Main competitors «Honda Civic» are the following vehicles from other manufacturers − Chevrolet Lacetti, Chery Bonus, Citroen C4, Fiat Bravo, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Cee'd, Lada Vesta, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Almera, Opel Astra, Peugeot 308, Renault Fluence, Renault Megane, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Auris, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf.
First generation (SB1/SG/SH/SE/VB, 1972−1979)
Production of the first generation was launched in July 1972. Civic came to replace the subcompact front-wheel drive car «Honda N600», which was produced from 1967 to 1972. Body shapes were very different - 2- and 4-door sedan, 3- and 5-door hatchback, as well as a 5-door station wagon. The length of the car was 3551 mm until 1973, and since 1974 it has grown to 3731 mm, width 1505 mm, height 1327 mm and a curb weight of 680 kg. The length of the station wagon was 4064 mm. The oil crisis of 1973 greatly influenced the increase in demand for these compact and economical cars. The first three years of operation revealed that when salt was used on the roads in winter, the body rusted through, because of this, Honda had to repair about 1 million cars for free. The assembly was carried out in Japan, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Engines were installed four-cylinder petrol volumes of 1.2 liters (1169 cm3, EB1, 50 hp), 1.2 liters (1238 cm3, EB2/EB3, 63 hp), 1.3 liters (1335 cm3, EJ, CVCC, 67 hp), 1.5 liters (1488 cm3, EU, 64 hp) and 1.5 liters (1488 cm3, ED CVCC, 52 hp). Technology «CVCC» is a trademark «Honda» and means engines with reduced emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. The gearbox was installed 4 or 5-speed manual, as well as 2-speed automatic «Hondamatic».
In 1978, they carried out cosmetic updates that affected the radiator grille, external optics, and side vents.
Second generation (SL/SS/SR/ST/VC/WD, 1979−1983)
In June 1979, the second generation was introduced «Civic». The car got a little bigger with more powerful engines. The design has become like an older brother «Accord». Body style was 3 and 5 door hatchback (length 3760-3870 mm), 5-door station wagon (length 3830 mm) and 4-door sedan (length 4090 mm). The remaining dimensions are the same for all types of bodies and were 1580 mm wide, 1350 mm high and curb weight 720-780 mm. The sedan was sold in Japan under the name «Honda Ballade», and based on the hatchback was «Honda Quint». Assembly shops were located in Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Engines were installed four-cylinder petrol 1.3 liters (1335 cm3, EN1/EN4, 60/71 hp), 1.3 liters (1335 cm3, EJ, CVCC, 67 hp) and 1.5 liters (1488 cm3, EM, CVCC, 79 hp). The manual transmission was 4 or 5 speed. Automatic was 2-speed, and since 1981 it was replaced by 3-speed «Hondamatic».
A minor update was carried out at the end of 1980. In early 1982, another update brought larger plastic bumpers, a new grille and rectangular headlights. In 1983, a sports version appeared called «Civic S» with stiffer suspension.
Third generation (AG/AH/AJ/AK/AT/AU, 1983−1987)
In September 1983, the third generation was introduced as a 1984 model. When he appeared in 1983, he received an award «Japan Car of the Year». The dimensions of the car have increased slightly again. The body had the following forms - 3-door hatchback (length 3810 mm, width 1626 mm, height 1346 mm), 3-door coupe, 5-door station wagon and 4-door sedan (length 4166 mm, width 1626 mm, height 1397 mm.). On the base «Civic» also produced a two-seat car «Honda CR-X». Was a sports model «Civic Si» mostly in the form of a hatchback with a more powerful engine. All cars were front-wheel drive, and in 1985 a station wagon with all-wheel drive appeared. Manufacturing facilities were located in Japan, Indonesia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Africa.
Engines were still installed only four-cylinder gasoline of the following characteristics - 1.2 liters (1187 cm3, ZA1/ZA2, 55/60 hp), 1.3 liters (1342 cm3, EV/EV1, 60/70 hp), 1.5 liters (1488 cm3, EW1/EW2/EW3/EW4/EW5, 58-108 hp) and 1.6 liters (1590 cm3, ZC1, 120 hp). Manual transmission 4 or 5 speed, automatic «Hondamatic» 3 or 4 speed.
In 1986, the car received an update that introduced hidden headlights, revised taillights, redesigned wheel covers, and other minor cosmetic changes.
