Honda’s signature sports sedan, the Civic, will undergo a minor change, to be announced on September 12th, 2024, and released on September 13th. This latest improvement adds a new “RS” grade that further pursues sportier driving, and has undergone significant evolution, including improved operability through special tuning and a completely new interior and exterior design. Prices range from 3,448,500 yen to 4,307,000 yen. Dealers began taking pre-orders in August, one month before the release. We will explain in detail what kind of model it will be.
The “RS” is a particularly strong part of Honda’s brand image, and the famous Civic of the past also had an “RS” grade. The current Civic also has an “RS” model sold overseas (in Thailand), and it is expected that the model released in Japan this time will be similar to that.
Honda unveiled a black-body Civic RS prototype with a 6-speed manual transmission at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, held at Makuhari Messe from January 12th to 14th, 2024. Then, on August 1st, 2024, Honda released information about the improved Civic model on its website .
About the new Civic minor change model
This minor change also sees a revamped exterior design, with changes to the front grille, bumper, and taillights, creating a more aggressive and sporty impression. A new body color, “Seabed Blue Pearl,” has been added. Safety features include a “sudden acceleration suppression function” and collision mitigation braking that can detect vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles traveling straight ahead when turning right at an intersection. An auto brake hold memory function has also been added. The Civic RS, an ultra-sporty grade, has been added. The grade structure has been changed from the previous model, eliminating the 6-speed manual transmission available in the gasoline-powered “LX” and “EX” grades. Only the new “RS” grade now comes with a manual transmission. Hybrid vehicles are now available in two grades, the “e:HEV EX” and “e:HEV LX,” the same as the gasoline-powered models.
Inside, the infotainment system will be equipped with the in-car connected service “Google Built-in.” Google services will be available even without a smartphone. The USB ports will be changed from Type A to Type C.
The infotainment system is equipped with the in-car connected service “Google Built-in”
Finally back! Civic RS grade
Civic RS (with optional equipment)
The highlight of the new Civic is the “RS” grade, which features a 1.5L VTEC TURBO engine that has been specially tuned to improve operability. This results in more powerful, more responsive acceleration, further enhancing the enjoyment of sports driving.
The suspension has been specially set for the RS, improving handling performance, and the braking system has also been strengthened to achieve a sportier ride .
In addition to the rev-matching system that enables smooth manual transmission gear changes , the clutch has also been changed from twin-plate to single-plate, resulting in a lightweight flywheel that is approximately 5 kg lighter .
About Honda Genuine Accessories
This time, Honda Access is offering a large wing reminiscent of the Civic Type R as a genuine accessory, as well as tailgate spoilers in wing and ducktail types .
Civic eHEV (optional equipment)
Tailgate spoiler
(wing type)
Tailgate spoiler
(ducktail type)
Other options include aerodynamic bumper extensions and sporty garnishes for the grille and lower bumper intakes.
Front bumper garnish
Front grill garnish
Lower grill garnish
Door mirror cover
New Civic minor change body color: All 5 colors
Premium Crystal Blue Metallic has been discontinued and Seabed Blue Pearl has been adopted.
- Platinum White Pearl
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Sonic Gray Pearl
- Premium Crystal Red Metallic
- Seabed Blue Pearl NEW
About the new Honda Civic RS grade
This time, a new grade “RS” that focuses on driving performance will be introduced. When you think of Honda, you think of “RS”, and the famous car “Civic” also has an “RS” grade.
It features a special exterior, RS badges front and rear, a special sports suspension, special 18-inch aluminum wheels, a specially tuned inline 4-cylinder 1.5L “VTEC TURBO” engine, and a 6MT transmission. Instead , the MT model has been discontinued for the regular model.
The springs and stabilizers have been made stiffer, and the compliance bushings have been replaced with solid rubber, in addition to the sports suspension, which has resulted in a 5mm reduction in ground clearance.
The interior features sports seats and a steering wheel with red stitching exclusive to the RS grade, creating a sporty atmosphere. In addition, the meter panel design has been completely redesigned, improving visibility and functionality.
