India-bound Honda Civic: 5 things to know

The Honda Civic is all set to make a comeback in India after a span of nearly six years. Set to fill the gap between the new Honda City and the Honda Accord Hybrid, the Civic is a part of Honda’s plan to refocus on the premium segments following the launch of a slew of updated and new volume-segment models. As part of its plan, Honda has recently launched the second-gen Amaze compact sedan and intends to bring the new seven-seat CR-V SUV to the market before re-introducing the Civic.

Here is what you need to know about the all-new India-bound Honda Civic:

Tenth-generation Civic globally

Honda sold the eighth-generation Civic in India from 2006, but the model was discontinued in 2013 as, without a crucial diesel engine option, it was overtaken by rivals in a segment that was on a decline. However, the carmaker is likely to re-launch the executive sedan in India with the facelift of the tenth-generation Civic that made its global debut in 2015. The refreshed model is expected to be unveiled later this year. One of the reasons cited by Honda regarding not launching the previous, ninth-gen premium model in India was that it was not up to the mark, as compared to rivals. Honda has already begun testing the new car.

All-new design                         

The design of the new Civic is a significant departure from earlier models, with a very pronounced coupé-like roofline and a notchback rear section. It sports a bold chrome bar across the grille and LED accents. Much like its predecessors, this Civic carries an edgy and futuristic look. Additionally, the fresh and clean design of the interior, featuring metallic highlights, is likely to impress Indian customers. Expect further tweaks to the sedan's interior – including its infotainment system – when the model comes to India.

Improved chassis

Honda claims that the new Civic uses the most sophisticated chassis in the nameplate’s history. An infusion of ultra high-strength steel has improved torsional rigidity by a massive 25 percent. And if the last Civic we had in India is anything to go by, that means this one will surely be excellent to drive. The length, width and height of the tenth-gen Civic might change after its facelift. However, its 2,700mm wheelbase is expected to remain unchanged.

Petrol and diesel engine options coming

The Civic comes with a myriad of engines in international markets – from a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol to a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine. For India, Honda is expected to bring the car with the previous model’s 140hp, 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Although there will be tweaks made to make the engine BS-VI-compliant. The highlight will be the new 1.6-litre diesel engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams engine series, which will make its India-debut on the CR-V SUV. Automatic transmission options are also expected to figure on both engines.

Stiff competition expected

When it comes to India, the new Civic will likely carry a price tag in the region of Rs 16-20 lakh. As it was before, that price puts it up against its age-old rival, the Toyota Corolla Altis (Rs 16.27-20.01 lakh) as well as others like the Skoda Octavia (Rs 16.03-24.49 lakh) and the Hyundai Elantra (Rs 13.29-19.34 lakh). The model is expected to officially launch sometime in 2019. (All prices ex-showroom, Delhi)