Japanese automaker, Honda had showcased the new-generation Civic sedan at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. The Civic brand will officially go on sale in India in the first quarter of 2019. Adding to it, test production of the new model has already been commenced in India. What’s more interesting is that the new Civic will come with a diesel powertrain for the first time in India. Just to inform you, Honda had discontinued the 8th gen Civic from India in 2013 and didn’t introduce the 9th generation model. The company will directly bring the 10th generation model, which is due for a makeover sometime in later this year.
Designed on a new chassis, the updated version of the popular sedan looks completely different from its predecessor. The new platform is composed of high strength steel that not only makes it rigid, but improves driving dynamics as well. One of the major additions on the sedan would be the new diesel engine, lacking in the previous model. Honda will use the localised 1.6-litre i-DTEC oil burner that is being manufactured at the carmaker’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. Petrol version of the sedan will be powered by a tried & tested 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
Honda Civic was one of the most revered brands from Honda in India that earned popularity due to its elegant looks and power-packed performance. Another reason to resurrect the brand in India is focus on premium vehicles. Honda had shifted focus to volume segment post the sudden switch to diesel powered vehicles in the early years of current decade. It seems though Honda is contemplating a host of premium vehicles to enjoy same success in India as it did before. Civic is a potential brand that can help Honda regain lost ground in India. The 8th generation Civic was phased out in 2013 due to sluggish demand. Read – Honda WR-V – All You Need To Know
1. Honda Civic Diesel Launch Before March 2019
The new Civic sedan was unveiled at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. The company has confirmed that the diesel powered model will be launched before the end of this financial year. Adding to it, the new model will have high-level of local components including a locally developed 1.6L i-DTEC diesel engine. Read – 2017 Honda CR-V Engine Details Revealed
2. Honda Civic Diesel – Aggressive Pricing
| Variant | Expected Price |
| Base Model | Rs 16 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 20 lakh |
Similar to the eighth generation model, the 2017 Civic will be manufactured at Honda’s Greater Noida plant in U.P. With an aim to achieve aggressive pricing, Honda will maximize localization of the sedan. The diesel version of the Civic sedan could be priced around Rs 16 lakh for base variant and Rs 20 lakh for top-spec trim. Also Read: Honda HR-V Coming Soon to India
3. Honda Civic Diesel Specifications
| Engine | 1.6-litre i-DTEC Diesel |
| Maximum Power | 118bhp @ 4,000rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 300Nm @ 3,000rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
The Civic sedan will be powered by a newly developed 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine that will also power the 2018 Honda CR-V 7-seater model. The company has already started producing this engine at its Tapukara, Rajasthan based plant. Adding to it, Honda is also exporting this engine to select international markets. This motor is capable of producing 118bhp of power at 4,000rpm and a peak torque of 300Nm. A six-speed manual gearbox driving the power to the front wheels will come as standard. Picture Gallery – Upcoming Honda Cars in India
4. Honda Civic Diesel – Most Fuel Efficient In Category
| City Mileage | 16kmpl (approx.) |
| Highway Mileage | 20kmpl (approx.) |
The European-spec Civic diesel is claimed to return an impressive mileage of 3.4L/100km under NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test conditions that converts into 29.41kmpl. Though, the India-spec model will have different mileage figures. We believe that the new Civic diesel will return close to 20kmpl.
New Honda Civic Pictures
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5. Honda Civic Diesel – Premium Design
Sharing underpinnings with Accord, the new Civic will receive a new ‘Flying H’ grille with optional LED headlamps. The front side will be all-new with a long bonnet with integrated air-intakes. At the back, it is likely to come with new tail-lamps. Some bits will be carried over from the new concept version such as long overhangs, sharp styling and rear deck.
There will be slight change in the dimensions, with the model appearing longer and wider than the phased out model. This would allow more space inside the cabin for the occupants. Honda will introduce new elements inside. Use of premium quality material and better fit & finish will give a more upmarket look to the interior.
6. Safer Than Before
Honda will equip the sedan well with primary safety features including six airbags, vehicle stability control, hill start assist and tyre deflation warning system. The safety kit will also include some other equipment such as anti-lock-braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, Honda LaneWatch, adaptive cruise control and multi-angle rear view mirror among several others.
7. Dimensions – Bigger & Bolder
| Length | 4,556mm |
| Width | 1,752mm |
| Height | 1,435mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50-litres |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Passengers (2+3 layout) |
| Turning Radius | 5.40m |
Stopping power on the new Civic will come from assisted ventilated disc units at front and the rear axle will use drum units. The suspension set up will comprise of multi-link forks and stabilizer shockers at front and rear respectively. Additionally, it will sit on the 195/65 R15 tyres at front and rear.
