2016 Honda Civic Research - Official Body and Chassis Specs and Data
 2016 Honda Civic |
Overview
The new Civic Sedan features the most
rigid, tightly sealed body and aerodynamic body design in Civic history,
with the greatest use of high-strength steel for any Civic model ever made,
offering significant advancements to overall noise, vibration and harshness
(NVH), ride and handling, fuel efficiency and collision performance.
Longer, lower and wider, the new Civic body is also more spacious, with 5.8 additional cubic feet of passenger and cargo space. Despite its larger size, the new Civic Sedan's unibody is 68 pounds lighter than before with a 25 percent increase in torsional rigidity, while its lower height, wider stance and shortened front overhang serve as the basis for the new Civic's sportier, more premium look and feel.
Advanced unibody construction techniques, including the use of Honda's next-generation ACE™ body structure and new crash stroke front frame, enable superior front, side and rear crash-worthiness. Comprehensive body sealing measures, the use of acoustic windshield glass combine with new chassis technologies, such as hydraulic suspension and engine mounts, to make the 2016 Civic Sedan the quietest and most refined Civic yet.
Key Body Features
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with new crash stroke front frame design*^
- 59-percent high strength steels (14 percent ultra-high strength steel)
- B-Pillars and rear frame members with selectively-tempered soft zones*^
- 590 MPa high-strength steel floor pan*
- Narrow A-pillars for 84.3 degrees of forward visibility
- Acoustic-glass, flush mounted windshield
- Acoustic fiber side under-panels
- Acoustically sealed unibody
- Full underbody covering*
* First for Civic
^ First for Honda
Exterior Dimensions
Compared to the previous model,
the 2016 Civic Sedan's wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer for improved ride
comfort, better second-row seating roominess, and improved ingress and
egress. The overall length is up 2.9 inches, improving interior roominess
as well as cargo storage capacity. A 1.4-inch shorter front overhang
improves both appearance and aerodynamic efficiency, while a 2.9-inch
longer rear overhang adds to storage capacity. Fuel efficiency is improved
in part due to comprehensive aerodynamic gains throughout the exterior, and
even underneath the vehicle.
2016 Civic vs. 2015 Civic Exterior Dimensions
| Exterior Measurements | 2015 Civic | 2016 Civic |
| Wheelbase (in) | 105.1 | 106.3 (+1.2) |
| Length (in) | 179.4 | 182.3 (+2.9) |
| Height (in) | 56.5 | 55.7 (-0.8) |
| Width (in) | 69.0 | 70.8 (+1.8) |
| Track (in, front / rear) | 59.0 / 59.9 | 60.9 / 61.5 (+1.9 / +1.6) |
(See the Specifications, Features and Prices page for all data.)
Increased Trunk Capacity
The 2016 Civic Sedan has a
wider and deeper trunk with 15.1 cu. ft. of storage volume, 2.6 cu. ft. (or
20.8 percent) larger than the 12.5 cu. ft. of the previous Civic Sedan.
Together with the enlarged passenger volume, this makes the new Civic Sedan
best in class in total interior volume. (See
the Interior section for more information.)
A low lift-over height of 26.8 inches and a maximum trunk opening width of 39.7 inches improves the ease of loading or unloading bulky items, as does a flat trunk floor, which measures 54.9 inches wide and 40.6 inches deep – all significant improvements over the previous model. The floor and trunk sides are carpeted to help protect cargo during transit, and also to help reduce road noise entering the passenger cabin.
The Civic Sedan's trunk will accommodate four soft suitcases or four golf bags – one more of each compared to the previous Civic Sedan. For long, narrow items such as skis, the 3.5 sq-ft. trunk pass-through is 20.6-percent larger than before. A removable floor panel hides the temporary spare tire, jack and wrench. A single LED cargo-area light provides illumination when the trunk lid is open.