Fourth generation (EC/ED/EE/EF, 1987−1991)
In September 1987, the updated car was introduced as a 1988 model. External dimensions have grown again. The suspension has been completely redesigned, double wishbone front, multi-link independent rear. The body was carried out as a 3-door hatchback (length 3965 mm, width 1666 mm, height 1331 mm), 3 door coupe (CRX), 4-door sedan (length 4229 mm, width 1674 mm, height 1359 mm) and 5-door station wagon (Shuttle, length 4107 mm, width 1679 mm, height 1425 mm). The station wagon is available with front and all-wheel drive. It continued to be produced until 1996, after which it was replaced by a commercial van «Honda Partner». The assembly was carried out in the same countries as the previous generation, plus England and the USA were added. The trim levels of the car were as follows «STD», «DX», «LX», «EX» And «SI». In South Africa, the Civic was sold under the brand name «Honda Ballade».
The range of gasoline four-cylinder engines has greatly expanded and represented the following models - 1.3 liters (1343 cm3, D13B, 74 hp), 1.4 liters (1396 cm3, D14A, 88 hp), 1.5 liters (1493 cm3, D15B1/D15B2, 70/92 HP), 1.6 liters (1590 cm3, D16A6/D16A9, 108/125 HP) and 1.6 liters (1590 cm3, ZC, 125 hp). In 1989, a sports hatchback appeared «Civic SiR» with 1.6 liter engine (1595 cm3, B16A, DOHC, VTEC) 158 hp All engines were fuel injected. The transmission was a 4 or 5-speed manual, as well as a 4-speed automatic.
In late 1989, the car received a minor facelift with new bumpers and taillights.
Fifth generation (EG/EH/EJ, 1991−1995)
In September 1991, the fifth generation of the Honda Civic was introduced, and again the external dimensions of the car increased. Body shapes have become more rounded and streamlined. The hood was slightly raised, which allowed for more suspension travel. Again immediately after the release they gave an award «Japan Car of the Year». Body styles were produced in the form of a 2-door coupe (EJ1/EJ2; length 4389 mm, width 1699 mm, height 1293 mm), 3 door hatchback (EG3/EG6, EH2/EH3; length 4069 mm, width 1699 mm, height 1288 mm) and 4-door sedan (EG8/EG9, EH9; 4394 mm, width 1699 mm, height 1313 mm). Finishes and equipment options were as follows − «DX», «EX», «CX», «VX», «LX» And «SI». The assembly of the car was carried out in the same countries as the previous generation.
The engine was traditionally installed four-cylinder gasoline of the following volumes of characteristics - 1.3 liters (1343 cm3, D13B2, 74 hp), 1.5 liters (1493 cm3, D15B2/D15B7/D15B8, 90/102/70 HP), 1.5 liters (1493 cm3, D15Z1/D15Z3, 90 HP), 1.6 liters (1590 cm3, D16A8/D16A9, 120/125 HP), 1.6 liters (1590 cm3, D16Z6/D16Z9, 125/130 HP), 1.6 liters (1595 cm3, B16A1/B16A2, 150/160 HP) and 1.8 liters (1834 cm3, B18B3, 143 hp). The transmission was a 4-speed automatic «S24A» or 5 speed manual «S20 A000» or «S20 B000».
Sixth generation (EJ/EK/EM, 1995−2000)
Like previous generations, the sixth was introduced in September 1995 as a 1996 model. Immediately received the third time in a row «Japan Car of the Year». The body is represented by a 2-door coupe, 3-door and 5-door hatchback (length 4325 mm, width 1704 mm, height 1390 mm), 4-door sedan (length 4448 mm, width 1704 mm, height 1389 mm), as well as a 5-door station wagon (Orthia). The curb weight was 1143 kg. The engine is located transversely in front, the drive is mainly on the front wheels, but there are also all-wheel drive models. The car had the following trim levels − «CX», «DX», «LX», «EX», «HX», «GX», «VP» And «SI». Assembly was carried out in Japan, Brazil, UK, Venezuela, Indonesia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, USA, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, Philippines and South Africa.
The engine range has not changed much, traditionally four-cylinder gasoline engines of the following characteristics were installed - 1.3 liters (1343 cm3, D13B4, 90 hp), 1.4 liters (1396 cm3, D14A3/A4/A7/A8, 74/89 HP), 1.5 liters (1493 cm3, D15Z4, 90 hp), 1.6 liters (1590 cm3, D16Y4/Y5/Y7/Y8, 120/115/106/127 HP), 1.6 liters (1595 cm3, B16A2, 160 hp) and 1.6 liters (1595 cm3, B16B, VTEC, 182 hp). The transmission was a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or stepless variator (CVT).
For the 1999 model year, updates were made to both the interior and exterior. These changes may vary depending on the country of origin of the car. For example, in some European countries there was no update to the climate control or the rear of the sedan models. The cars received a new grille, new headlights, as well as a new front bumper, fenders and hood, and redesigned taillights.
