2012 Honda Civic Lineup Shows Up In NY, Looks Boring

A few days ago at the 2011 edition of the New York Auto Show, the Japanese automaker Honda revealed the 9^th generation of the Civic model, sporting a couple of shy style changes and more fuel efficient powertrains. The lineup consists of the following model: gasoline-powered Sedan and Coupe models, high-performance Si Coupe and Si Sedan, Hybrid, Natural Gas, and the Civic HF, which is an all-new high fuel economy model.

The cheapest Civic money can buy is the DX Coupe that has a base price of $15,605, and it remains virtually the same as the outgoing model. The entry-level Sedan and Coupe models will feature a 1.8-liter i-VTEC power unit that produces 140 hp and 128 lb.-ft (173.5 Nm) of torque.

An interesting model is the Hybrid, which can achieve a combined rating of 44 mpg, and Honda says that it is going to be the most fuel-efficient sedan in the United States. It sports the newest generation of the Integrated Motor Assist system that benefits from a lithium-ion battery. The gasoline engine has grown a little bit and now has a 1.5-liter displacement, producing 110 hp and 127 lb.-ft (172 Nm) of torque, together with the electric motor.

After the Hybrid, the most efficient model is the all-new HF, which will do 41 mpg on the highway.

The Honda Civic Natural Gas (formerly known as the Civic GX) still remains the only manufacturer-built natural gas-powered vehicle in the United States. The car is powered by a natural gas variant of Honda’s 1.8-liter engine, just about the same as the one in the Sedan and Coupe models. The engine’s output is rated at 110 hp and the combined fuel consumption is 31 mpg.

The sportier models, the Si Sedan and Coupe have a bigger engine, a 2.4-liter i-VTEC that generates 201 hp and 170 lb.-ft (230 Nm). The torque figure has improved by 22% in comparison to the outgoing model. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and both Si models are offered as standard with a limited-slip differential.

Also as standard, the 2012 Honda Civic will get a 5-inch LED “Intelligent” Multi-Information Display, Eco Assist Technology, and the all-new Motion Adaptive Electronic Power Steering System.

It all looks quite good on paper, but looking at all the models in the 2012 lineup; they all have a rather dull and boring appearance. The only somewhat interesting model is the Si Coupe, other than that, the latest offerings from Kia for example, are much better and they also have a more attractive design. Feel free to disagree with me on this one.

Source: Honda via Carscoop

Post tags: Tags: 2012 honda civic, honda civic coupe, honda civic sedan, honda civic si