Honda Civic HF (2012)

Safety - Advanced safety systems include Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE)™ body structure for frontal collision energy management and vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility, and a long list of standard safety equipment including two-row side curtain airbags, dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags, driver's and front passenger's side airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist, and a new Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering system that helps the driver steer in the ideal direction to mitigate oversteer or understeer situations. Internal crash test information indicates that the new Honda Civic should achieve top marks in both the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program and the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designation as a "TOP SAFETY PICK."

Fun to Drive - Every Honda Civic model is designed to be fun to drive, with a MacPherson strut front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars. Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) improves steering response at low speeds while rewarding the driver with outstanding feel at higher speeds. In addition, with EPS there is no parasitic power loss to the engine as is common with a traditional hydraulically boosted steering system - which benefits both power output and fuel economy. Standard 15-inch diameter wheels with all-season tires, 16-inch wheels on Civic EX and Civic EX-L models, and 17-inch wheels on Civic Si models (with performance-oriented summer tires available) provide a satisfying blend of ride comfort and all-weather grip. The Civic Si Sedan and Civic Si Coupe further expand the driving fun with a new, larger displacement (201 horsepower) engine and specially tuned suspension.

Distinctive, Aerodynamic Styling - As a new interpretation of the Honda Civic's iconic "one-motion" mono-form shape, the 2012 Civic is designed to convey an even more substantial, high-energy appearance. The exterior styling of both Civic Sedan and Coupe models showcases the clean-yet-powerful body lines with sleekly angled windshields, wide stances and pronounced character lines along the profile. The look of the Civic Coupe conveys an aggressive attitude with a more angular front fascia, mesh grille and a tapered rear roofline that flows smoothly into the trunk. Hidden aerodynamic features such as flat-bottom unit-body construction, precisely placed aero strakes, and other features work together to help the Honda Civic achieve excellent fuel-economy.

Comfort, Convenience and Personalization - Crisp, smart and driver focused, the new Civic's 5-passenger interior is a careful blend of form and function, with an advanced instrument layout that is unique in its class. A "smart interface" approach divides the interior into different areas, with key instrument displays located above the steering wheel. Secondary information is located lower in the area, while a third area to the driver's right groups controls that are not essential to driving. New for 2012, the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) on all models (except Civic DX) provides a 5-inch color monitor for the display of vehicle information and audio information including album artwork (if available). Along with customizable vehicle settings, the i-MID includes the ability to upload personal wallpaper backgrounds. The Civic can be further personalized for driving with Eco Assist on all models (except Civic Si), the first time this feature has been included on any non-hybrid Honda model in America. The performance-oriented Civic Si exclusively features a new Sequential Rev-limit Indicator and a Power Monitor screen that can be displayed on the new i-MID.

Durability, Quality and Reliability - For many customers the Durability, Quality and Reliability (DQR) of the Honda Civic is what keeps them returning year after year. These fine qualities - and the resale or trade-in value they engender for the Civic - become a powerful purchase incentive. Virtually every major study of vehicle residual value has shown that the Honda Civic typically has one of the highest residual values in the industry. As an end result, a high residual or resale value makes the Civic's true cost of ownership less than many lower-priced competitors.

Powertrain

Honda has long been known for its world-class engine technology and a continuous process of innovation and improvement. At the core of Honda's powertrain engineering is the ongoing pursuit of greater performance, enhanced fuel economy and low emissions. The 2012 Civic model range embodies Honda's ongoing effort to offer a wide range of powertrain choices including gasoline, hybrid and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) that offer unique solutions for different buyers.

An advanced 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC® engine is standard in the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic HF, with a choice of a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission (automatic only for Civic EX-L Coupe, Civic EX and EX-L Sedans, and Civic HF). A variant of the same 1.8-liter engine develops 110 horsepower in the compressed natural gas (CNG) powered Honda Civic Natural Gas, which comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The performance-oriented Si model has a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter i-VTEC® engine, matched with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. And finally, the Civic Hybrid is powered by an ultra-efficient 1.5-liter i-VTEC® engine with Integrated Motor Assist® producing 110-horsepower. This is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe, Civic HF and Civic Natural Gas Powertrain

The Honda Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe, Civic HF and Civic Natural Gas benefit from an updated and refined version of the 1.8-liter I-4 engine that powered the previous generation Civic. The new engine has extensive changes that reduce friction, improve emissions performance and increase fuel economy.