Key Body Specifications
| Specification | LX | EX | EX-T | EX-L | Touring |
| Wheelbase (in) | 106.3 | 106.3 | 106.3 | 106.3 | 106.3 |
| Length (in) | 182.3 | 182.3 | 182.3 | 182.3 | 182.3 |
| Height (in) | 55.7 | 55.7 | 55.7 | 55.7 | 55.7 |
| Width (in) | 70.9 | 70.9 | 70.9 | 70.9 | 70.9 |
| Track (in, front / rear) | 60.8 / 61.4 | 60.8 / 61.4 | 60.8 / 61.4 | 60.8 / 61.4 | 60.8 / 61.4 |
| Curb Weight (lb) CVT unless noted MT * w/ Honda Sensing |
2742 (MT) 2751 2761* |
2795 2799* |
2899 2906* |
2910 2917* |
2923 |
| Weight Dist. (%, front/rear) |
59.6 / 40.4 | 60.5 / 39.5 | 61.3 / 38.7 | 61.2 / 38.8 | 61.4 / 38.6 |
| Trunk capacity (cu ft) | 15.1 | 15.1 | 15.1 | 15.1 | 14.7 |
(See the Specifications, Features and Prices page for all data.)
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™
(ACE™)
As an integral part of the 2016 Civic structure,
Honda's proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™)
body-structure enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in
frontal collisions. ACE utilizes a network of connected structural elements
to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle,
thus reducing the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. ACE
channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements,
including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars.
Crash Stroke
A Honda first, the ACE™
structure used on the new Civic features a new crash stroke technology,
developed by Honda engineers in the company's advanced safety research
laboratory in Raymond. Ohio. With the new crash stroke structure, in a
frontal collision the lower section of the front vehicle frame hinges to
direct the engine down and rearward, helping direct crash energy into the
vehicle's floor while also minimizing cabin intrusion. This crucial piece
of safety engineering effectively adds 80mm (3.2 in) of additional
energy-absorbing "crash stroke" to the front of the vehicle.
Besides helping the Civic aim for the highest ratings in the rigorous federal crash tests, the new crash stroke structure enabled designers to develop the Civic's body design to feature a short front overhang and short hood-line for a unique and exciting appearance, excellent outward visibility and improved handling. (See the Safety and Driver Assistive section for more information.)
Improved Body Rigidity
Compared to the previous
Civic generation, the new 2016 Civic Sedan body's global bending rigidity
increases 19 percent and its torsional rigidity increases 23 percent. The
benefits of this increased stiffness are numerous, including the ability to
tune the suspension for superior ride and handling performance. The more
rigid body structure also directly results in a quieter and more
comfortable ride experience for the passengers, with less NVH felt over a
wide range of driving conditions. Some key advancements in body structure
include:
Under the Hood
- A lower stiffener, located behind the engine on the front bulkhead, improves handling
In the Unibody
- Certain connection areas where the A-pillars meet the floor sills, and the B-pillars meet both the floor sills and roof rails, reduce idle vibration and booming
- Large body panels are shaped using computer aided engineering (CAE) to reduce booming
- Gussets positioned inside the rear quarter areas of the unibody reduce road noise
- An internal rear structural ring stiffens the unibody for improved handling
- Short-pitch welding places spot welds 20mm (0.8 in) apart in critical areas of the unibody, compared to 40mm to 45mm (1.6 in to 1.8 in) traditional spacing, increasing stiffness and durability
Underneath the Vehicle
- The Civic's floor pan is made of 590-MPa high-strength steel to provide a lighter yet stronger overall structure
- Floor cross-members positioned under the driver and front passenger's seating area improve ride comfort
- A lateral cross-member and damper structure, located between the rear wheels, improves handling
- A cross-car brace, located at the front of the vehicle, improves handling
Aerodynamics
The Civic was designed to have
class-leading aerodynamic performance – including 12-percent less
drag than the previous Civic generation – which helps improve both
fuel efficiency and interior quietness. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
was used to measure the car's efficiency during the design phase, followed
by scale-model wind tunnel testing and finally by full-scale wind-tunnel
testing. Two critical gains from this process include a 15-percent
reduction in drag (CdA) through the management of underbody and engine-room
airflow, and another 4-percent CdA reduction through wheel design.
