drive
Will Honda’s new coupé prove a cut above?
The 2016 Honda Civic Coupe was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles and focuses on value for money. – Reuters pic, November 19, 2015.The latest addition to the Civic range, the 2016 Coupe, is making its global debut at the LA Auto Show where it hopes to bring a sporting edge to complement the new sedan's benchmark-setting practicality.
Introducing the new model, Jeff Conrad, senior vice-president of American Honda Motor Co, Inc and general manager of the Honda Division, promised that the new car would deliver more than just pleasing external aesthetics. "I think our customers are going to be utterly surprised by what this new Coupe delivers in terms of refinement, safety, efficiency and fun-to-drive performance."
The 10th-generation Honda Civic has already enjoyed a hugely successful year. This month, the sedan was declared the Kelley Blue Book best small car of 2015 and best value car of any kind on sale today in the US.
"Our group of expert vehicle testers chose the totally redesigned 2016 Honda Civic as the Overall Winner in our Best Buy Awards because it sets a new standard in a segment already known for delivering great value, providing an up-level experience to drivers and passengers in every facet of the driving and ownership experience," said Kelley Blue Book's Jack R Nerad.
And the new Coupe takes everything that is so well respected about the sedan and adds a lower, more dynamic driving position, wheels closer to each corner and noticeably lower roofline.
There's an initial choice of two engines that offer more power than in the outgoing coupe, a 2-litre with 158hp and a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit that can output a remarkable 174hp. What's more, both engines use Honda's sublime VTEC variable valve timing system for that boost in power at exactly the moment when it's needed.
Away from performance, Honda is focusing on value for money. Regardless of trim level, the new Coupe will come with automatic on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, automatic climate control and an electronic parking brake. As for connectivity, the Civic supports both Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay so whatever the smartphone, it will link with the car.
"We continue on our epic 10th-generation Civic journey with the sportiest, most sophisticated and tech-savvy Civic Coupe yet," said Conrad.
And the journey is far from over. A five-door hatchback is on the way, alongside two more sports focused models, the Si and the Type-R, all of which will be unveiled over the next 18 months. – Reuters, November 19, 2015.
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