2016 Honda Civic Sedan 1.5L CVT FWD (174 HP)

Vehicle Overview

With the tenth generation of the Civic nameplate, Honda returned to the values that were appreciated by its customers and created a sporty compact sedan that wasn’t afraid to be driven fast.

Honda gained a reputation for building good, dependable vehicles, but also sporty ones. They made the rev-happy engines available for everybody, and the Civic was, for a long time, the only car in its class with independent suspensions in all corners. Moreover, the VTEC system was renowned for its performance and appreciated by all Honda owners. As a result, Honda created a new platform for this lineup’s tenth generation. In addition, the sedan version got an even sportier look than before.

With its wider and longer bodywork, the Civic Sedan looked more like a four-door coupe than a regular three-box sedan. At the front, the automaker installed a front fascia fitted with a thick slat that visually connected the headlights. In addition, Honda provided the Civic either with halogen or LED headlamps. From its profile, the sloped-down greenhouse and the short rear deck created a hatchback-like shape, even though the rear windscreen didn’t open at all. Finally, the C-shaped taillights created a unique signature light pattern for the Civic Sedan.

Along with the new platform, the Japanese automaker also relocated the fuel tank, which was no longer under the driver’s seat. That allowed it to install lower front seats for a sporty driving position. In addition, the digital instrument cluster was split into three sections, where the tachometer and speedometer took center stage in a concentric design. Atop the center stack, Honda installed a second screen for the infotainment unit, which was completely digital. Even the volume button was an up-and-down slider. In the back, thanks to the long wheelbase, the Civic Sedan provided enough room for two adults on long trips or three for shorter ones.

Under the hood, Honda installed a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter for the base version and a turbocharged 1.5-liter for the top-spec version. A six-speed manual and a CVT were available in different markets, depending on the options.