Specially shaped components at the front of the vehicle guide airflow through the radiator and into the engine's cold-air intake, while channeling the remaining airflow over, around and under the vehicle. Along with narrower the A-pillars and flush-mounted glass, these contribute to the Civic's efficient passage through the air. The relaxed slope of the rear roofline and rear window further improves aerodynamic efficiency.
The new Civic features the flattest underbody of any gasoline-powered Honda production vehicle. A molded under-panel is positioned directly beneath the front fascia, starting the rearward flow of air underneath the vehicle in a smooth manner. An aluminum under-tray is positioned underneath the engine and transmission and features a cooling duct that allows ambient airflow to the hydraulic engine mount. Dual side under-panels (molded plastic on LX, acoustic fiber on EX and above trims) extend from behind the front wheels to just ahead of the rear wheels, further smoothing the airflow as it travels rearward, while also reducing wind noise in the passenger cabin.
Lateral strakes located ahead of each wheel and tire (8.5 inches wide in front, and 3.5 inches wide in the rear) help deflect airflow around the tires for additional aerodynamic efficiency gains. Even the stamped steel exhaust silencers are aerodynamically shaped, eliminating the need for an under-cover at the rear of the vehicle. This reduces parts count, complexity and weight while helping to ensure optimal aerodynamic efficiency.
In-Die Softzone
In a first for Honda, the Civic
employs selectively-tempered "soft zone" technology. This special forming
technique allows the creation of specially tempered areas, or soft zones,
within an ultra-high-strength hot-stamped steel part. As a result, simpler,
lighter components can provide the appropriate energy pathways necessary to
absorb crash forces. The process minimizes both parts count and weight. In
the 2016 Civic Sedan, this technology, applied to the B-pillars and rear
frame rails, saves 15.6 pounds compared to the previous-generation
Civic.
The process involves heating the sheet steel to 930-degrees Centigrade before simultaneously stamping and cooling key areas of the part. A laser cutting trimming process then completes the component.
Side crash area
Located where the B-pillar joins
the lower sill, a new built-in soft zone is designed to bend during a side
collision, channeling crash forces away from the passenger compartment and
into the B-pillar and lower sill. The soft zone's rated material strength
is 550-650 MPa advanced high-strength steel, compared to the much stronger
1500 MPa hot-stamp steel of the overall B-pillar and lower sill. Using the
technology in the B-pillars saved 6.8 pounds.
Rear crash area
The rearward ends of the two rear
unibody frame rails each contain a pair of soft zones designed to fold in a
controlled, three-bend manner in the event of a rear impact, helping to
attenuate crash energy. The rated material strength of these soft zones is
700-800 MPa high-strength steel, compared to the much stronger 1500 MPa
hot-stamp steel of the overall rear frame rail. Using the technology in the
rear frame rails saves 8.8 pounds.
T-Direction Welding
Applied to the forward edge of
the front door hinge pillars, just behind the front wheel openings, a new
"T-direction welding" technique is anticipated to help the 2016 Civic earn
top ratings in the rigorous IIHS narrow offset frontal collision test,
based on Honda internal testing. Instead of using lateral overlapping
welded joints on the hinge pillars, which would be negatively affected by
the wheel moving rearward and striking the pillar in an offset frontal
collision, the hinge pillars instead use a longitudinal welded seam
designed to withstand sheer forces generated in such a collision.
Class-leading Forward Visibility
The A-pillar
section on the 2016 Civic is 18mm (0.7 in) narrower than on the
previous-generation Civic, reducing the obstructed area by 11.6-percent,
and resulting in a 7.9-degree improvement in forward visibility. As a
result, the new Civic offers a class-leading 84.3 degrees of forward
visibility (the angle made by drawing lines from the driver's eye point to
the outboard edges of the A pillars). Safety is maintained through the
pillars' shape, the precise design of load pathways during a frontal
collision or rollover, and the use of 1500 MPa hot-stamped
ultra-high-strength steel for the A-pillars.
