Honda Civic Type R hot hatchback and sports sedan models took place in 2016 in France and the production model made its debut in 2017.

It's fair to say that it used the body of the hatchback - with a focus for track racing events. For example, features unique to the Type R include:

Additional body kits
Red Honda "H" badge
Air intake (located on the hood)
Air scoop
20-inch piano black alloy wheels (with red accents)
Enlarged wheel arches
Three (3) tailpipes

The 2.0-liter turbocharged i-VTEC inline-four engine produces a whopping 306 hp and 295 pounds-feet (400 Nm) of torque.

Conclusion

Simply put, Honda's 2016 tenth-generation Civic has to compete with several compact sedans and coupes on the market, especially:

Chevrolet Cruze
Ford Focus
Kia Forte
Mazda 3

In spite of that, the 2016 Honda Civic renews a ferocity and road grip that's been lacking in some of the Honda lineup. The coupe also delivers responsive steering and a recognisable reduction in body roll and noise.