The Civic team has achieved the most aerodynamic body in the compact class with low drag combined with high speed stability. All this is the result of careful control of the airflow around and under the vehicle.
CdA - The combination of drag coefficient and front area (A) has been improved by 3% over the previous generation Civic (www.hondabook.ru/en/Civic) to best-in-class values according to Honda's internal testing.
Improved design of the A-pillars and rear bumpers reduces the impact of air jets, the front grille is designed to reduce the loss of engine air cooling. Under-engine and under-floor covers ensure a completely flat underbody of the car, while side strings located in front of each fender act as a deflector for airflow around the tires. These improvements further reduce the drag coefficient by an additional 4%.
The shape and slope of the windshield and side windows further improve aerodynamics.
The low rear spoiler plays an important role in regulating airflow. It is precisely sized and designed to swirl the airflow to reduce turbulence behind the car.
The new Civic is the result of the largest new model development program in Honda's history.
From the very beginning, the team of engineers compared the best cars in the compact class of the most luxurious European brands. The data from this study was decisive for the new Civic's driving, steering, cornering, noise and vibration, interior quality and overall sophistication.
Despite this ambitious goal, the Civic continues to be "a car for everyone, a car for the world", an affordable compact model in terms of price and fuel economy.
Honda's unprecedented global program includes five-door, four-door, coupe and Type R versions in a joint development project that exceeds European quality and performance standards.
During the development of the Civic for Europe, the car underwent extensive road testing in Germany and the UK.
Improved New Unified Platform
The design of the new platform, choice of materials, overall engineering and new manufacturing techniques are the key to creating a lighter yet stronger structure. It is 16 kg lighter than the previous generation, but has a 52% higher torsional resistance. These improvements also help to reduce cabin noise and vibration levels (so-called NVH performance).
Additional strength is also provided by the transverse supports in the engine compartment and between the A and B-pillars. The use of high-strength steel in the frame also contributes to this.
A number of innovations were used in the body assembly processes. Unlike the traditional method of making a frame, everything is done in the reverse order - first the entire inner part is assembled, and then the outer one. Then loops are added. This greatly contributes to the overall strength of the body.
In critical places, welds are made at a distance of 20 mm, while with the traditional method they are from 40 to 45 mm.
This innovative engineering approach increases overall strength over the previous generation Civic (manual) by 65% and torsion resistance by 41%.
Innovations in suspension and steering
All-new suspension, a 10mm lower center of gravity and increased body strength make the tenth generation Civic the most attractive and fun to drive.
The fuel tank has been moved and the floor is lower than the previous model. Now the driver is closer to the road, as the lower part of his seat is 35 mm lower, which enhances the pleasant sporting feeling.
The MacPherson strut front suspension has a lower wishbone and provides high lateral endurance with linear handling, as well as a low level of longitudinal stiffness for optimum driving agility. Variable power assisted electric power steering and double gear on the steering column are specially adapted for European markets. Compared to all other variants of the new global Civic lineup, the European hatchback handles faster, straighter and sportier. The revolutionary dual gear system was introduced in 2015 in the Civic Type R.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) is exceptional - the development team has achieved instant response and precision, which gives a sense of security and predictability of the car's response.
Steering wheel vibrations are kept to a minimum as the steering column has a larger diameter and the lightweight electric motor is placed on a double crank gear instead of being on it.
The new rear multi-link suspension with rigid subframe provides geometric stability for maximum comfort.
Great attention is paid to the specific position of the frame to ensure optimal tightness. For the first time in a Honda model, hydraulically filled bushings front and rear are isolated from the chassis to reduce chassis vibration. In addition, the new front and rear subframes are positioned so that centrifugal forces are transferred directly from the suspension to the subframes.
Adaptive dampers
Top-tier models feature the innovative four-point adaptive damping system introduced in 2014 with the 2014 Civic Tourer.
It allows the driver to choose between two driving modes - normal and dynamic, so that he always feels comfortable, regardless of speed, conditions and load of the car itself. The electronics accurately calculate movement based on the data collected by the body's sensors. It controls a solenoid valve in each of the shocks that regulates the flow of oil, which in turn changes the shock's stiffness.
Agile Handling Assist (AHA)
Honda's electronic stability control system, called Agile Handling Assist (AHA), is designed specifically for the European market to match typical road conditions and the special driving style of drivers in the Old World. It provides discreet assistance for even more safety, more even driving, more predictable vehicle behavior at both low and high speeds, and at the same time light and quick steering response.
Best in class sound comfort
The engineering platform of the new Civic and the appearance of the model provide best-in-class sound insulation and vibration protection.
Engine noise is minimized through the use of a number of different techniques, such as special cylinder block fins, strut stiffness, a stiffer coupe, vibration resistance and more. To deal with noise outside the car, the engineers opted for better seals, large computer-modeled panels to minimize outside sounds from entering the cabin, and a mix of materials between the A and B columns and sills also dampen idle fluctuations.
The soundproof windshield with a total thickness of 4.6 mm has an outer protection layer of 2.1 mm, an additional middle layer of 0.7 mm thickness of soundproofing polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and a protective layer of 1.8 mm.
To minimize the ingress of any external noise, the engine compartment of the new Civic and the area below it are soundproofed, and the same applies to the spare tire sector. The engine compartment, the interior of the dashboard and exterior panels, as well as the interior insoles are made of sound-absorbing composite materials.
The extremely refined interior means the cabin is quieter, the atmosphere is even more relaxing, and the interior is free of distractions so the person behind the wheel can focus on the Civic's most exciting driving experience.