The engine is a Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder design with 16 valves, i-VTEC®, and a dual-stage intake manifold. In the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic HF, the engine produces 140 horsepower at 6300 rpm, and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm. In the Civic Sedan and Coupe, the 1.8-liter engine has an estimated EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 28/39 miles per gallon when equipped with automatic transmission.

Honda Civic Si Powertrain

The 2012 Civic Si is powered by a new 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that is the largest and most powerful of any Civic introduced in the United States. The dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine is an all-aluminum design that uses four valves per cylinder (16 valves total), a high-performance version of the i-VTEC® system and a specially tuned high-volume intake manifold. The Civic Si produces 201 horsepower - up four horsepower from the 2.0-liter engine it replaces. The i-VTEC® "intelligent" valve-control system, new friction-reducing technologies and extensive weight control measures helps the Civic Si deliver exhilarating acceleration, improved fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.

The new larger displacement engine in the Civic Si delivers peak power at a more accessible 7000 rpm compared to the previous Si engine's 7800 rpm power peak. The engine's increased displacement results in a substantial 22-percent increase in peak torque. The new 170 lb-ft rating occurs at just 4400 rpm, 1700 rpm lower than the previous engine's 139 lb-ft at 6100 rpm. Even with its increase in displacement, horsepower and torque, the 2012 Civic Si has an estimated EPA city rating of 22 mpg (up 1 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si) and increases highway fuel economy with a rating of 31 mpg (up 2 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si). In addition, the Civic Si engine meets strict Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) emissions standards.

The Honda Civic Si is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. Designed to be compact and lightweight, the 6-speed has also been engineered to provide quick and precise shift action. The Civic Si also includes a clutch with a torsion mechanism that enhances refinement in terms of engagement and feel.

Honda Civic Hybrid Powertrain

The newest-generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system fitted to the Civic Hybrid uses a gasoline engine as the primary source of power while an electric motor provides additional power and electricity regeneration capability. The new IMA system consists of a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine connected to a larger, more powerful electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A new Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the upgraded 23-horsepower electric motor. The new Lithium-Ion battery is more powerful, lighter and more compact than the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery it replaces.

Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor team to produce 110 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque at 1000-3500 rpm. Compared to the previous generation Civic Hybrid, the new Civic Hybrid has the same peak horsepower, but achieves it at 500 fewer rpm. The new Hybrid has gained 4 lb-ft of torque, and it is spread over a wider rpm range (between 1000 rpm to 3500 rpm) for improved performance during normal city driving.

During acceleration, the engine or the engine and electric motor propel the vehicle. During sustained cruising, the gasoline engine and/or the electric motor can individually propel the vehicle. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as generator to replenish the Li-Ion battery pack. When the vehicle is at a stop, the engine can enter an idle-stop mode to conserve fuel and reduce emissions - and the engine remains off until the brake pedal is released.

Compared to the previous Honda Civic Hybrid, the fifth-generation Honda IMA powertrain provides improved acceleration at highway speeds, while simultaneously delivering a combined city/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 44 mpg - an increase of 3 mpg from the previous model.

Body

The new 2012 Honda Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe are the most aerodynamically and aggressively styled models in the model's history - and also the most functional and versatile in how most Civic customers like to use their cars. As in past years, both 5-passenger sedan and 5-passenger coupe body styles are available. The sedan design is sophisticated and efficient, while the coupe is more dramatic and exciting. Both are highly aerodynamic, including a sleek windshield angle with narrow A-pillars (and thinner C-pillars in the Coupe) for excellent outward visibility, numerous under-vehicle aerodynamic aids, and even low rolling-resistance tires on all models except Civic Si.

Apart from the headlights, hood and front fenders, no visible exterior body panels, lights, glass, grille or bumpers are shared between the Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe. Differences between models include aggressive front grille, front and rear fascias and other elements for the Civic Si Coupe and Civic Si Sedan, and extensive aerodynamic aids for the high fuel economy Civic HF. However beneath the skin, the underlying chassis construction is the same between the Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe, except that at 105.1 inches, the wheelbase of the Civic Sedan is two inches longer than that of the Civic Coupe.

Civic Sedan Design

Though roomier inside than previous models, the 2012 Civic Sedan adds a sophisticated flair while retaining the Coupe's dramatic styling character. Its four doors provide improved utility, with excellent ingress and egress for all passengers. In back, the trunk lid gracefully meets the rear window and seamlessly ties in with the overall styling of the car. Standard are 15-inch diameter steel wheels with full wheel covers, 15-inch aluminum wheels for the Civic HF, 16-inch aluminum wheels for the Civic EX and Civic EX-L models, and 17-inch aluminum wheels for the Civic Si.

