India Bound Honda Civic: What To Expect

Skipping a whole generation, we’ll now be getting one of the best Civics Honda has ever created with the new model slated to launch in India soon

The Honda Civic is finally returning to India after a brief discontinuation and skipping a generation. The global tenth generation of the Civic is headed for our shores and it has been spied for the first time in the country recently. Over its lifetime, the Japanese car has generated quite a cult following across the globe, but the current-gen model is certainly the best Civic Honda has ever pulled off. One of the key highlights is the new turbocharged VTEC motor, the first ever turbocharged petrol from Honda. When launched it will go up against the likes of the facelifted Toyota Corolla Altis, the upcoming Hyundai Elantra, and the Skoda Octavia among others. Let us see what it is expected out of the new Civic.

A fastback design 

Of all generations of the Honda Civic, the tenth-gen model looks remarkably different courtesy of the fastback rear profile. In keeping with global trends, the new Civic features a steeply raked roofline that will surely turn heads. This said, it does carry forward subtle characteristics of the previous gen models such as the sportier overhangs, low-slung looks and others. 

Besides this, you will get Honda’s latest grille flanked by optional full-LED headlamps (If we get it just like the ASEAN-spec Civic RS), C-shaped LED taillamps, and diamond-cut alloys. 

Mechanicals 

1.5-litre VTEC Turbo

The tenth generation Civic features Honda’s first ever turbocharged VTEC motor — a 1.5-litre four-pot VTEC Turbo. It is the most powerful engine in its lineup across the globe, which also includes 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines. The ASEAN-only version features 1.8-litre and 1.5-litre turbo engines. The 1.5-litre produces over 170 horses and close to 220Nm of max torque. It is expected that the Indian version might feature this 1.5-litre turbo engine, maybe as an RS version just like the Thai-spec model. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission).  

1.6-litre i-DTEC Diesel 

If you want to stay afloat in this segment, you do need a potent diesel counterpart as well. This is what the previous Civic lacked in the country. However, Honda started offering a diesel option in the outgoing European version of the Civic (eighth generation) and will carry forward this in the upcoming model as well. The Indian version is most likely to feature the same. The motor in the talk is a 1.6-litre i-DTEC oil burner mated to a six-speed manual, which is capable of generation 120PS and 300Nm of peak torque. Expect a certified fuel efficiency of over 20 kmpl.

Features 

The new Civic features an all-digital instrument cluster just like the previous generations. The infotainment system is a seven-inch touchscreen unit and supports both Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. The updates from the infotainment system are reflected in the instrument cluster as well. 

The climate control features dual-zone cooling and displays functions on the touchscreen infotainment unit. Besides this, you get an electronic parking brake and a brake hold button; pressing the latter holds the vehicle just like you do with your foot. 

All in all, the new Civic is coming with all guns blazing this time, whether it comes to features or the mechanicals. And, reportedly, there will be heavy localisation this time as compared to the eighth generation version.