The long-awaited all-new 2016 Honda Civic has finally been launched in Thailand – the tenth-generation of the iconic C-segment contender goes on sale in the Land of Smiles today equipped with a radical new design, added tech and a new turbocharged engine. It’s also the first car to be built at Honda’s new plant in Prachinburi.
Prices start at 869,000 baht (RM100,800) for the base model 1.8 E, rising up to 959,000 baht (RM111,200) for the 1.8 EL, 1,099,000 baht (RM127,500) for the Turbo and 1,199,000 baht (RM139,100) for the range-topping Turbo RS.
Unlike in the US, the base engine in Thailand is the tried-and-tested 1.8 litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that puts out 141 hp at 6,500 rpm and 174 Nm at 4,300 rpm. There’s also a 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo engine that develops 173 hp at 5,500 rpm and 220 Nm between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which means it’s goodbye to the old five-speed auto.
As standard, the Civic’s streamlined fastback styling is fitted as standard with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights and 16-inch alloy wheels; the 1.8 EL tacks on fog lights and chrome door handles. The Turbo models get 17-inch wheels and dual exhausts, while the top RS is replete with full-LED headlights, LED fog lights, a sportier front bumper and grille (gloss black bar connecting the headlights) and a rear spoiler.
Inside, keyless entry and push-button start comes standard, along with Remote Engine Start which debuted on the Thai-market Accord facelift. Also fitted are automatic air-conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, an electronic parking brake, a five-inch central display and Bluetooth connectivity.
Moving up, the 1.8 EL adds cruise control, automatic headlights, Walk Away Auto Lock (which can sense the key moving away from the vehicle and locks the doors automatically), an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, a TFT LCD instrument display, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility and Siri Eyes Free, an eight-speaker sound system and a reverse camera.
One above is the Turbo model which gains automatic wipers, a four-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat and dual-zone climate control. At the top of the range, the Turbo RS nets you an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, steering wheel paddle shifters and alloy pedals.
Standard safety kit includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist. Only the top Turbo RS model gets side and curtain airbags (making it six in total), a front passenger seat belt reminder and Honda Lane Watch.
