Today we welcome back a badge that was last seen in Honda showrooms eight years ago. Today's the launch of the 2019 Honda Civic, though bookings have already begun. It is all new, in fact since the time we last saw the tenth-gen Civic at the Auto Expo last year, it's even been facelifted internationally. We know it'll be powered by a choice of two powertrain only, atleast at launch. The first is a familiar 1.8-litre petrol, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The second is also familiar, the 1.6-litre diesel from the new CR-V, but it does make it the first time ever the Civic is available with a diesel engine. We've driven both cars earlier, and for our impressions of how they drive, head to our first drive review
Also see: Honda Civic vs Skoda Octavia vs Toyota Corolla Comparison Test Video
Also see: Honda Civic First Drive Review Video
If you want a manual, there's the 1.6-litre diesel from the new CR-V. It's in the same state of tune, 120PS and 300Nm torque, but it's offered with a six-speed manual. Notably, in the CR-V, this engine puts power down via a nine-speed automatic.
The petrol is a tweaked version of the 1.8-litre petrol which was available on the old car. We're told intake and valve revisions have led to the slight bump in figures, which now stand at 141PS and 174Nm torque. Unfortunately, if you want a petrol, you can only have one with a CVT.
The features list includes a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric sunroof, automatic headlamps, and more. It scores high on safety with six airbags, hill start assist, stability control and other electronic safety aids. A standout here is the Lane watch blind spot assist system, which shows the driver a wider view of what's behind his car on the left side.
In keeping with Honda's 'man-maximum, machine-minimum' philosophy, the cabin has been designed to maximise interior space for five passengers. The dashboard layout also speaks of improving visibility for the driver.
In its tenth-generation, the Civic moves to Honda's Compact Global platform, also underpinning the CR-V, and grows to the largest exterior dimensions it's ever been.
Honda launched the eighth-gen Civic in India in 2006, and it was the first car of that time to sport a two-tier instrument console, and also offered paddleshifters for its automatic gearbox, at a relatively attainable price point.
The Honda Civic badge first appeared in 1972 and has sold over 25 million units worldwide since then.
We expect a price range of Rs 16-22 lakh, ex-showroom, for the petrol automatic and diesel manual cars. But if you stay right here on our liveblog, you'll be the first to know what the pricing is like, as soon as it's announced.
The Civic will face competition from other executive sedans, like the Toyota Corolla Altis, Skoda Octavia, and Hyundai Elantra. Not to mention the SUV competition that has greatly reduced numbers in this segment.
Stay tuned to all the updates from the launch event of the tenth-gen Honda Civic in India