So, at the last minute, I decided to change the beginning of the text and focus on the somewhat confusing initial strategy of only selling the Civic G11 in certain cities. Read: São Paulo, Campinas, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia and Goiânia. The announcement on the licensed network created tension among peers.
For what reason? “Market analysis,” replied Diego Fernandes, commercial director of the brand. Criterion and strategy that would leave key cities out of the initial launch path. Few units, limited production were two arguments of the Japanese brand. Not to mention the new value of the product, R$ 244.9 thousand, almost 1/4 of a million.
On Wednesday, around 6 pm, I checked that Ribeirão Preto, Recife, Salvador, Fortaleza and Manaus were in play, repaving the road that will serve the new Civic. New to all.
The hybrid, at the very least, will make you think twice, from the proposed price point and the delivery of the technology that has evolved since the application in the Accord. The car comes imported from Thailand, remembering that in other times the sedan was produced from 1997 to 2021 when the automaker ended the local cycle with generation 10. The Civic has history.
In Brazil the sedan has always been considered a car of higher rank and it is worth mentioning that the car has just turned 50 years of existence (starting from 51) since 1972. But a new chapter upsets the life of the sedans, of all the categories. The hybrid will also face the dilemma of being surrounded by the versatility of SUVs, most of which are less of a car and more of a means of transportation. Of course, they cannot be compared, in terms of handling, with good notchbacks, like the new Honda.
Will the brand withstand the onslaught of three-letter stars? SUVs? Like Toyota, which leads the smaller segment, and Nissan, which will try again with the Sentra? I think so. The low volume of imports (Honda does not provide data) will contribute to this. Again with scarcity marketing. The eleventh generation Civic Hybrid, as the e:HEV is calling it, truly represents a quantum leap for the brand and places the Thai hybrid in something of a non-existent class. That of medium-high sedans.
Hard to explain but that’s how it is. The HEV system is the intelligent reference of the product, an evolution of the penultimate Accord and very different from the one offered by Toyota with the hybrid Corolla. Car that also does without the plug to recharge the battery.
The new Civic is larger than the tenth generation, 42mm longer (rise from 4.64m to 4.67m), 3mm wider and 35mm of wheelbase. It is comfortable for those behind. Another relevant figure is the boot capacity of 495 liters VDA. In the G10 it was 525 litres. But everything fits in an organized way. Write it down because it’s another level yes and another price range as well. Obvious. No one here will say I didn’t recognize him.
Right product evolution. Classic from the outside, less edgy than in the recent past. Will the Civic please the legion of over 350,000 Brazilian fans? Not for the price. The headlights and taillights have been given a stylish personality but nothing comparable to the elegant design of the G10. When shooting, comfort is a priority, despite the small wheelbase. The rim is 17 inches with 50 profile tyres. The tread design is nice.
The bodywork has gained in refinement, the roof renounces the old finishing welding of the gutter and the novelty is the application of a laser that hides the union of the sheet metal with the side. I found the lanterns, at first sight, excellent for the harmony of the whole. Then came the visual habit and the importance of the theory of seeing and being seen. Honda’s “H” is outlined in blue to highlight the hybrid identity.
The wiper blade arms have also been “refurbished” with direct injection of the water coming out of the blades. More economy and efficiency, as well as not spoiling the design. Horrible those buttons cut above the hood, they ruin the look of the garment.
Inside
Refine. I liked the bet that raises the Honda standard. Door panel with LED fillet and air diffusers hidden by a delicate and avant-garde piece on the front of the panel. The noise attenuator is good and the system also generates new sound on board. Signature Bose sound (finally) with 12 speakers. The inductive charger does not fail and will not let you down. The car feels firm, nothing bouncy or bumpy in the rough terrain, and the track is smooth. It accelerates and picks up speed like a dual-clutch sports vehicle.
The multimedia center is in fact another point of evolution and the screen is nine inches. In the projection, the best picture of the energy flow which encourages more economical driving. I averaged 21 Km/l but the Inmetro seal says just over 18 Km/l.
The 10.2 inch TFT frame and on the side you will see the we power function. Braking and decelerating to generate energy. The electronics are convincing, the only thing missing is to change the layout of the USB ports, there are four and no USB C.
My Honda Connect
All about mobile like geofencing and convenience. Turn the machine on and off. How it locates. voice assistant is a
evolution of what Stellantis offers with Jeep and Fiat and 12 months are free. After use, decide whether or not to continue with administration. Carplay and Android auto at your fingertips. The first, wireless.
Powertrain
High-power traction electric motor that takes the first steps of the car. Honda’s technology will alternate the electrical system and combustion becoming a support group. At higher speeds, the heat engine obviously grows and plays its part. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine generates 143PS and weighs 19.1kg with direct injection. But remember here to make it easier, the set is a generator. Official consumption is 18.3 km/l in the city and 15.9 km/l on the motorway. The tank has a capacity of 40 litres.
And what about electric? There are 184 hp and 32.1 pounds of force. Inside, on the console, choose one of three driving modes: econ, normal and sport. The parking brake is electronic. The ASC – active mode control also provides that the Civic has 8% more stiffness than the G10. Firmer and has a classy Japanese suspension.
Safety
Honda Sensing is the new balance point in favor of safety and the consumer of the brand will understand this well. In the case of ACC, it favors more precise acceleration when overtaking. We fired it up and tested the functions on the track and on the road. LKAS, the lane keeping assistant, has evolved on straights and also works when cornering. Another interesting point is the LaneWatch, automatic headlight adjustment.
In a sportier driving position, well-being and a smile on board. I love to drive and this car was made for you to feel. Honda delivers eight airbags (there are two in the rear). Power front seats, dual zone air, remote start, wireless charger, front and rear USB ports. Four colors and a lighter option for black seats in the interior.
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