Automaker Honda is gearing for a massive hype for its next iteration of flagship vehicle, the 10th generation 2016 Civic.
Initial preview for the upcoming sedan has been positive, with some industry followers like Consumer Reports calling the upcoming vehicle a cut above previous iterations. In addition, some Civic fans have also been upbeat about the upcoming iteration, with official fan forums like CivicX full of fans calling the 2016 Civic a "game-changer."
Meanwhile, AutoNews said that when the new Civic launches and goes on sale in November, it will be the very first U.S. market-focused Honda vehicle to offer a turbocharged engine.
One of the most noted options for the new Civic, the 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo, was supposed to be introduced in either 2017 or 2018. However, Honda engineers deemed it necessary to include the overclocked engine as one of the features of the sedan to make the 2016 Civic stand out. Gary Evert, Civic's new chief engineer and North American development leader, told AutoNews that the new Civic will be a strong statement. "The thinking was that the new Civic needs this engine to go where we want it to go, to make this model such a leapfrog event, such a strong competitor, not just in North America but around the world," Evert said.
The new engine was also a borne of feedback Honda received regarding the previous Civic iterations. According to Yuji Matsumochi, chief powertrain engineer for the 2016 Civic, the overall impression of the new sedan is much a part of fan feedback on the previous models.
"It was a very efficient engine but people weren't evaluating it highly. I heard several times, 'Hey, where's the Honda-like characteristics? Where's the Honda DNA?" the engineer said.
The new turbocharged option will reportedly be announced on Oct. 19, with showrooms getting the selection in November.
