In 1973 Honda introduced a tiny little car called the Civic. Thirty-nine years later, Honda launches the ninth generation of one of the company’s most popular vehicles in the all-new 2012 Civic. The 2012 Civic was originally scheduled to grow in length, but with fuel prices on the rise, Honda decided to keep this generation to a similar size as the past version. This decision delayed the launch of the ninth generation which was not helped by the devastating earthquake and tsunami occurrences.
Consumer Reports for the first time did not place the Civic on its Recommended List sighting cheap interior and other issues compared to some of its latest competitors. However, my impression was that even though some of the touch-points of the dash were a little harder than I would have liked, the overall interior of my test Civic HF featured an attractive design, quality materials, and a colorful, futuristic instrument cluster. Knowing Honda, they will seriously review the comments from Consumer Reports and make any necessary modifications to future model years.
The model lineup for the 2012 Honda Civic consists of DX Coupe ($15,605), LX Coupe ($18,455), EX Coupe ($19,705), EX-L Coupe ($21,955), Si Coupe ($22,205), DX Sedan, LX Sedan ($15,805), HF Sedan ($19,455), EX Sedan ($20,505), EX-L Sedan ($21,955), Si Sedan ($22,405), Hybrid Sedan ($24,050), and Civic Natural Gas ($26,155).
New features on the 2012 Honda Civic include intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), USB Audio Interface, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and a Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and FM Traffic.
Even though the 2012 Civic is classified as all-new, the overall sheet metal hasn’t changed much compared to the eighth generation. The differences show themselves in redesigned fascias, expressive mono-form exterior styling with clean and flowing lines, and an updated rear end. The sedans get a side profile that is less cab-forward looking, while the coupes carry on with the more shapely style. The sporty SI trim is tricked out in spoilers and a body kit.
Honda describes the body styling as a futuristic and distinctive compact. However you want to portray its unique look, the Civic draws buyers from high school graduates to young families to baby boomers and retirees.
The interior is comfortable and continues with some of the previous generation design cues. The seats are firm, nicely bolstered, and easily adjusted. Thinner windshield pillars improve the forward viewing area. A new I-MID or Intelligent Multi-Information Display allows the driver to rotate through a variety of vehicle information. The optional satellite navigation system now includes a voice recognition function.
Under the hood you’ll find a re-engineered 1.8-liter I-4 engine with enhanced fuel economy, a larger and more powerful 2.4-liter I-4 Si powerplant, and a new Civic Hybrid powertrain that delivers higher overall performance and improved fuel economy. If you are not interested in going for a Hybrid, the HF is equipped with a specially tuned 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generates slightly higher fuel economy ratings at 29 City and 41 Highway. There are two transmissions that are available on the 2012 Civic – 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic with overdrive.
The 2012 Civic delivers a contemporary driving impression that you would expect from a small family car. It is quick off the line, but don’t expect race car acceleration. The handling is what we expect from a Civic – confident with excellent ride quality. The overall length is about the same as the 2011 model; however, the wheelbase is slightly shorter.
Room for improvement:
- Considerable body roll during hard cornering
Cool Features:
- Dual Winged lights in dash indicating the driving eco mode
- Voice recognition function on the optional satellite navigation system
The standard safety equipments for all the 2012 Honda Civic includes the Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE)™ body structure for frontal collision energy management and vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility, side curtain airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and anti-lock braking.
In Summary – Between 1973 and 2010, Honda has sold 8.8 million Civics in the United States and will continue to sell more with the new 2012 Civic. Its slick styling, durability, comfortable interior, and great fuel economy will keep the Civic as a top-selling model on the Honda dealership showroom floors. With its wide variety of trims, I’m sure there is a version that will meet the qualification of folks looking for a smaller, yet fun vehicle.
Specifications
2012 Honda Civic HF Sedan
Base price: $19,455 as driven: $20,225 (including destination)
Engine: 1.8-Liter 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 140 @ 6500
Torque: 128 foot pounds @ 4300
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic with Overdrive
Drive: Front Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 35.4 feet
Cargo space: 18.4 cubic feet
Curb weight: 2698 pounds
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons
EPA mileage: City 29 / Highway 41
Wheel Base: 105.1 inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Festiva, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda MAZDA3, and Toyota Corolla
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