A Welcome New Era for the Civic

The all new 10th Generation Honda Civic breaks new ground in multiple ways, from the powertrain technology it utilizes to the dynamic yet sophisticated styling it features. This latest Civic will be the first factory turbocharged Honda Civic, and there is no shortage of engine options either. Besides the sporty 174 hp / 162 lb-ft 1.5L DOHC direct injected turbo engine (code L15B7) offered in some of the EX trim levels, there will two other turbo engines featured in the Si and Type R models. Yes, you heard us correctly, the Type R is back! Although the official details on the Si and Type R models are not yet available as of the writing of this article, in all likelihood the Civic Type R will essentially be the same as the one currently available in England (where it is produced), which means it will be a hatchback and have a 2.0L direct injected DOHC VTEC turbo motor pumping out about 306 hp! The rumor is that other U.S. hatchback trim levels will be announced in 2016 as well, and these models along with the Type R should make it to U.S. shores as 2017 Civic model options.

As far as the Civic Si trim level, our guess is that it will be available in coupe and sedan versions as before, but will feature a de-tuned version of the Type R's 2.0L turbo motor. A bored and stroked, higher boost version of the 1.5L turbo motor is also a possibility. Whatever the case is, we expect the output to be around 230 - 240 hp for the Civic Si. We of course also expect the suspension, wheels, and exterior styling will be slightly different from the LX / EX models. We hope the 2016 Civic Si details will be announced in early 2016 and it will make it to production before summer 2016.

The last engine option Honda is offering for the 10th Gen Civics is a 158 hp / 138 lb-ft 2.0L port-injected DOHC i-VTEC naturally aspirated motor (code K20C2) in the LX trim level and some EX trims as well. This new motor is also available in a 6 speed manual transmission, but only on the LX model. A CVT transmission is optional on the LX trims and comes standard on all EX trims. The CVT offered for the 1.5L turbo motor applications is a bit "sportier" than the standard CVT found on the naturally aspirated K20C2 motors. In this case, "sportier" basically means a higher final drive ratio for better acceleration. As far as transmissions for the Si models, we imagine there will be no CVT options, most likely just a close ratio 6 speed transmission with a mechanical limited slip differential (LSD) for superior grip. This is basically the same setup as the new Type R model.

Other noteworthy changes for the 2016 10th Generation Honda Civic:

• The two-tier dash system that started with the 2006 8th Gen Civic is finally gone, and replaced with a single tier digital display, which looks and functions much better.
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be available in an optional 7-inch Display Audio touch screen.
• LED daytime running lights and LED taillights are standard on all trim levels.
• Projector halogen headlights are standard now, and even LED headlights are available as an option.
• The new 2016 Civic starts at $18,640...only $150 more than the outgoing model!
• Honda's new safety technology, called Honda Sensing, is available as well. Honda Sensing options include Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Warning, and the brand new Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow.
• The 10th Generation Civic represents the largest Civic launch ever - both in terms of the number of different powertrain / body style options, and in terms of the long time frame over which this information will be rolled out.
• Honda really went to work making huge improvements in the interior convenience features and quality of materials. Everyone should be pleased with the upgrade.
• The Hybrid models are completely gone. Honda felt it was better not to dilute the new sporty and dynamic character of the 10th Gen Civic, and focus on using Hybrid technology in other cars. Civic Hybrid sales never really took off and so it was a sound decision financially speaking too.

So this is a good summary of the important information we know right now about the 2016 10th Gen Honda Civic. We'll update this article with official information on the Si and Type R models when available. One other thing to note is that although all the details on the Civic LX / EX coupe models are known, they will not actually be available for purchase until around March 2016.

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