High-Strength Steel
Multiple steel grades are used
in the Civic's body construction to help achieve excellent overall vehicle
dynamics, optimize safety performance, and lower NVH. Materials range from
five different grades of steel, including premium hot-stamp steel and
ultra-high-strength steel used in the unibody, to aluminum for the front
bumper beam. All were chosen to achieve the best combination of strength,
rigidity, dynamic performance and light weight. Fully 59 percent of the
body structure is composed of high-strength steel, up 7.3 percent compared
to 55 percent for the previous Civic Sedan. In addition, the use of
hot-stamp ultra-high strength steel increases to 14 percent from 1 percent
in the previous-generation Civic.
Lighter Weight
The increased use of high-strength
steel contributes to a 68-pound reduction in weight for the 2016 Civic
Sedan's unibody compared to the previous Civic generation.
Body Materials
| Material | Grade | Use Percentage |
| Hot-stamp steel | 1500 MPa | 14% |
| Ultra high-strength steel | 980-1180 MPa | 12% |
| Advanced high-strength steel | 590-780 MPa | 29% |
| High-strength steel | 340-440 MPa | 9% |
| Mild Steel | 270 MPa | 37% |
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Countermeasures
The new Civic takes noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH) countermeasures to the next level, positioning it at the
top of its competitive set. All Civic trims feature strategically placed
body sealants (see below). Additional NVH enhancements on all models
include acoustic separators inside the A-, B- and C-pillars, while a
sound-insulating acoustic windshield (see below) further aids overall cabin
quietness.
Engine Compartment Isolation
Measures to isolate
sound and heat emanating from within the engine compartment include
dedicated front, side and rear hood seals, strategically placed heat
baffles, a hood insulator panel, an engine under-cover, and dedicated
insulation within the instrument panel. Inside the vehicle, a one-piece
molded insulated carpet liner adds further to exceptional heat isolation
and noise reduction for the 2016 Civic.
Acoustic Windshield
Special laminated acoustic
glass is used for the Civic windshield to help reduce noise entering the
cabin. Tuned specifically to attenuate wind-noise frequencies, the
windshield glass uses an outer layer of 2.0mm safety glass, a 0.7mm thick
middle layer of acoustic polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and a 1.8mm safety-glass
inner layer for a total thickness of 4.5mm. This helps the Civic place at
the top of its class in wind-noise performance. The windshield also
incorporates UV light-absorbing technology. In addition, the Civic Sedan
has 4.0mm tempered front door glass and 3.5mm tempered rear door glass. The
available one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature uses 3.5mm tinted and
tempered glass.
Sound-absorbing Undercovers
Underneath the Civic,
along both sides of the passenger cabin, are absorptive undercovers (fiber
on the LX and EX, and molded plastic on the EX-T and above trims) that
mitigate road and wind noise. A special baffle plate located beneath the
center of the floor pan, and felt fender inner liners on EX and above
trims, further attenuate wind and road noise.
Body Sealing
The 2016 Civic Sedan has an
unprecedented level of body sealing to dramatically reduce the levels of
noise inside the vehicle – a 58-percent overall leak reduction
compared to the previous-generation Civic. Throughout the unibody are 9.3
sq. in. of weld seals and other sealers to reduce vibration and the
transmission of noise.
Additional measures include:
- Pillar separators seal the hollow A-, B- and C-pillars to reduce the transmission of noise from the floor area into the passenger cabin.
- Triple door sealing utilizes 360-degree molded door seals to reduce wind noise and improve isolation.
- New door gap seals at the rear edges of the doors are a first for Civic. They join the triple sealed door openings and lower door-edge seals in keeping wind noise from entering the cabin.
- A total of eight new air leak reduction moldings and clips are used at key locations where the side windows slide into the Sedan's four doors, reducing the possibility of audible air leaks occurring in these locations.
