Best-Selling, Fun-to-drive Honda Civic Enhanced Again for 2014 Model Year

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Honda Civic, America's best-selling compact car, extends its competitive lead and value for customers with a long list of enhancements for the 2014 model year. Building on the model year 2012 redesign and model year 2013 major refresh, the 2014 Civic features exciting and innovative upgrades including:

• New sportier exterior styling for Civic Coupe and Civic Si Coupe
• Interior styling upgrades for all Civic models
• New available CVT that enhances performance and fuel efficiency
• New available Display Audio with 7-inch pinch, tap and swipe touchscreen
• Increased engine performance on all models except Natural Gas and Hybrid
• Civic HF achieves a class-leading 35 mpg combined EPA rating
• New available features include Honda LaneWatch™ blind spot display and Smart Entry with Push Button start

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"Year over year, we have continued to strengthen the competitive position of Civic with new performance, features and value for the money, and 2014 is no exception," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "This 2014 Civic is our best offering yet, and makes Civic not just the best-selling, but once again the outright best pick in the compact class."

The 2014 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe launch at Honda dealerships nationwide on December 4, 2013, followed by the Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas early in 2014, and the Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan in the spring.

Civic Coupe styling and performance
Following a major refresh of Civic Sedan styling for 2013, Honda turns its attention to the Civic Coupe, implementing a host of exterior design changes that include a more aggressive grille, fender, hood and headlight design. Additional Civic Coupe exterior changes include new taillight lenses, sportier front and rear bumpers, new side mirrors and new wheel designs, with larger size wheels on some models. Inside, a host of premium interior refinements were applied to all models, including new seat fabrics, door panel trim and audio panel color coordination.

The Civic Coupe also receives additional performance enhancements, including revised suspension tuning with higher spring rates and a stiffer rear stabilizer bar. A revised exhaust system raises power output by 3 horsepower to 143 hp² and 1 lb-ft of torque to 129 lb-ft³. For added driver engagement, the Civic EX and EX-L Coupe models feature new steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

New Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Adding to Civic fuel-efficiency and fun-to-drive performance, an all-new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) replaces the 5-speed automatic in both the Coupe and Sedan (except Civic Natural Gas); the Civic Hybrid retains its current CVT. The new CVT enhances responsiveness by providing quicker and smoother acceleration and improves fuel efficiency with a 22 percent wider ratio range and reduced internal friction. The new CVT contributes to higher EPA fuel economy ratings¹ of 30 mpg city (+2 mpg; +1 in models equipped with paddle shifters) and 33 mpg combined (+1 mpg). The even more fuel-efficient Civic HF improves to an EPA-rated 42 mpg highway (+1 mpg).

Civic Si styling and performance
The Civic Si Coupe benefits from the same styling enhancements as the standard Civic Coupe but adds Si-exclusive design cues, including a unique lower front bumper garnish, larger rear decklid spoiler, and distinctive front and rear air diffusers. Both the Si Coupe and Si Sedan get larger, 18-inch wheels and tires with new wheel designs.

The performance-tuned Civic Si Coupe and Sedan also get revised suspension tuning, with higher spring rates, new dampers and stiffer rear stabilizer bar. Power is boosted to 205 horsepower⁴ (+4 horsepower) and 174 lb-ft of torque⁵ (+4 lb-ft) via a retuned exhaust system.

New Premium Features
New innovations and premium features abound on the 2014 Honda Civic. Standard and available features include a new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen control center with optional navigation function, convenient Smart Entry with Push Button start, expanded view driver's mirror and Honda LaneWatch™ blind spot display for enhanced driver visibility, plus available auto on/off headlights and power driver seat with 8-way adjustability.

The 2014 Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan are available in LX, EX, EX-L and EX-L Navi versions. The Civic HF is available in a sedan body style. The Civic Si Coupe and Sedan are available in standard and Navi trims. Standard, Leather, Navi, and Leather Navi variants are available for the Civic Hybrid. The Civic Natural Gas is available in standard trim and a new Leather Navi version.  The 2014 Civic Sedan and Coupe, including Si models, are offered in a new Modern Steel Metallic exterior color, while the Si Coupe and Si Sedan are available in a new Orange Fire Pearl.

Customers can view, build and price the 2014 Honda Civic at automobiles.honda.com/civic starting December 4, 2013, when the models arrive at Honda dealerships nationwide.

Model Trim Level Features Upgrade Summary
The following tables list the upgrades made to each of the 2014 Honda Civic models and trim levels from the 2013 models.

Powertrains
For 2014, the gasoline engine powered Civic Sedan and Coupe models receive an all-new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to replace the 5-speed automatic transmission on most 2013 models. Paddle shifters are available on the Civic Coupe CVT. A manual transmission is still available on the LX and EX trim Sedan and Coupe. The Civic LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Si models get a power and torque boost.

The Civic's responsive i-VTEC^® 1.8-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine, producing 143 horsepower² and 129 lb-ft of torque³, is now available with a new performance- and fuel- efficiency enhancing CVT (replacing the 5-speed automatic transmission). Providing a wider gear ratio range than the previous five-gear automatic, the CVT delivers quicker and smoother acceleration as well as improved fuel efficiency. Fuel economy ratings are 30/39/33 city/highway/combined, an improvement of +2 mpg city (+1 mpg improvement for models equipped with paddle shifters) and +1 mpg combined compared to 2013 models equipped with the 5-speed automatic. The new, 12-percent lighter CVT transmission has increased efficiency through reduced internal friction and a 22-percent wider ratio range. On the Civic Coupe EX and EX-L models, the CVT transmission can be controlled with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to provide a more engaging driver experience. D mode is fully automatic, however the paddle shifters can be used to downshift the transmission for greater engine braking for situations such as descending a steep hill. The transmission can also be upshifted in D mode. When the paddle shifters are used in D mode, full automatic operation will resume after a short time. For spirited driving, S mode includes seven ratios and maintains the selected ratio until the driver operates the paddle shifters again. The system will only shift automatically to prevent over revving the engine or lugging.

