Honda has a habit of signaling what’s coming, the Civic Sedan prototype unveiled last November just the latest example. Now, it’s time to pull the wraps off the production version of the compact mainstay, but while much of the show car carries over, the 11th-generation Civic 4-door still manages to deliver a few surprises.
As is also Honda tradition, the automaker toned down the styling just a bit, but like the concept, the production ’22 Civic Sedan delivers a more sleek and sophisticated feel than the outgoing model.
The automaker is still keeping some details on hold, it seems. Honda is determined to whet the appetite of potential buyers and then lavish us with all the production specs when it formally pulls the covers off the new Civic during a livestream on April 28.
“Human-focused values”
“Inspired by the timeless design and human-focused values of past Civics,” the automaker said in a statement, “designers and engineers prioritized Honda’s human-centered design philosophy, which maximizes the total environment for the driver and passengers, while minimizing the space needed for mechanical components.”
The overall look of the 2022 Civic Sedan is sportier, with an even more coupe-like curve to the roofline. As with the prototype, the grille design is turned upside-down, the lower grille now larger than what’s above the bumper.
While there are fewer adornments and the wheels are smaller than on the prototype, the production model retains the distinctive crease that flares off the hood and runs back to the taillights.
Lots of new technology
Based on the Civic Sedan Prototype, you can expect to see the 2022 model pick up a more sophisticated cabin, perhaps retaining the attractive honeycomb design accenting the show car’s instrument panel. There’s a bin ahead of the shifter that can be used for smartphones and other carry-ons. We’d be surprised if the new sedan weren’t offered with Qi wireless charging, at least as an option.
“Technologically,” said Honda, this the most “advanced sedan in the model’s nearly 50-year history.” That should be no surprise these days, not in an era when the young buyers still opting for sedans like the Civic expect all the digital bells and whistles. Look to see features from the Civic Prototype carried over, including a bigger, 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a whole host of advanced driver assistance systems.
Options are certain to include active cruise control, though the latest update to Honda’s forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking should be standard. There will also be more airbags on the new model.
Ground-up makeover
The new Civic Sedan will ride on an entirely new platform. And that will be shared with the rest of the compact model’s family. We’ll wait to see if Honda trims back the line-up going forward, though. Considering the ongoing shift from passenger cars to crossovers it may be difficult to justify a broad mix of sedans, coupes and hatchbacks.
But there would be genuine surprise were Honda to abandon the hyper-sporty Civic Type-R. That and the Si sedan appear on track to make their return and, according to comments made by Honda executives, they both will continue to be offered with manual gearboxes.
Mainstream models are likely to continue offering a choice of a base 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, and a sportier 1.5-liter turbo. Expect front-drive only, even with the Type-R.
Price, power TBA
Production of the 2022 Civic Sedan will begin in the months ahead at the automaker’s plant in Canada. We’ll see it in showrooms later this year.
We’re hoping to hear more about powertrain options, including horsepower, torque and fuel-economy, later this month, along with pricing. The outgoing 2021 sedan starts at $22,245.
To build buzz for the new model, Honda will stage the 20th anniversary Honda Civic Tour on April 28, albeit virtual this time around. Two stops are planned.
“The April 28 headline event will be live streamed on the Live Nation Channel on Twitch and the second stop will be live streamed on the Honda Stage YouTube channel this summer,” the automaker announced. “Starting at 5:00 p.m. PT, the April 28 virtual concert event on Twitch will also give Civic Tour fans a special first look at the all-new 2022 Honda Civic Sedan around 6:00 p.m. PT, leading into the performance.”