Due to a minor change, the current standard Civic model is no longer equipped with a 6MT, which differentiates it from the standard model. It also features a drive mode switch, new drive modes, and an “INDIVIDUAL” mode that allows you to register your preferred settings.
New Civic minor change safety features
The new Honda Sensing suite includes improvements to the system, including new cameras that provide a wider field of view than before. Additionally, working in conjunction with better software, the system can recognize more vehicles and more quickly identify pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Adaptive cruise control has also been improved, providing a more natural braking feel and quicker response. This allows for more natural driving while still staying in your lane.
This minor change has newly adopted a “sudden acceleration suppression function.” In addition, the advanced safety driving support system with improved performance supports driving in various situations.
Additionally, world-first designs have been unveiled for airbags that reduce brain injury by better controlling head movement in certain types of crashes: a doughnut-shaped driver airbag that cradles the head in an accident, and a similarly opening, book-shaped, three-sided passenger airbag.
Honda SENSING
It comes standard with Honda SENSING, but is equipped with a more advanced model than the previous model that is also capable of detecting pedestrians at night.
| System Equipment | New Civic |
|---|---|
| Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) |
◯ (Daytime and nighttime pedestrians and bicycles) |
| False start prevention function | ◯ |
| Pedestrian Accident Reduction Steering | ◯ |
| Road departure prevention function | ◯ |
| ACC with traffic jam following function | ◯ |
| LKAS | ◯ |
| Sign recognition function | ◯ |
| False backward start prevention function | ◯ |
| Automatic high beam | ◯ |
| Near-Collision Mitigation Braking | ◯ |
| Traffic Jam Assist | ◯ |
| Adaptive Driving Beam | ◯ |
| Sudden acceleration control function NEW | ◯ |
New Civic minor change model price grade
Due to the global rise in raw material prices and logistics costs, prices are revised at the time of minor changes. The e:HEV has been changed from one grade to two, “e:HEV EX” and “e:HEV LX”, the same as the gasoline-powered vehicle. Furthermore, the 6MT is now exclusive to the RS and has been discontinued for all grades.
| grade | engine | Drive system |
transmission |
Price (10%) |
New price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 1.5L 4-cylinder VTEC turbo engine |
FF | CVT (torque converter/ with 7-speed mode) |
3,190,000 yen | 3,448,500 yen |
| 6MT | 3,190,000 yen | – | |||
| EX | CVT (torque converter/ with 7-speed mode) |
3,539,800 yen | 3,798,000 yen | ||
| 6MT | 3,539,800 yen | – | |||
| RS | 6MT | – | 4,198,700 yen | ||
| e:HEV LX |
2.0L direct injection engine + motor “SPORT HYBRID i-MMD” |
Electric continuously variable transmission |
3,940,200 yen | 3,999,850 yen | |
| e:HEV EX |
Electric continuously variable transmission |
– | 4,307,000 yen |
About the new Civic
Only the Civic Hatchback and Civic Type R body styles will be introduced in Japan. A four-door sedan is also available in the United States and other countries. The Japanese Civic model was unveiled on June 24, 2021, and it was announced on August 5, 2021 that it would be released on September 3, 2021.
Based on Honda’s unique M・M philosophy, the new car achieves a lower and wider stance, pursuing a more refined and premium design than previous models. Starting with the low overall height and low hip point of the 10th-generation model, the new car adopts a new “thin and light” design ethos, including a low hood, front fenders, and a low, horizontal beltline.
Strategic use of high-tensile steel and aluminum improves torsional rigidity by 8% and bending rigidity by 13%, resulting in improved ride comfort, handling, and safety. MacPherson struts up front, with low-friction ball joints and front damper mount bearings, improve steering feel.
Meanwhile, larger compliance bushings minimize harsh road surfaces, and the two rear lower arms also feature new bushings to reduce vibrations in the cabin and improve straight-line stability.
The body size is 4,550mm in length (+30mm), 1,800mm in width (0mm), 1,415mm in height (0mm), and 2,735mm in wheelbase (+35mm).
