Following yesterday’s unveiling of the all-new Honda Civic hatchback, Honda’s local arm has confirmed that the model will arrive in Kiwi showrooms later this year.
“For the moment we can confirm the model is launching in New Zealand, arrival is towards the end of the year, further details to follow,” a spokesperson told NZ Autocar in a brief statement.
No other details of the next-gen Civic have been announced, including specs, engines, or body styles, leaving us to stare into the official NZ Autocar crystal ball to try and predict what a line-up would look like.
Honda Australia has already confirmed that it will not be getting the Civic sedan, only the hatchback. New Zealand’s Honda distribution channel and model line-up differs to Australia’s, hence they get the Accord that we don’t, and we get the Jazz that they don’t.
Honda Australia has also confirmed that it will only be getting the Civic hatch with the turbocharged 1.5-litre four, with not many tears likely to be shed over the market missing out on the less powerful naturally aspirated 2.0.
With the existing base 1.8-litre engine phased out for the next-gen model, it’s likely that New Zealand will follow the Aussie lead and opt only for the 1.5-litre model. It’s also been reported that Australia will get the to-be-revealed e:HEV hybrid powertrain in 2022.
Expect us to follow this timeline also, especially with the government’s forthcoming Clean Car Standard coming into effect next year.
As previously reported, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four produces a humble 118kW of power and 187Nm of torque, and the 1.5-litre turbofour 134kW and 240Nm. Most models will come equipped with a CVT, but a six-speed manual is also available in certain markets.
The new-look dashboard is a hearty step up on that of the outgoing model. The full-length air vent that extends from the steering wheel to the passenger door looks the part, particularly with its honeycomb grille.
Red stitching can be found on the steering wheel, gear knob, seats, and armrest, and a 9-inch infotainment system tops the dashboard. The screen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 10.2-inch digital cluster appearing behind the steering wheel.
Bose audio, 10 airbags, and Honda’s full Sensing safety suite (inclusive of adaptive stop-and-go cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear autonomous emergency braking) also feature. Honda says the boot offers a monstrous 693 litres of storage volume.
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