The sheetmetal has been revised but it will take a keen eye to point out that the headlights, taillights and bumpers have seen changes. There are a few extra creases here and there, most notable are those that tie-in with the rear quarters from the rear quarter panels. Alloys and wheel covers are modified but again, from a distance...
What has received the largest amount of attention are the cabin and what you don't see, such as mounting points for certain components.
First, let's go over a few of these improvements. Steering ratio has been optimized for a lighter, more precise feel. If you know your Civics, this, you may observe. Next, new and lightweight materials have been used in strategic areas.
To put into numbers, the 2012 Civic weighs in at a whopping 7% less than the 2011. Both front and rear suspension setups have been revised for improved ride comfort and handling. Stepping out of a 2011 and sliding behind the wheel of a 2012, as I did in identical conditions, the combination of the weight savings and suspension revisions is discernible. The car also behaves in a slightly more refined manner.
The real upgrades, or so Honda would call them, occurred where we spend most of our time; inside. I would have perhaps agreed with Honda that the new dashboard design has something to do with a “smart futuristic cockpit” if I had not sat behind the wheel of the 2011 that was on hand.
It was immediately obvious that the plastics in the new car were not of the same calibre as in the 8th-gen car. Textures, which are at least four in number, are of doubtful taste. Fit and finish are thankfully up to par with what Honda has habituated us. The new “cockpit”, although angled towards the driver, is no longer fluid and inviting as it was in the old car. Boxy flat surfaces replace curves; I'm far from being enthralled with the final result.
The seats, as with all Hondas, are supportive, comfortable and in the car's price range, some of the best generally-speaking. The steering wheel now includes controls for the car's newest and most noteworthy addition, the 5-inch multi-information display located right of the speedometer, in the top portion of the dashboard.
What has received the largest amount of attention are the cabin and what you don't see, such as mounting points for certain components.
First, let's go over a few of these improvements. Steering ratio has been optimized for a lighter, more precise feel. If you know your Civics, this, you may observe. Next, new and lightweight materials have been used in strategic areas.
 |
| The sheetmetal has been revised but it will take a keen eye to point out that the headlights. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
To put into numbers, the 2012 Civic weighs in at a whopping 7% less than the 2011. Both front and rear suspension setups have been revised for improved ride comfort and handling. Stepping out of a 2011 and sliding behind the wheel of a 2012, as I did in identical conditions, the combination of the weight savings and suspension revisions is discernible. The car also behaves in a slightly more refined manner.
The real upgrades, or so Honda would call them, occurred where we spend most of our time; inside. I would have perhaps agreed with Honda that the new dashboard design has something to do with a “smart futuristic cockpit” if I had not sat behind the wheel of the 2011 that was on hand.
It was immediately obvious that the plastics in the new car were not of the same calibre as in the 8th-gen car. Textures, which are at least four in number, are of doubtful taste. Fit and finish are thankfully up to par with what Honda has habituated us. The new “cockpit”, although angled towards the driver, is no longer fluid and inviting as it was in the old car. Boxy flat surfaces replace curves; I'm far from being enthralled with the final result.
The seats, as with all Hondas, are supportive, comfortable and in the car's price range, some of the best generally-speaking. The steering wheel now includes controls for the car's newest and most noteworthy addition, the 5-inch multi-information display located right of the speedometer, in the top portion of the dashboard.
 |
| Fit and finish are thankfully up to par with what Honda has habituated us. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |