Honda Reveals the 2016 Civic Sedan in LA

2016 Honda Civic Sedan (Credit: © Honda)

Honda teased us with the Civic Coupe Concept that it unveiled in April 2015, but it made us wait quite some time to see the 10th generation Civic. The wait is over today, as Honda officially unveiled the sedan version of the new Civic at an event in LA.

Looking at the finished project, I can see that Honda did some serious jackhammering to its compact sedan when creating this 10th generation model. The front end clearly takes its styling direction from the recently revised Honda Accord with its bolder grille and slim headlights. The 2016 Civic also gains a shapelier hood and slightly bulged front fenders to give the model a sporty look that it hasn’t had in quite some time.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan (Credit: © Honda)

Around back, I am shocked to see that the taillights from the concept, for the most part, made it to the production model. Other than the unique taillights and the fastback-like rake of the rear glass, the backside of the Civic is a little bit boring. Given Honda continues to offer an Si version of the sedan, this look may translate well in this sportier version.

As for sizing, the new Civic Sedan has a slightly larger footprint than its predecessor. It is around 2 inches wider and 1 inch lower, while its wheelbase is a full 1.2 inches longer. This larger body translates directly into the cabin, which offers more overall space, additional rear seat legroom, and 2.6 cubic feet of extra trunk space relative to the 2015 model.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan (Credit: © Honda)

Speaking of the cabin, Honda spent some time updating this space too. Other than its new looks, the cabin also boasts a new 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, standard auto climate control, auto door locks, and more.

Honda didn’t get overly detailed with the engines powering the new Civic, but it did give us a few bits. The standard engine will be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the optional engine will be a 1.5-liter direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder. Honda claims the 2.0-liter engine is the most powerful base engine it’s ever used in a Civic and that the 1.5-liter will be the most powerful non-Si engine ever to grace a Civic.

The base LX will make use of the 2.0-liter engine mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT. The EX-T and EX-L trims will get the new 1.5-liter engine and a CVT.

Fuel economy numbers have not been officially release, but Honda anticipates at least 40 mpg highway.

Honda promises more information as we near its official launch later in 2015, so stay tuned for more.