Along with internal bracing, acoustic hole seals fill open areas inside the door structures, significantly reducing the amount of wind and road noise and vibration that can reach the cabin. The same Thinsulate™ material that is used in the doors is also used to reduce sound transmission through the roof, the body A- and C-pillars, and the rear tray.
| Features | LX | EX | EX-T | EX-L | Touring |
| Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with new crash stroke design | • | • | • | • | • |
| One-touch power moonroof with tilt feature | • | • | • | • | |
| Acoustic windshield | • | • | • | • | • |
| Acoustically sealed unibody | • | • | • | • | • |
| Triple door sealing | • | • | • | • | • |
| Hydraulic front engine mount | • | • | • | • | • |
| Hydraulic lower suspension mounts | • | • | • | • | • |
| Underbody aerodynamic tailoring | • | • | • | • | • |
(See the Specifications, Features and Prices page for all data.)
2016 Honda Civic Sedan - Chassis
Overview
The 2016 Civic Sedan utilizes the most sophisticated chassis design in model history, delivering quicker and more accurate steering, more responsive handling, and exceptional ride quality that exceeds the mainstream, compact-car class to challenge even luxury C-segment products.
Key suspension upgrades include a sophisticated new multi-link rear suspension and rigid rear subframe; fluid-filled suspension bushings that greatly enhance ride quality while providing robust isolation from road vibration; stabilizer bars with bonded bushing mounts for improved body control; dual-pinion, variable ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) that enhances steering feel, performance and comfort; and a Straight Driving Assist feature that reduces steering effort when driving on a sloped or crowned road. Additional new Civic chassis features include Agile Handling Assist and an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold.
Key Chassis Features
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Multi-link rear suspension
- Dual Pinion, Variable Ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS)*^
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)1 with Traction Control
- 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)2 with Brake Assist
- Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Front and rear stabilizer bars
- Fluid-filled suspension compliance bushings*
- Straight Driving Assist
- Agile Handling Assist*
- Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold*
* First for Civic
^ First for Honda
Chassis Summary
All Models
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Multi-link rear suspension
- Front and rear stabilizer bars
- Front fluid-filled suspension bushings
- Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes
- 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
- Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)1 with Traction Control
- Agile Handling Assist
- Dual Pinion Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
- Straight Driving Assist
- Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold
- Hill Start Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)3
Civic LX Sedan
- 16-inch steel wheels with 2-tone wheel covers
- P215/55R16 all-season tires
Civic EX Sedan
- 16-inch aluminum wheels with machined faces
- P215/55R16 all-season tires
Civic EX-T, EX-L
- 17-inch aluminum wheels with aerodynamic shape
- P215/50R17 all-season tires
- Rear fluid-filled suspension bushings
Touring Sedan
- 17-inch aluminum wheels with cut flanges
- P215/50R17 all-season tires
- Rear fluid-filled suspension bushings
Front and Rear Suspension
The 2016 Civic suspension system provides agile and direct handling that puts the Civic at the top of its class, and in the league of benchmarked European luxury-class competitors. The system uses a combination of front MacPherson struts and an all-new rear multi-link with new rigid subframe. Using a strut-style front suspension improves the room available for crash reinforcement, and the multi-link rear suspension helps maximize second-row seating and cargo space – all while also providing outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality. Front and rear stabilizer bars on all trims improve turn-in response while reducing body roll during cornering. The stabilizer bars are bonded to their mounting bushings and use low-friction connecting links for smoother operation. The 2016 Civic has a 14mm (0.6 in) lower center of gravity, helping to improve both handling agility and rollover resistance.
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
The MacPherson strut front suspension is engineered to provide engaging performance and a responsive feel for the driver. Performance-calibrated geometry ensures a high degree of quickness and precision, smoothness and stability. The lower suspension arms are connected to the subframe and to the body via fluid-filled bushings, which provide the ideal combination of handling responsiveness and precision, along with maximum isolation from road noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). All front suspension arms and the front hub carriers are steel, and all Civic Sedan trims use a tubular front stabilizer bar.
