Honda Civic (eighth generation)

The sedan version was introduced with two distinct styling for different markets, with one of them sold as the Acura CSX in Canada and as the Ciimo 1.8 in China from 2012 until 2016.

The hatchback versions formed the European-market Civic range, which received a different architecture, body design and smaller footprint, and solely produced in Swindon, United Kingdom.

The Type R performance model was introduced in 2007 for sedan and three-door hatchback body styles, with the former only sold in Japan and other limited Asian markets.

China and the rest of the Americas receive the North American-market Civic sedan, with limited availability of the coupe model in some countries.

The upper panel is completely electronic and contains a digital speedometer in the center, with the coolant temperature and fuel displayed as linear segmented indicators on each side.

The lower tier, slightly smaller than that of previous generations, has a backlit analog tachometer and the digital odometer and trip computer below it.

In the chassis, Honda introduces improvements in three key areas, which are enhanced suspension geometry with larger wheels and tires, a longer wheelbase, and a new generation 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Significant changes to steering angles, bushings, material rigidity, and spring and shock tuning were claimed to result in a more linear suspension movement when cornering.

[8] Additionally, the 2006 models acquired ULEV-2 (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) certification and boast a more powerful 1.8-litre engine than the 2005 counterparts while retaining almost equal fuel economy.

More than 95 percent of all Civics sold in the US as of calendar year 2010 were made in North America at manufacturing facilities in either Greensburg, Indiana or Alliston, Ontario in Canada.

[10] The base DX model is equipped with LATCH, immobilizer theft-deterrent system, power windows, daytime running lights (DRL), 15-inch steel wheels with covers, driver's seat height adjustment, and other features.

Same with the Cruise Control The VP (Value Package) model sold in the United States adds air conditioning and the 160-watt 4-speaker AM/FM/MP3 stereo system with CD player.

The DX-G model sold in Canada adds air conditioning, auxiliary input jack for portable audio players, power door locks, remote keyless entry and storage console armrest.

In 2008, the Canadian LX models added features including a lip spoiler, 60/40 rear folding seat, and remote trunk release.

The EX model adds a power moonroof, 4-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, an additional 12-volt accessory outlet (for a total of two), a 350 watt stereo system with six speakers (coupe only, the sedan EX comes with a 160-watt stereo system), exterior temperature indicator, and a foldable rear arm rest with integrated cupholders (sedan only).

The car comes with a 2.0-liter K20Z3 i-VTEC engine that produces 197 hp (147 kW; 200 PS) and 139 lbf⋅ft (188 N⋅m) of torque, while including a 6-speed manual transmission with a helical limited-slip differential.

[14] Some new features include a sunroof, a seven-speaker 360-watt sound system, 17-inch alloy wheels with Michelin all-season tires, and keyless trunk access.

In 2017, 10 years after its original release, the 2007 model was recalled due to a defect in the vehicle's airbags, where it could potentially explode in front of the driver and its occupants when activated in both minor and major accidents, posing a threat to passengers.

For the Brazilian market, the eighth-generation Civic was available only with a sedan body, and it is externally almost identical to the American version, having different bumpers and a higher ground clearance.

[23] The Ciimo 1.8 differs from the previously sold Civic by adopting a front and rear end inspired by the Japanese market model, as a result, it is slightly longer.

[27][28] In Canada, the Acura CSX has features and options not available to American Civics, such as a 2.0 L DOHC i-VTEC engine rated at 155 hp (116 kW), chrome door handles, paddle shifters, and high-intensity discharge headlights.

The Civic sedan was offered in 2 powertrains; the entry-level is powered by a 1.8 liter engine, producing 140 bhp (104 kW; 142 PS) at 6300 rpm, and mated to either a 5-speed automatic transmission.

[29] In the Philippines, the Civic was launched in April 2006 and offered in 3 grades; the entry-level 1.8 V, 1.8 S and 2.0 S. The FD generation's total sales would eventually exceed its nearest competitor, the Toyota Corolla Altis.

[38] A class-action lawsuit filed in 2012 alleged that Honda falsely advertised the fuel economy of the Civic Hybrid and that owners were getting significantly lower mileage.

Designed by Toshiyuki Okumoto,[57] the exterior of the European model more aggressively styled; the sweeping front arc is maintained and a perspex cover resembling a lamp cluster replaces the grille.

In Australia, Serbia, Macedonia, Israel, Russia, Poland, Croatia, Ireland and South Africa both the 4-door JDM/Asian and 5-door European-market Civic models are available.

The suspension uses MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam in the back, while the car itself was initially thought to be lighter than the standard Civic as dictated by Honda Type R philosophy.

Sophisticated handling aids such as traction control were initially thought to be completely eschewed for a purer, more soulful driving character.

In the end, Honda did include a modified version of their VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) that was specifically tuned to the car so as to better adhere to said philosophy.

Complementing the added power and decreased weight are a new bodykit, upgraded brakes all around, a retuned suspension, new wheels and tires, and logo-emblazoned Recaro sport buckets.

The first race-ready hybrid vehicle.
Honda Civic Hybrid race car