Seventh generation (EU/ES/EP/EM, 2000−2005)
In September 2000, the seventh generation went on sale. External dimensions remained approximately the same as those of the sixth generation, but thanks to a significantly increased internal space from subcompact (B-segment) Civic has moved into the next class of compact cars (C-segment). Abandoned double wishbone front suspension, replacing it with a MacPherson strut. At the time of its entry into the market «Civic» won the award for the fourth time «Japan Car of the Year». The body was presented in the following forms - 2-door coupe (length 4437 mm, height 1397 mm), 4-door sedan (length 4435 mm, height 1440 mm), 3 or 5 door hatchback (length 4277 mm, height 1491 mm). The width of cars in the Japanese market was 1694 mm, for export the width was 1720 mm. Assembly shops were located in Japan, Brazil, Great Britain, Canada, Pakistan, USA, Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines.
From this generation cabin air filters (also known as pollen filters) were installed as standard equipment and located behind the glove compartment in the cabin. Trim and equipment levels were as follows − «VP», «DX», «EX», «HX», «GX», «LX», «Si», «RAJ», and there were additions for some levels «Special Edition» And «Hybrid».
Gasoline engines were installed all four-cylinder 1.4-liter (1396 cm3, D14Z6, 90 hp), 1.5 liters (1493 cm3, D15Y3/D15Z6, 120/112 HP), 1.6 liters (1590 cm3, D16W7/D16W9, 115/130 HP), 1.7 liters (1668 cm3, D17A1/D17A6/D17A2, 115/117/127 HP) and 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, K20A2/K20A3, 200/160 HP). Gearbox 5 or 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or stepless variator (CVT). A hybrid version has been imported to North America from Japan since the spring of 2002 as a 2003 model. It used a small 1.3-litre petrol engine and auxiliary electric motors that combined produced 93 bhp.
In 2003, the front end was updated, with new headlights, bumper and grille. Since 1998, the car has been tested several times for safety by the European Committee Euro NCAP, the results of which are shown in the table below:
Eighth generation (FA/FG/FK/FN/FD, 2005−2011)
Traditionally, in September 2005, the eighth generation went on sale as a 2006 model. Externally, the car became more modern and kept up with automotive fashion, inside it immediately attracted attention «two-level» dashboard. All models (including basic) come standard with power windows, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and side/curtain airbags (only six pillows). The body had the following forms - 2-door coupe (length 4440-4458 mm, width 1750 mm, height 1359-1397 mm), 3 or 5 door hatchback (length 4245-4276 mm, width 1760 mm, height 1460 mm), as well as a 4-door sedan (length 4488-4503 mm, width 1753 mm, height 1435 mm). The engine is located transversely in front, front-wheel drive. Production was carried out in the same countries as the production of the seventh generation. The American model is slightly different in design from models for other markets.
Four-cylinder gasoline engines of the following characteristics were traditionally installed on the car - 1.4 liters (1339 cm3, L13A7, 83 hp), 1.6 liters (1595 cm3, R16A1, 123 hp), 1.8 liters (1799 cm3, R18A1, 139 hp), 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, K20Z1/K20Z2, 210/153 HP), 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, K20A, 201 hp) and 2.4 liters (2354 cm3, K24Z5, 184 hp). For the first time, a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine was installed on the Civic (2204 cm3, N22A2, 140 hp). The transmission was 5 and 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic or stepless variator (CVT). The hybrid version of the car is based on a 1.3-liter gasoline engine (1339 cm3, LDA-MF5, I4, IMA, 94 hp).
At the Geneva Motor Show in 2006, a high-performance model was introduced «Civic Type R» with a body a three-door hatchback with a two-liter engine with a capacity of 201 hp. In March 2008, Honda announced that it was recalling 79,000 vehicles due to a potential handbrake problem.
In 2009, they carried out a minor update that affected some equipment, bumpers, and a radiator grille. European Committee EuroNCAP conducted safety tests on a 2009 Civic with a hatchback body, the results were as follows:
Ninth generation (FB, 2011−2015)
Coupe and sedan concepts were shown in January 2011 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In April 2011, the tenth generation of the Civic went on sale in the United States; in Europe and Asia, the car appeared in early 2012. A five-door hatchback for the European market was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. Most models began to be equipped with technology «Eco Assist», which helps the driver to choose a more economical driving style. All models are equipped as standard with ABS, VSA (vehicle stability) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution).
The car body was produced in the following forms - 2-door coupe (length 4472 mm, width 1755 mm, height 1397 mm), 4-door sedan (4525 mm, width 1755 mm, height 1435 mm), 5 door hatchback (length 4300 mm, width 1770 mm, height 1590 mm) and 5-door station wagon (length 4535 mm, width 1770 mm, height 1480 mm). The curb weight was 1177-1304 kg. The engine was located transversely in front, the drive was only on the front wheels. The car was produced in Japan, Brazil, Great Britain, Canada, China, Malaysia, Pakistan, USA, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey.