Multi-Link Rear Suspension
The multi-link rear suspension includes stamped-steel arms, cast aluminum hub carriers and a stabilizer bar. Mounted on a rigid subframe, a first for Civic, the new rear suspension provides agile handling, both during normal driving and in emergency maneuvers, together with a flat ride. The trailing arms are located on the unibody in fluid-filled bushings for exceptional control of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) while maintaining precise handling. All Civic Sedan trims use a solid rear stabilizer bar for improved crisp turn-in and body roll control.
Hydraulic Suspension Bushings
In a first for Honda, the 2016 Civic suspension uses fluid-filled bushings to provide superior ride isolation as well as chassis vibration control. All Civic models utilize front fluid-filled bushings and the EX-T and above trims additionally use rear fluid-filled bushings. These bushings are specifically tuned to provide minimum vibration transfer to the occupants, raising the new Civic to the top of its class in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction.
In front, the lower control arms pivot in the fluid-filled bushing, which is designed to absorb road harshness and vibration while still retaining the exacting precision required for sharp, nimble handling. For the front suspension only, a specially ventilated under-cover allows airflow to cool the bushings, ensuring more consistent performance in all ambient temperature conditions, as well as enhanced long-term durability.
An additional duct, located near the middle of the aluminum front under-panel, cools the engine's torque rod bushing, likewise reducing operating temperatures and ensuring longer performance.
Dual Pinion Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
Another Civic first, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) incorporates dual pinion gears and a variable gear ratio for improved steering feel, performance and comfort that surpasses the class.
The dual pinion steering provides substantially improved feel compared to the previous-generation Civic. Compared to a traditional single-pinion steering system, the dual pinion EPS utilizes the physical steering input from the driver as well as from a supplemental electric motor. A non-contact torque sensor measures the driver's steering effort and an ECU determines how much electric motor assist to add, with the result being a seamless, natural feeling steering in all situations.
The steering ratio is variable over a 17-percent range with a final full off-center rotation ratio of 10.93:1. This provides a quick 2.2 turns lock-to-lock compared to 3.1 turns lock-to-lock for the previous Civic, significantly reducing the steering effort when parking or maneuvering. Also contributing to the enhanced steering performance and feel of the 2016 Civic Sedan, the steering mount stiffness is higher, and the 30mm steering column diameter (up from 22mm on the previous generation Civic) also provides greater stiffness.
Straight Driving Assist
A new Honda technology, Straight Driving Assist reduces the steering effort required when driving on a sloped or crowned road. When the Straight Driving Assist system detects that steering effort is being applied to keep the car driving along a slope, the Electric Power Steering system applies motor assist. This reduces the muscle effort required to maintain the desired direction on the sloped road to the same level as is required on a flat road.
4-wheel Disc Brakes with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist
In a first for Civic, all trims are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes. All systems incorporate 4-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist as standard equipment. The system provides a comfortable and refined feel at low speeds, predictable and easy operation on the highway, a sporty, fun-to-drive feel on winding roads, and a reassuring high-performance stopping in emergency situations. Compared to the previous-generation, the 2016 Civic's brakes require less pedal travel, provide a firmer pedal feel under normal conditions, and deliver greater efficiency.
The 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) independently modulates braking power at each wheel to help the driver retain steering control during heavy braking. The Brake Assist system recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly applies full braking force when appropriate to help shorten braking distance. (See the Safety and Driver Assistance section for more information.)
All 2016 Civic trims are equipped with 11.1-inch diameter ventilated front brake rotors (0.9-inch rotor thickness) clamped by single-piston brake calipers. The rear disc brakes incorporate 10.2-inch diameter solid rotors (0.4-inch rotor thickness) paired with single-piston brake calipers. The low-friction design of the brake calipers reduces energy losses when the brakes are not in use, directly improving fuel efficiency.
In another first for Civic, a 5-percent-larger master cylinder piston diameter (22.2mm vs. 20.6mm on the previous Civic) contributes to the short, firm pedal stroke and excellent feel, while also maintaining the power of the braking system.
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)1 is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the Civic Sedan's Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and its 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver.
VSA also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the driving wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. While the driver can reduce the traction control effectiveness allowing more wheel slip during stuck condition by pressing the VSA button, ABS remains fully operational at all times. (See the Safety and Driver Assistance section for more information.)
Agile Handling Assist
A Civic first and standard on all trims, Agile Handling Assist selectively uses the vehicle's brakes to improve initial turning response and overall cornering ability. Agile Handling Assist utilizes brake vectoring to improve corner traceability and confident handling feel. By applying braking force to the inside wheels during cornering at high lateral G, the system creates a yaw moment, thus generating more turning force and reducing understeer.
Hill Start Assist
The Hill Start Assist function helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start Assist automatically activates when the vehicle senses a certain incline and is fully stopped in any forward gear when facing up hill or reverse gear when facing downhill. The system uses a longitudinal G-sensor along with a wheel speed sensor to control the hydraulic brake modulator. Hill Start Assist, when activated, will release the brakes when the driver depresses the throttle or if the driver doesn't press the accelerator after a few seconds.
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
In a first for both the Honda Civic and its market segment, the standard Electric Parking Brake (EPB) is simpler, more convenient and comfortable to use than a traditional parking brake. The EPB also frees up center console space, allowing a higher console and an extended armrest length.
Engaging the parking brake now requires only a pull on a switch on the center console. To release the parking brake, the driver simply presses on the accelerator pedal (while the seatbelt is buckled) when the transmission is in Drive or Reverse, or else pushes on the parking brake switch while operating the brake pedal.
Besides promoting the use of the parking brake, EPB makes hill starts easier when the Civic is parked on a grade. As with a traditional manually activated parking brake, EPB functions on the rear wheels only. Electric servo actuators are integrated into the rear brake calipers. See the Comfort and Convenience section for more information.
Automatic Brake Hold
When activated, Automatic Brake Hold retains brake pressure when the vehicle comes to a stop such as at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. This frees the driver from continually pressing the brake pedal to maintain the vehicle in a stopped position, a significant improvement in driving enjoyment in difficult conditions.
Operating the system requires two simple actions from the driver:
- Activating/deactivating the system via a switch on the center console
- Pressing on the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a stop
Once these steps are taken, Automatic Brake Hold will indicate engagement and then maintain brake pressure when the vehicle has come to a stop, even if the driver later releases the brake pedal. A green "Brake Hold" icon on the instrument panel illuminates to show that the system is functioning. The Civic then remains stopped – even on a hill – until the driver presses the accelerator pedal. At this point Automatic Brake Hold releases the brakes and the vehicle resumes normal braking function.
Wheels and Tires
The Civic Sedan LX rides on P215/55R16 tires mounted to 16x7.0-inch steel wheels with full covers, while EX trims are equipped with 16x7.0-inch alloy wheels. The tires are 20mm wider, and the wheels are one inch larger in diameter and 1.0-inch wider, than the previous Civic LX and EX models. Civic Sedan EX-T, EX-L and Touring trims use P215/50R17 tires and 17x7.0-inch aluminum wheels. All tires carry an all-season M+S rating, making them suitable for year-round use in all weather and conditions.
All Civic Sedan models come with either Hankook Kinergy GT (Civic LX) or Firestone FT140 (EX and above) tires as standard equipment. Developed cooperatively with Honda engineers and the tire companies, despite being wider, the tires help reduce rolling resistance by 10-percent while also helping to reduce noise and vibration, improving both fuel efficiency and ride quality in the process. The tires contribute to the Civic's best-in-class rolling resistance performance. They also help reduce unsprung weight by 6.6 pounds, allowing the engineers greater control of suspension tuning, which further improves ride and handling characteristics. See the following page for wheel designs.
The 2016 Civic Sedan's wheel and tire sizes include:
Civic LX Sedan
- 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers
- P215/55R16 all-season tires
Civic EX Sedan
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- P215/55R16 all-season tires
Civic EX-T and EX-L Sedan
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- P215/50R17 all-season tires
Touring Sedan
- Unique 17-inch alloy wheels
- P215/50R17 all-season tires
Wheel Designs
Space-Saving Spare Tire
For all new Civic models, the spare tire is a T125/80D16 space- and weight-saving temporary unit that is mounted under a carpeted floor in the trunk.