Civic Coupe Design

Everything about Honda Civic Coupe says this is a driver's car, with the short, wide front fascia generating an aggressive overall look. Adding to the Civic's distinctly sporty and dynamic flavor are wide, angular headlights, a bold grille, and fog lamp openings in the lower fascia. A wedge design continues along the Civic Coupe body side, with the hood, windshield and cabin all forming decisive character lines that create a strong sense of motion. The high rear deck further reinforces the Coupe's dynamic wedge styling, while a functional rear lip spoiler and 16-inch aluminum wheels on Civic EX and Civic EX-L models (17-inch wheels on the Civic Si) add to its clear sporting intentions.

Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE™) Body Structure

The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a pioneering Honda unit-body construction technology. Introduced to Civic in the 2006 model, it increases the body's ability to disperse crash energy in a frontal collision and is anticipated to help deliver top safety ratings.

Rigid Unit-Body Construction and Energy-Absorbing Crush Zones

The Civic's aerodynamic unit-body structure plays a strong role in helping both the coupe and sedan achieve their expected high fuel-economy and projected top safety ratings, but it also contributes to a smooth, quiet ride and a fun-to-drive character. A rigid body allows for noise and other disturbances to be more efficiently isolated by bushings and other dampers throughout the vehicle.

Increased Use of High-Strength Steel

Both the Honda Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe feature a rigid and lightweight unit-body design made possible by increased use of high-strength steel. The 2012 Civic Sedan now uses 55 percent high-strength steel, compared to 50 percent in the previous generation. This contributes to a 7-percent reduction in body weight compared to 2011 Civic Sedan. Although the body structure is now lighter, static and dynamic rigidity are 10 percent better.

In addition, more slender A-pillars (also constructed of high-strength steel) provide a greater field of view without compromising body strength. Along with a new side mirror shape, the thinner A-pillars also help minimize wind noise at highway speeds.

Aerodynamic Enhancements

The 2012 Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe are just as aerodynamically efficient as their appearance suggests, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, improved handling at higher speeds and lower levels of interior noise. The improvements are the result of extensive modeling and testing conducted during the design process. Examples include:

• A guide under the front bumper directs the flow of air into the engine compartment for cooling.
• Lightweight plastic parts under the engine bay, the fuel tank and parts of the rear underbody enhance airflow.
• Front spoiler and strakes ahead of the front and rear tires help direct air flow around the tires and wheel wells.
• A new flat under-floor significantly improves aerodynamic efficiency by helping air to move over, around and under the vehicle - resulting in a significant 3.4-percent lower coefficient of drag as compared to the 2011 Civic.
• Low-drag side mirrors reduce wind noise by minimizing turbulence (Civic EX and Civic EX-L models also include heated side mirrors).

Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights

All 2012 Honda Civic models are equipped with multi-reflector halogen headlights with an auto-off feature (Auto On/Off on EX-L, Hybrid and Si) for confident nighttime driving, along with a dynamic and dramatic appearance. The auto-off feature automatically turns off the headlights when the key is removed from the vehicle. Inboard mounted halogen high beams offer further nighttime driving confidence with a crisp, bright and focused light beam. The halogen high beams serve double-duty as the daytime running lights (DRL) by operating at a lower voltage. All Civic models include a headlights-on reminder.

Meanwhile Honda Civic Si Sedan and Coupe models add fog lights located in openings below the front bumper. Integrated fog lights are likewise available as a dealer-installed accessory on other 2012 Civic models.

LED Brake Lights on Civic Hybrid

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid's taillight system features attention-grabbing LED illumination for the brake lights and soft glowing surface lighting for the taillights. The sculpted, 3-dimensional look of the units adds a distinctive and technical styling element to the rear view of the Civic. Additionally, LED lighting uses less power and longer service life compared to traditional tungsten light bulbs, which is consistent with the vehicle's emphasis on efficiency.

Power Windows

All 2012 Honda Civic models (except for Civic DX) feature power windows with auto-reverse. All trim levels (except the Civic DX) also feature an auto up/down driver's window for added convenience.

One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature

Civic EX, Civic EX-L and Civic Si models have one-touch power moonroof actuation with tilt feature that will open or close with one touch of the switch. The moonroof's thin construction allows for maximum headroom and improved comfort. Also included is a sliding sunshade that automatically opens with the moonroof, and the shade can be closed to block sunlight. An auto-reverse feature is built into the moonroof operation.