Petrol engines are represented by four-cylinder models with a volume of 1.4 liters (1339 cm3, L13A, i-VTEC, SOHC, 134 hp), 1.6 liters (1595 cm3, R16A1, i-VTEC, SOHC, 123 hp), 1.8 liters (1799 cm3, R18Z1, i-VTEC, SOHC, 139 hp), 2.0 liters (1997 cm3, R20Z1, i-VTEC, SOHC, 153 hp), 2.0 liters (1996 cm3, K20C1, DOHC, 306 hp) and 2.4 liters (2354 cm3, K24Z7, i-VTEC, DOHC, 201 hp). Diesel engines were two models of 1.6 liters (1598 cm3, N16A1, i-DTEC, DOHC, 118 hp) and 2.2 liters (2204 cm3, N22B, i-DTEC, DOHC, 148 hp), all equipped with a turbocharger. The hybrid model is powered by a 1.5 liter petrol engine with «IMA», which generates power of 90 hp. Transmission 5-speed automatic, 5 or 6-speed manual, and stepless variator (CVT).
Due to the lack of positive feedback for the North American market, an update was released already in 2012. In the updated «Civic» there was a new front fascia with a U-shaped grille and chrome inserts, a new hood and revised rear end with new taillight lenses, as well as additional lightweight clusters and a chrome bar on the trunk lid. New features include a rear backup camera, Bluetooth controls, and access to Pandora radio. Dynamics, handling and quality of interior materials have also been improved. In 2014, another update was carried out, but insignificant.
American «Insurance Institute for Highway Safety» (IIHS) conducted crash tests to evaluate the safety of the 2013-2015 sedan and coupe models, the results of which are shown below.
Sedan Ratings:
- Frontal test with partial overlap - Good
- Small overlap frontal test - Good
- Side kick - good
- Roof strength - Good
Coupe Ratings:
- Frontal test with partial overlap - Good
- Small overlap frontal test - Good
- Side kick - good
- Roof strength - Good
High performance hatchback version with 301 hp engine. still called «Civic Type R».
In 2012 the European Committee EuroNCAP conducted crash tests on the safety of a five-door hatchback, the results were as follows:
Tenth generation (FC/FK, 2015-present)
In November 2015, the tenth generation of the sedan went on sale as a 2016 model. The production version of the coupe was presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2015, and the hatchback and «Type R» at the Paris Motor Show in October 2016. The vehicle is based on an all-new compact global platform «Honda». The body is made of high-strength steel, which reduced its weight. The body was produced as a 2-door coupe (FC3/FC4; length 4492 mm, width 1799 mm, height 1395 mm), 4-door sedan (FC1/FC2/FC5; length 4630 mm, width 1799 mm, height 1416 mm) and 5 door hatchback (FK4/FK7; 4519 mm, width 1799 mm, height 1429 mm). The curb weight was 1242-1362 kg.
The range of gasoline engines is represented by the following models - 1.0 liter (988 cm3, P10A2, turbo, DOHC, I3, 128 hp), 1.5 liters (1496 cm3, L15B7, turbo, DOHC, I4, 174 hp), 1.6 liters (1597 cm3, R16B, SOHC, I4, 123 hp), 1.8 liters (1799 cm3, R18Z1, SOHC, I4, 139 hp), 2.0 liters (1996 cm3, K20C2, DOHC, I4, 158 hp) and 2.0 liters (1996 cm3, K20C1, turbo, DOHC, I4, 306 hp). There is also one 1.6 liter turbocharged diesel engine (1598 cm3, N16 i-DTEC, DOHC, I4, 118 hp). Transmission 6-speed manual or stepless variator (CVT).
The safety of the car was evaluated by an American agency «National Highway Traffic Safety Administration» (NHTSA), the results are as follows:
- Overall rating - 5 out of 5 stars
- frontal impact (driver) — 5 out of 5 stars
- frontal impact (passenger) — 5 out of 5 stars
- Side kick (driver) — 5 out of 5 stars
- Side kick (passenger) — 5 out of 5 stars
- Car flip - 5 out of 5 stars
American «Insurance Institute for Highway Safety» (IIHS) also conducted safety tests:
- Frontal test with partial overlap - Good
- Small overlap frontal test - Good
- Side kick - good
- Roof strength - Good
- Collision avoidance - Good
- Ease of use of the child seat - Acceptable
- Headlights - Bad
In 2017 the European Committee EuroNCAP conducted crash tests on a five-door hatchback, the results were as follows: