11th-Generation Honda Civic Unveiled, Won't Be Launched In India

Honda has finally unveiled the 11-generation Civic. The Japanese automaker has adopted a "Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum" design philosophy that puts a focus on functionality and simplicity. This is a different direction compared to the last-gen Civic, and today we take a closer look at the all-new generation of the Civic.

The design of the new Honda Civic is less fussy than its predecessor and gets a proper three-box silhouette. The front end is sleeker with a revised grille and slimmer, rectangular headlights along with a wide central air dam lower down on the bumper. The side profile is relatively simple while the rear end gets a more conservative design compared to its predecessor. One can mistake the new Civic with the elder sibling, the Accord as it uses similar smooth body panels and long shoulder lines that run the length of the sedan.

The interior of the new Civic sees Honda debuting its new 'Simplicity and Something' interior design philosophy, giving the cabin an uncluttered shape with simple horizontal lines running across the dashboard. The AC vents are neatly hidden behind the honeycomb mesh on the dashboard while the 9-inch floating infotainment screen is the largest for a Honda. The Civic also comes with a fully digital instrument cluster in the top-spec trims.

Powertrain options for the new Honda Civic include 2 petrol motors. The first one is a 2-litre N/A unit that makes 160 PS and 187 Nm of peak power and torque. The other option is a smaller 1.5-litre turbo-petrol motor that churns out peak power and torque figures of 183 PS and 240 Nm, respectively. Both engines are offered with a CVT automatic that sends power to the front wheels.

Even though the new Honda Civic looks like a great offering, it won’t be launched in India. The automaker discontinued the 10-generation Civic in India due to poor sales with the entire D-segment sedan dwindling over the years. Just 5 years ago it was a thriving segment with the likes of the Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Elantra and the Honda Civic competing for sale. Currently, only the Hyundai remains on sale while the new Skoda Octavia is slated for a launch soon. Even then, it will be a tough sell as SUVs are currently the go-to choice for customers looking for a vehicle within Rs 25 lakh. SUVs have more or less taken over this price space, and automakers are catering to the consumer’s demands by launching a new SUV every few months or so. Seeing the current auto trends, it makes no sense for Honda to offer the new Civic in India.