Four body styles were introduced throughout its production run, which are sedan, coupe, hatchback and a station wagon version marketed as the Civic Tourer.

The latter two make up for the European-market Civic range, which was produced in Swindon, United Kingdom, and received a completely different design and smaller exterior size.

[2][3] However, the ninth-generation Civic sedan was temporarily produced in Japan for exports in early 2012 due to suspended production in the Ayutthaya plant as the result of 2011 Thailand floods.

[4][5] In May 2010, a Honda executive stated that the ninth-generation Civic was to be delayed into 2011 because of changing market conditions and tougher fuel economy and emissions regulations.

[16] The Civic was originally planned to become bigger, but after the global crisis in 2008, Honda wanted to make the car smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient, while increasing space inside.

[17] Honda CEO Takanobu Ito explained that the ninth-generation Civic was developed during the height of the global financial crisis, which led the company to believe that consumers would be willing to forego upscale content and quality in new vehicles as long as they were fuel efficient and affordable.

[22] It featured a Honda R18 1.8 L inline-four engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission like the regular gas-powered models, but was tuned so that it returned 41 mpg‑US (5.7 L/100 km; 17.4 km/L).

It came with 15-inch alloy wheels with low rolling-resistance tires that reduce rolling resistance by 20%, additional underbody covers, a rear decklid spoiler and keyless entry with a security alarm.

The 5-inch colour LCD screen replaces the trip computer below the analog tachometer on the lower tier while integrating information of the vehicle with that from compatible personal electronics and steering wheel controls.

[25] Aerodynamics and weight reduction play important role in fuel economy improvement: aero parts are placed under the engine bay, fuel tank, and the rear underbody to enhance airflow; front spoiler and strakes ahead of tires direct airflow around the wheel wells; there is a new flat underfloor; resulting in 3.4% lower coefficient of drag.

It is powered by a new 2.4-litre K-Series (K24Z7) inline-four engine which has increased displacement through longer piston stroke than the K20Z3 from the eighth generation Civic Si, yet the K24Z7 retains the 11.0:1 compression used in the K20Z3.

[25] In 2012, Honda recalled 50,000 2012 Civics because the process required during assembly to seat the driver's side driveshaft and set the retaining clip was not completed.

Early models include a choice of two engines: 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre; 5-speed manual (1.8 EXi), 5-speed automatic (1.8 EXi, 1.8 VTi) or 5-speed tiptronic transmission (2.0 Type-S) and navigation system for 1.8 VTi and 2.0 Type-S.[34] Starting from September 2015, models for the Turkish market were available with factory converted LPG version with the commencement of a new LPG-only assembly line in Honda's Turkey plant.

[37] In addition to Consumer Reviews, Edmunds reported issues with excessive wind noise, cheap interior plastics, and a small trunk.

[39] The refreshed 2013 Civic sedan featured a new front fascia with a U-shaped honeycomb grille and chrome accents (replacing the 2012 model's three-bar grille), a redesigned hood and a reworked rear end with new taillight lenses, along with additional light clusters and a chrome bar on the trunk lid.

These changes included exterior styling updates on the Civic coupe, premium interior refinements to all models,[clarification needed] an optional audio system with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, LaneWatch blind spot monitor (consisting of a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror), "Smart Entry" with push button start, HondaLink connected-car technology and an all-new CVT for petrol-powered Civics.

The Civic Si coupe included a unique lower front bumper garnish, larger rear decklid spoiler, a front spoiler and rear air diffuser; in addition they also received an increase in engine power to 205 hp (153 kW) and 174 lb-ft of torque via a retuned exhaust system.

Changes include redesigned front grille and wheel design, while the rear taillight has remained the same as the pre-facelift model.

[48] The DC brushless permanent magnet motor, which is placed between the engine and continuously variable transmission, provides 23 hp (17 kW) and 78 lb⋅ft of torque and weighs 0.7 kg (1.5 lb) less.

[51] The ECO Assist technology is an information system to help the driver adopt a more fuel-efficient driving style,[52] and is proven to improve fuel economy by about 10% for Honda's hybrid vehicles in Japan.

[71] Strong identity of the previous generation European Civic led Honda to refine the current package instead of radical changes.

Retaining the compact torsion beam rear suspension and the centrally mounted fuel tank help contribute to a boot capacity of 470 litres.

[72] The rear beam axle is completely redesigned for higher stiffness, and new fluid-filled bushing is used to improve stability and cornering ability, as well as ride quality.

Changes to the Civic hatchback include retuned electric power steering to provide a more secure control during higher speeds, front and rear dampers were revised for improving body control, toe and camber of the rear suspension were realigned to improve the hatchback's handling, privacy glass on the lower rear window, piano black touches on the number plate surround, tailgate and lower bumper; piano black front bumper, new alloy wheels, darker wheel arch garnishes, white stitching on the seats, steering wheel and knee pad; aluminum inserts around the cup holder, glossy black inserts.

[81] Additionally, it includes an adaptive rear damping system and the largest capacity trunk space in its class (624 L VDA below tonneau).

This is a version of the Civic 5-door hatchback for the European market, with a direct injection turbocharged 2.0 L (120 cu in) VTEC TURBO engine from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology range rated at 310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) of torque at 2,500 rpm.

The new Honda Civic Type R posted a 7:50.63, beating the Renault by over three seconds,[83] but the record was soon broken by VW GTI again.

[85] Honda announced to enter the 2012 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) with a racer built on the 2012 Euro Civic 5 door hatchback.

The car is powered by HR412E - a bespoke, new 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine developed by Honda's R&D Center in Tochigi, Japan.

[93] Honda entered the 2012 British Touring Car Championship with two NGTC compliant European Civic hatchbacks[94][95] with Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden as drivers.