2016 Honda Civic continues to elevate brand sales

2016_Honda_Civic_Affordable
2016 Honda Civic Touring takes on Audi and BMW with exceptional styling and performance for under $25,000.

 

I could have just as easily substituted “continues to elevate” for “carries American Honda Motors through” a tough transitional May 2016 sales month. With all major automotive brand sales slumping a bit in May. 2016 Honda Civic continued to buck the SUV trend with yet another near record sales month. Read my latest Honda Civic market recap here.

With Civic up no less than 20% for the year, when compared to May of 2015, AHMC looks to Civic Sedan, Coupe and the soon to arrive built in England 5-door hatchback to push the maker to new found segment dominance in North America.

While it may be a bit down the road before North American Honda Type-R fans realize the arrival of the long awaited Type-R hatchback, recent spy photos indicate a fast-track (no pun intended) R&D and subsequent road trials for Honda’s “hot hatch” in Canada and the U.S..

Why Civic continues to sell so well in a crossover/SUV obsessed market

Civic _Comparison
9th generation Civic Si Vs 10th generation Civic Touring.

It’s the “Art of the Line,” and when it comes to the compact sedan and coupe, no other maker at this time in North America builds a better looking, higher performing, near-premium compact car than Honda does.

While not the cheapest offering the compact segment, when one weighs the initial MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) against offerings from Chevrolet, Chrysler, Hyundai, KIA, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda and others, 2016 Civic, even in its 2.0 Liter, 6 speed manual transmission base trim presents the greatest long-term lease or purchase value — that’s why 2016 Honda Civic was voted “Best Car of the Year” and “Best Car for Families” in 2016.

In risk of reading like yet another Honda advertisement

Don’t read me wrong here, McCants Auto News has driven all competitors in the compact segment. The aforementioned auto brands ALL manufacturer a very decent car. BUT, some are more refined, offer greater initial quality, higher crash test ratings, greater fuel economy and quieter interiors than other.

2016_Honda_Civic
Hondapro Jason and i take a closer look at the turbocharged 2016 Honda Civic Touring.

It takes more than good looks to sell a car theses days. Honda engineering and design tells m McCants Auto News that Civic is purpose designed to go after the compact premium sports sedan segment, and takes on Audi and BMW.

Honda and Civic are on a record sales year trajectory as consumers discover the reinvented North American Honda lineup including the built in the U.S.A. 2017 Ridgeline Pickup Truck.

Is Honda giving the European Imports a run for their money? Could be! Read my initial 2016 Civic Coupe drive impression here.

 

 

 

2016 Honda Civic Coupe viewed on the streets of San Diego, California

Parks_McCants_2016_Civic_Coupe
The second phase of Civic World Car roll out goes to 2016 Civic Coupe.

As recently viewed on the city streets and country roads in and around San Diego, California, phase two of Honda’s 10th generation 2016 Civic roll out is the totally redesigned ” World-Compact-Platform” Civic Coupe.

For 2016, Civic Coupe comes to market in late March 2016, not only larger in dimension, but a world apart from the departing 9th generation Civic — yet retains that “sportiness” exclusive two a 2 door compact coupe.

Honda design and engineering presents a one of a kind drive and ride experience, thanks the a slight wheel base stretch, widening of the track, and the lowering of the “hip point” by a full 1.5 inches. Thus creating a new “drive dynamic” for Civic Coupe fans, without the performance Civic Si price point.

2016_Civic_Coupe_Interior
Upgraded refinement experienced throughout.

Honda engineering further refines and improves 2016 Civic Coupe to the point of encroaching on midsize car ride and interior comfort.

2016 Civic Coupe brings a much improved driver’s seat, smart wheel, standard multi-directional back up cam, huge trunk and added rear compartment legroom. Your Civic Coupe may now effectively serve as a family hauler, commuter and week end sport vehicle, without compromise.

Presenting a visual eye-candy design cue, and interior uptick refinement,  the all new Civic Coupe, in many Audi and BMW model comparisons, upstages the European compact car segment, through affordable premium accouterments and measurable performance.

I find the greatest value in the base LX variant

On the road with 2016 Civic Coupe
2016 Honda Civic Coupe on the back roads of San Diego, California

Sitting behind the wheel of 2016 Civic Coupe is an experience in its self. Put Hondapro Jason in the passenger seat, let the adventure begin.

While much has been made in the auto press as to Civic’s new found turbocharged engine power, I look to the measurable improvement in body style, interior size and subsedquent comfort, a class setting base passive and active safety package, as well as what many consider to be the easiest shifting manual 6 speed transmission in the auto industry today.

Hondapro_Jason_2016_Civic_Touring_Coupe

For 2016, the base Civic Sedan and Coupe come to the North American markets with an all new 2.0 Liter i-VTEC 4 cylinder gasoline engine, producing 159 horsepower, 138 ft-lb torque. This represents a measurable power increase of 12% over 2015, while increasing fuel efficiency. Catch my initial impressions of 2016 Civic Coupe here.

Torque is transferred to the road via one of if not the easiest shifting  6-speed manual transmission in the automotive industry today.  Honda engineering has effectively reduced peddle pressure while refining the shift pattern.

2016 Civic Coupe MSRP and fuel economy should follow Civic Sedan

So, if as predicted, 2016 Honda Civic Coupe comes to market in March with a beginning  MSRP under $18,500, while approaching 35 MPG in combined driving, 2016 Civic Coupe will be the greatest value found in today’s European inspired “C” segment!

While driving on the country two lane roads of eastern San Diego County, I found that “sweet spot” in 3rd gear, and played with the 2.0 liter engine, while enjoying that Honda 4-banger exhaust tone exclusive to high revving Honda mills.

And that’s all that I can share with you for now. Look for a full “first impressions” drive review, the last week in February.