Security System with Remote Entry

Remote entry and remote trunk entry systems are now standard on all 2012 Civic models except for DX. Using a wave key with integrated remote buttons, all doors can be locked with one touch of the LOCK button. Pressing UNLOCK once unlocks the driver's door, while pressing it twice unlocks all doors. The trunk can also be unlocked by pressing a separate trunk button. The system has an operating range of up to 50 feet.

Cargo Area

Another strength of the new 2012 Civic Coupe and Sedan is impressive storage capacity. The Civic Sedan offers 12.5 cu-ft of storage space (12.1 cu-ft. for Sedan EX-L), exceeding the 12.0 cu-ft trunk volume of the previous generation - an improvement of 0.5 cu-ft or 4.2-percent. The Civic Coupe trunk offers 11.6 cu-ft of storage, a slight increase over the previous model's 11.5 cu-ft. Folding the second-row seatback yields additional room for the storage of bulky items. Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas have a fixed rear seatback.

Conveniently placed latches enable customers to lower the fold-down rear seatback from the trunk. The Civic EX and Civic EX-L and Civic Si models add even more convenience with 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks, which allow simultaneous passenger seating and cargo storage.

Exterior Colors

The 2012 Honda Civic offers a dynamic color palette that adds character and boldness to the entire model range. All-new colors for the 2012 Civic Sedan include Dyno Blue Pearl, Cool Mist Metallic and Crimson Pearl. While on the 2012 Civic Coupe, Dyno Blue Pearl and Cool Mist Metallic are new additions to the color lineup. Civic Si Coupe and Civic Si Sedan models add a unique Sunburst Orange Pearl, while the Civic Hybrid comes in Green Opal Metallic. All the new colors change in appearance depending on sunlight conditions, further amplifying the Civic's dramatic bodylines.

Chassis

The 2012 Civic chassis was developed to maximize driving enjoyment as well as passenger comfort and safety. The chassis features Honda's highly developed MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, along with Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering for excellent steering performance and improved efficiency. Regardless of whether it is a versatile Civic Sedan or Coupe, sporty Civic Si, or efficient Civic Hybrid, clean Civic Natural Gas or value-oriented Civic HF model, every 2012 Honda offers a high level of refinement, confident handling and a fun driving experience - while also providing excellent safety.

Wheels and Tires

The 2012 Honda Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe models feature a variety of 15-, 16- and 17-inch diameter wheels and all-season tires, with a space-saver spare tire located under the trunk floor. Details include:

• Civic DX Sedan, Civic DX Coupe and Civic LX - 15x6 steel wheels with full covers and P195/65R15 tires
• Civic EX Sedan, Civic EX Coupe and Civic EX-L - 16x6.5-inch aluminum wheels and P205/55R16 tires
• Civic Hybrid - 15x6-inch aluminum wheels and P195/65R15 tires
• Civic Si Sedan and Civic Si Coupe - 17x7-inch alloy wheels and P215/45R17 (with available summer tires)
• Civic Hybrid - 15x6-inch alloy wheels and P195/65R15 low-rolling-resistance tires
• Civic Natural Gas - 15x6-inch steel wheels with full covers and P195/65R15 tires
• Civic Sedan HF Sedan - 15x6-inch aluminum wheels and P195/65R15 low rolling-resistance tires

For improved fuel economy, the 2012 Civic uses new tires that are 5-percent lighter with 10-percent improvement to the Rolling Resistance Coefficient (RRC) as compared to the previous Civic's tires. Constructed of low-mass tread material, thinner sidewalls and an optimized structure, the new tires help reduce fuel consumption - all while maintaining comparable durability and projected service life. The Civic HF further reduces the rolling resistance of the tires by an additional 21-percent compared to the standard Civic tires.

Interior

Creative and expressive, roomy and practical - the 2012 Honda Civic interior is as impressive as the body design, while featuring a bold and advanced instrument layout that's unlike anything in the class. The new Civic interior builds on the already sophisticated design of the current generation Civic by adopting a "smart interface" approach. With this approach, the interior is divided into different areas for key instrument displays above the steering wheel, secondary information located lower in the area visible through the steering wheel, and a third area to the driver's right. Overall, the controls are clear and easy to operate, with a cleanly simple layout and highly intuitive operation.

