The outgoing Civic Hatch was launched in 2006 and featured a new design concept with a unique platform based on a ‘centre tank,’ design, offering practical benefits such as a large cabin space. The Civic Hatch was designed and developed for the European market and received positive feedback for its design, versatility and practicality. This helped define the current Civic Hatch as having ‘road presence’ with ‘futuristic looks’ and a ‘multi-purpose’ function with the large boot space and multiple seat arrangements offered by Honda’s ‘Magic Seats’.
As research commenced, the development team for the new Civic Hatch opted to enhance the qualities of the current model, while considering the key milestones it had achieved. The team wanted to create a new emotional design with the ability to surprise and delight with its practical features and spaciousness. One of their goals was to improve visibility and widen the field of vision to enhance the overall ownership experience.
The current Hatch achieved superior interior space while matching boot capacity among its competitors. The focus switched to maintaining its class-leading interior space whilst improving the overall packaging and space efficiency. This led to a new exterior design, with improved aerodynamic performance and weight reduction raising the car’s overall performance envelope.
Focused research was conducted to determine the key modern requirements of the European market. European and Japanese designers and engineers worked closely together throughout the development process. Testing was carried out first in Japan and then repeatedly in Europe to ensure suitability for the most demanding customers.
“The car had to be safe and easy to handle, affordable and so on … premium in terms of having a good balance of affordable performance.” (Mitsuru Kariya, Large Project Leader) The Civic Hatch development team turned to drivers, dealers and the media to evaluate the existing car and define the essential ‘must keep’ features and qualities, as well as the priorities for the new model. Drivers appreciated the distinct styling and form of the car, with its futuristic looks and practicality. Their feedback however, suggested that the car’s rear vision could be improved and the rear design could look more sophisticated. Inside, the car’s modern and user-friendly cockpit design was well received. The spacious cabin and versatile ‘Magic Seats’ received much praise, however users demanded an improvement in the quality of the materials used.
Drivers were impressed with the driving experience, however noted that suspension noise could be reduced and ride comfort increased. Research revealed that the typical Civic Hatch driver is attracted to unique, fresh designs with sporty performance and advanced technologies. The environment was defined as a high priority, with customers demanding high fuel economy and low emissions.
WHAT’S NEW
ENGINE
- 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine delivering 104kW @ 6500 rpm and 174Nm of torque
- Fuel economy of 6.1l/100kms for the manual (combined urban/extra urban) and 6.5l/100kms for the automatic (combined urban/extra urban)
- CO2 emissions of 146g/km for the manual and 155g/km for the automatic
INTERIOR STYLING
- New functional cockpit layout (two control interface zones)
- Full-colour Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) screen incorporating an Eco driving support function, audio display and user support
- Audio system with USB connectivity, iPod integration, auxiliary jack and Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
- Premium audio system with seven speakers including tweeters and sub-woofer in VTi-L only
- New touch point surface materials used throughout for an improved quality feel
- New tilt and telescopic steering wheel with easy operating controls (VTi-L is finished in extra-smooth leather with more comfortable stitching)
- Blue interior door lining illumination in VTi-L only
EXTERIOR STYLING
- Lower and wider aerodynamic monoform profile
- Elegant look seamlessly unifying all surfaces including the wheel arches and the body
- Lower and wider unique look in the front
- Wide aero management rear combination lamp
- New brake and indicator light cluster design
- New body colours
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
- Power windows with remote operation via key fob (down on VTi-S and up/down on VTi-L)
- Multi-array microphone for Bluetooth system (VTi-L only)
- Heated and retractable door mirrors with remote operation via key fob
- Hill start assist
- Multiple storage console, including USB/iPod and AUX inputs
- Revised interior and exterior door handles with one-motion opening operation from the inside handle
- Smoother gear shift feel
FUEL ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
- Honda’s ECO Assist with ECON mode
- ACG multi-step control monitors battery condition and controls charge/discharge to prevent unnecessary power generation to improve fuel efficiency
- Reduced engine friction
- Optimised combustion
SAFETY
- Five-star ANCAP safety rating
- LED day time running lights and LED combination brake/tail lights
- Distinctive, high-mounted LED brake light
- Cruise control with Variable Speed Limiter on VTi-L only
- Integrated Bluetooth in the VTi-L only
- Lowered rear extra window for better view from the driver’s seat
- Improved crosswind stability
SUSPENSION
- Fluid-filled compliance bushings for superior damping in the rear suspension
- H-Beam Trailing Arm with even higher rigidity than the predecessor Civic Type R for road stability
VTi-S
- 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine delivering 104kW @ 6500 rpm and 174Nm of torque
- Six-speed manual transmission with Shift Indicator Light (SIL)
- Five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts and Grade Logic Control
- Fuel economy of 6.1l/100kms for the manual (combined urban/extra urban) and 6.5l/100kms for the automatic (combined urban/extra urban)
- CO2 emissions of 146g/km for the manual and 155g/km for the automatic
- Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering
- ECO Assist with ECON mode
- Five-star ANCAP safety rating
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure
- Six airbags (front, front side and full length side curtain)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assist (EBA)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- 16 inch alloy wheels with temporary spare tyre
- McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension
- Ventilated disc front and solid disc rear brakes
- Heated body coloured door mirrors with LED turn indicators
- Variable and intermittent front wipers
- Halogen headlights with beam height adjustment and auto-off function
- LED rear combination taillights and high-mounted brake lights
- LED daytime running lights
- Right rear fog light
- Rear wiper
- Tailgate spoiler
- Automatic climate control with rear ventilation ducts
- Three child safety seat anchorages
- Deflation warning system (can be activated or deactivated through the i-MID)
- Front seatbelt pre-tensioners
- Hill Start Assist
- G-force Control (G-CON) technology
- Seatbelt reminder for driver and all passengers
- Security alarm system and engine immobiliser
- Transmission Shift Lock on automatic (TSL)
- Remote keyless entry
- Remote control locking with two-stage unlocking mechanism
- 390 litre boot capacity with rear seats in normal position and 1,120 with the Magic Seats folded down flat
- Two 12-volt accessory power outlets
- Audio system with USB connectivity, iPod integration, auxiliary jack and Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
- Steering-wheel mounted audio and i-MID controls
- Four cargo hooks
- Central locking with one-touch master lock/unlock switch for driver
- Day/night rear-view mirror
- Driver seat height adjustment
- Dust and pollen filter
- Magic seats
- Intelligent Multi-information display with warnings and customisable wallpaper
- Front and rear power windows with auto up/down feature on front windows
- Cloth trim
- 60:40 split fold rear seats
- Tilt and telescopic steering
- Whiplash mitigation front seat design
VTi-L (in addition to VTi-S specifications)
- Rain-sensing auto front wipers
- Dusk-sensing auto on/off halogen headlights
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Cruise control with adjustable speed limiter
- Leather interior with two-stage heated front seats
- Leather steering wheel with audio, i-MID, Bluetooth and cruise control buttons
- Front passenger seatback pocket
- Reversing camera displayed on i-MID
- 17 inch alloy wheels with temporary spare tyre
- Premium audio system with seven speakers including tweeters and sub-woofer
- Rear seat centre armrest with two cup holders
- Front door blue ambient lighting
- 12-volt luggage area accessory power outlet
- Fog lights