New Civic Fully Redesigned Interior
The interior is designed with horizontal and straight lines as the key theme, and based on the concept of HMI (Human Machine Interface), eye movement is reduced and controls are placed along the flow of passengers to improve visibility. In order to provide a refreshing view from all seats, a “sleek and long cabin” with a solid form that gives it a sense of solidity has been adopted.
The top of the dashboard has been designed with minimal cut lines to prevent reflections on the windshield, and the mirrors have been positioned away from the A-pillars for improved visibility.
The meter uses a new “10.2-inch instrument cluster,” and the center display is equipped with a “9-inch Honda CONNECT Honda Display.” This system is compatible with “Apple CarPlay” and “Android Auto,” and also features “Honda CONNECT,” an in-vehicle communication module exclusive to Honda vehicles.
In addition, to provide high-quality sound, a 12-speaker BOSE audio system is adopted, and it is also equipped with an auto brake hold function and a parking brake system.
New Civic Fully Redesigned Engine
Two four-cylinder engines are available: a 1.5L inline four-cylinder VTEC turbo engine with a maximum power output of 134 kW (182 PS) at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 240 Nm (24.5 kgfm) at 1,700-4,500 rpm. The turbocharged engine’s figures represent an increase of 6 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque over the same engine in the previous generation.
Furthermore, the hybrid model will feature the sporty e:HEV hybrid system, a 2.0L direct injection engine + motor “two-motor hybrid system.”
| Specifications | New Civic |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,550mm |
| Overall width | 1,800mm |
| Overall height | 1,415mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,735mm |
| engine | 1.5L 4-cylinder VTEC turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 134kW (182PS) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 240Nm (24.5kgfm) / 1,700-4,500rpm |
transmission |
CVT/6MT |
| Drive system | 2WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 16.3km/L |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
| Estimated Price | 3,190,000 yen ~ 3,539,800 yen |
| Specifications | New Civic Hybrid |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,550mm |
| Overall width | 1,800mm |
| Overall height | 1,415mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,735mm |
| engine | 2.0L direct injection engine + motor “SPORT HYBRID i-MMD” |
| Maximum power | 107kW (145ps) / 6,200rpm |
| Maximum torque | 175Nm (17.8kgm) / 4,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
135kW (184ps) / 5,000-6,000rpm |
| Motor Max Torque |
315Nm (32.1kgm) / 0-2,000rpm |
transmission |
Electric continuously variable transmission |
| Drive system | 2WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
-km/L |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
| price | 3,942,000 yen |
Summary of the new Civic minor changes
- The exterior features red “RS” emblems on the front and rear.
- Dedicated front and side lower skirts. Dedicated tailgate spoiler
- The transmission is a 6MT.
- Honda SENSING now features a sudden acceleration control function
- Exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels
- The interior is equipped with suede and synthetic leather seats with red stitching for the RS, aluminum pedals, etc.
New Civic Q&A
What kind of performance improvements does the new Civic RS grade have?
-
Improved engine power and torque: The 1.5L VTEC TURBO engine has been specially tuned to improve maximum power and torque. Specific figures have not yet been announced, but the car is expected to deliver a sportier ride than the current model. Strengthened suspension and brake system: Handling performance and braking power are improved by adopting a specially set suspension and a reinforced brake system.
What is the specific exterior design of the new Civic RS?
-
The design of the front grille, bumper, and headlights has been changed, and sports seats and steering wheel exclusive to the RS grade have been adopted: special equipment has been added to create a sporty atmosphere.
What models could compete with the Civic RS?
-
Rival models include the Subaru WRX S4, Mazda MAZDA3, and Volkswagen Golf.
A word from the editorial department
For Honda, the Civic is a global strategic vehicle and a highly popular model. This time, a new grade “RS” that focuses on driving performance will be added.
As of May 2024, orders for the Civic Type R are still temporarily suspended , making it difficult to obtain, so the RS, with its increased maximum output and special equipment, may be a car that makes you think, “Maybe this is a good option?”
This minor change has further improved the sporty driving performance and sophisticated design of the new Civic. We can’t wait for its release on September 12th.
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