Low-Friction Wheel Bearings
For 2016, the wheel hubs in all models feature new low-friction bearings that measurably reduces rolling resistance, which directly contributes to the improved fuel-efficiency for all models.
Exhaust
The Civic LX and EX trims use a single exhaust system for light weight and simplicity. Applied to a Civic for the first time, dual exhaust outlets provide the Civic in EX-T and above trims higher power output for the turbocharged engine. Additionally, in another Civic first, all trims incorporate an exhaust flex tube that directly reduces noise and vibration. The silencer is also aerodynamically shaped, another Civic first, to help improve airflow underneath the vehicle, helping to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and further reduce air turbulence-inducing noise at highway speeds. See the Powertrain section for more information.
Fuel Tank
The 12.4-gallon fuel tank and fuel lines are molded of high-density polyethylene for low weight, freedom from corrosion, impact resistance and fuel vapor losses. The tank and filler pipe are formed as a single unit, reducing weight and complexity, while further improving safety in the event of a collision. Additionally, the tank is positioned ahead of the rear wheels to help guard against collision damage. A high-efficiency fuel pump is housed inside the tank, and the fuel filter is a lifetime design that never needs replacement. An integrated baffle system positioned inside the tank reduces the sound of fuel sloshing.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The 2016 Civic uses an indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)3 that is lighter and simpler than previous systems. Instead of using sensors mounted on each wheel to monitor tire pressures, indirect TMPS uses the existing ABS wheel-speed sensors to continually monitor the rotational speed of each wheel. Because a tire with low pressure rotates more quickly than one with a higher pressure, by comparing these values with a specifically designed computer algorithm, indirect TPMS can determine when a tire is low on pressure. This information is delivered to the driver in the form of a warning symbol on the instrument panel. Special logic included in the TPMS processor is designed to eliminate false warnings.
Chassis Features
| Suspension and Chassis Features | LX | EX | EX-T | EX-L | Touring |
| MacPherson Strut Front Suspension | • | • | • | • | • |
| Multi-Link Rear Suspension | • | • | • | • | • |
| Stabilizer Bar (mm, front / rear) | 25.0 x t4.0/16.5 | 25.0 x t4.0/16.5 | 25.0 x t4.0/16.5 | 25.0 x t4.0/16.5 | 26.5 x t4.5/17.0 |
| Front fluid-filled suspension bushings | • | • | • | • | • |
| Rear fluid-filled suspension bushings | • | • | • | ||
| Dual Pinion Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) | • | • | • | • | • |
| Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.2 |
| Steering Ratio | 10.93:1 | 10.93:1 | 10.93:1 | 10.93:1 | 10.93:1 |
| Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft) | 35.4 | 35.4 | 35.4 | 35.4 | 35.4 |
| Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc / Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in, front/rear) | 11.1 / 10.2 | 11.1 / 10.2 | 11.1 / 10.2 | 11.1 / 10.2 | 11.1 / 10.2 |
| Wheels | 16" steel w/wheel covers | 16" alloy | 17" alloy | 17" alloy | 17" alloy |
| All-Season Tires | P215/55R16 M+S 93H | P215/55R16 M+S 93H | 215/50R17 M+S 91H | 215/50R17 M+S 91H | 215/50R17 M+S 91H |
| Compact Spare Tire | T125/80D16 97M | T125/80D16 97M | T125/80D16 97M | T125/80D16 97M | T125/80D16 97M |
| Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)1 with Traction Control | • | • | • | • | • |
| Agile Handling Assist | • | • | • | • | • |
| Straight Driving Assist | • | • | • | • | • |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold | • | • | • | • | • |
| Hill Start Assist | • | • | • | • | • |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)3 | • | • | • | • | • |
(See the Specifications and Features section for all data.)
1 VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle's course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.
2 The ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the vehicle. It only helps with steering control during hard braking. Always drive appropriately for the conditions.
3 For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge. Do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
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