All the shapes, textures and colors work together to create a welcoming contemporary environment that is both visually and tactilely rewarding. Everything the driver needs is close at hand and materials and finishes are as carefully selected as the equipment features. Distinct upper and lower areas of the instrument panel have their own unique materials that create visual zones that add beauty and richness.

Building on the successful packaging on the previous generation, the 2012 Honda Civic Sedan has gained a small amount of interior passenger volume and also made gains in shoulder and hip room. The Civic Coupe gains an increase in front shoulder room. Both the Sedan and Coupe are classified as compact vehicles by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Interior Dimensions

Though the 2012 Civic Sedan is externally the same width and length, it has gained in interior passenger volume by 3.7 cubic feet, and has more front shoulder room and additional front and rear hip room. The Civic Coupe has gained 1.2 inches in front shoulder room. Other interior dimensions are within an inch of the previous generation.

Steering Wheel

The Honda Civic's new 3-spoke steering wheel is a small diameter unit befitting the car's sporty character and accents the vehicle's quick-ratio steering. Civic EX-L and Si steering wheels are leather trimmed for an even sportier look and feel. All Civic models feature a manual tilt and telescope steering column adjustment to better accommodate drivers of various sizes. Civic LX and models above now include audio, i-MID and cruise control buttons. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® control buttons are included in all models except Civic DX, Civic LX and Civic HF.

Interior Materials

Interior surfaces on the 2012 Civic are designed to be pleasing to the touch, with controls that are ergonomic and operate with precision. Cloth upholstery is standard in most Civic models, with Civic EX-L receiving leather seating surfaces. Leather is also available on the Civic Hybrid.

Seating

Like the previous generation Honda Civic, the 2012 model can accommodate five passengers. The two front seats have been completely redesigned with a more supportive seat construction. The Civic Coupe has deeper side bolsters than the Civic Sedan, and the Civic Si further increases lateral support with firmer side bolsters. Both front seats manually recline, and the driver's seat features a manual height adjustment control. To improve access into the rear seats on the Civic Coupe, the front passenger seat has a one-touch seatback release and slide feature.

A flat rear floor improves passenger comfort by providing considerably more foot room for the middle passenger. To increase storage space, Civic DX, Civic LX and Civic HF models feature a one-piece folding rear seatback, while Civic EX, Civic EX-L, and Civic Si models feature a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback. The Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas have fixed rear seatbacks.

Interior Storage

A redesigned center storage console with a large armrest combines comfort with functionality. Two large cup holders are positioned in the center console, and each door panel has a built-in storage bin and bottle holder. Civic Coupe models have a bottle holder and storage bin integrated into each side of the rear cabin. A spacious glove box and an open compartment located left of the steering wheel provide additional storage.

Climate Control Systems

Civic LX and above models have air conditioning with an integrated micron air-filtration system capable of filtering nearly 100 percent of particulates that are over eight microns in size (the size of most pollen), and approximately 40 percent of particulates down to 0.3 microns (about the size of diesel emissions). The Civic Hybrid has automatic climate control with a secondary compressor, powered by a high-voltage electric motor that ensures the cabin temperature stays at the preferred level during engine idle-stop.

Power Windows, Locks and Keyless Entry

Power windows are standard equipment on all Honda Civic models. Civic LX and above models provide auto-up and down operation on the driver's window. Power door locks with a customizable auto-locking feature are standard on Civic LX and above models. Remote entry is standard on all models except DX, and an engine-immobilizer system is also standard on all 2012 Civic models.

Safety

The 2012 Honda Civic includes a high level of standard safety equipment in every model. The 2012 Civic integrates Honda's most advanced safety technology including the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, two-row side curtain airbags and front side airbags in every model and trim level. The ACE™ body structure enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles involved in the crash. ACE™ also increases the likelihood of the two vehicle's bumpers properly connecting during a collision- including larger and smaller vehicles and those with differing bumper heights.

Every Civic incorporates side curtain airbags and front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) as standard equipment. In addition, all seating positions include head restraints that are designed to help mitigate the severity of a neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Additional standard safety features include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist, and front seatbelts with automatic-tensioners and load limiters. Every 2012 Honda Civic model also features daytime running lights (DRL) and a pedestrian injury mitigation design for the front of the vehicle.

The ninth-generation Civic is expected to earn top safety ratings for the driver and front passenger and rear seat passengers in both frontal and side impact crash-safety tests, as well top roll-over resistance ratings, undertaken by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is also anticipated to earn top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).