To increase the excitement level of the Civic Si models' exhilarating driving experience, refinements to the exhaust system increase engine performance to 205 peak horsepower⁴ and 174 lb-ft of torque⁵. This is an increase of 4 horsepower and 4 lb-ft of torque over the previous model. The Civic Si is powered by an i-VTEC^® 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve engine mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. The Si also includes as standard equipment a helical limited-slip differential. The performance differential helps minimizes front wheel slippage for enhanced steering precision when accelerating and cornering.

The 2014 Civic Hybrid features a 1.5-liter, 8-valve, 2-stage i-VTEC^® four-cylinder gasoline engine equipped with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA^®) system coupled with a Lithium-Ion battery pack, producing 110 horsepower⁶ and 127 lb-ft of torque⁷. The 2-stage i-VTEC system cuts off all four cylinders, allowing the electric motor to propel the car at low speeds or while cruising on a level surface. The cylinders also cut off during deceleration for friction reduction. Paired to its existing Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Civic Hybrid achieves a combined EPA rating of 46 mpg¹. All Civic models except the Coupe Si and Sedan Si feature Honda's ECO Assist™ technology, which can help drivers operate the vehicle more efficiently.

The Civic Natural Gas is powered by a 1.8-liter, 16-valve, SOHC 4-cylinder engine, paired with its existing 5-speed automatic transmission that produces 110 horsepower⁸ and 106 lb-ft of torque⁹. The engine is extremely clean and achieves California's AT-PZEV emissions standards. To attain AT-PZEV status, the vehicle must be a Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (SULEV) with zero evaporative emissions and must carry a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty on emission equipment¹⁰. Since its introduction in 1998, the CNG-burning Civic has consistently been 90% cleaner than the ULEV standard.

Body
The Civic Coupe's youthful and sporty nature is amplified with fresh and aggressive styling changes for 2014. The dynamic capabilities of the coupe are portrayed by a bold new grill, headlights and taillights, and sculptured hood, front fenders, side mirrors and rear bumper. The high-performing Civic Si Coupe is further enhanced with exclusive and uniquely styled grill and front and rear fascia. The coupe's sporty styling cues continue with premium, athletic looking redesigned wheels. The Civic LX Coupe gets larger 16-inch steel wheels, the EX Coupe receives new 16-inch alloy wheels, the EX-L gets larger 17-inch alloy wheels and the Civic Si Coupe receives larger 18-inch alloy wheels with a new design.

Changes made to the Civic Sedan, Civic Si Sedan, Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas in 2013 continue to provide a sporty and upscale look and are enhanced for 2014 with some trims receiving new wheel designs. The Civic EX-L and Si Sedan get the same upgraded 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels as those on the restyled Coupe EX-L and Si.

Chassis
For 2014 the Honda Civic LX Coupe and Si models receive upgraded suspension tuning to enhance steering response and roll feel. In 2013 the Civic lineup benefitted from substantial changes to enhance handling refinement and noise isolation. These included a reworked Electronic Power Steering (EPS), suspension spring changes and thicker stabilizer bars with new Teflon-lined mounting bushings. Other upgrades include larger diameter front brake rotors on some models for better stopping power, and a host of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) countermeasures to reduce road, engine and wind noise.

Interior
Several refinements to the 2014 Civic interior further enhance its youthful and sporty, yet advanced and premium appearance. The Civic LX and EX models, Civic HF sedan and standard Civic Natural Gas receive upgraded seating and door panel fabric with an enhanced premium texture. The Civic Si seats are changed to further enhance the sporty look with exclusive seat fabric and decoration. The interior of sedan models come in black, gray and beige options, coupe models have black or black and gray color schemes, and the Si comes in a dynamic black and red. The audio panels of the Civic Coupe and Sedan have been upgraded with premium finishes: the LX trim gets a new painted panel, while the EX and EX-L receive an advanced brushed metallic treatment. The Civic Si gets a high tech and sporty carbon fiber-styled design. The Civic Natural Gas receives leather seating surfaces on the new top-of-the-line Leather and Navi trim.

New Display Audio Interface
For 2014, all Civic model trim levels except LX include the all-new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen. The intuitive and easy-to-use Display Audio lets you swipe, tap and pinch – just like on a tablet computer or smartphone – to control the vehicle's audio system, display settings and other advanced features. The Civic Coupe and Sedan EX-L, Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas with Navi models include the Display Audio with a fully integrated and fully featured Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System ™ with continuously updated traffic information¹¹.  

Safety
At Honda, safety is always a top priority and the 2014 Civic is a prime example of that focus. Civic safety begins with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that was redesigned in 2013 to provide increased protection to vehicle occupants in a frontal collision, including front end structures to help disperse crash energy in narrow overlap frontal crashes. The 2014 Civic's safety technologies also include standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA^®)¹² with traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

The 2014 Honda Civic Hybrid safety features include standard Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems. FCW is designed to detect a possible collision with another vehicle or object ahead and provides visible and audible alerts to the driver. LDW provides visible and audible alerts if the driver begins to drift out of a detected lane without using the turn signal. The 2014 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe are expected to earn the top rating of GOOD in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) stringent small overlap front crash test, and receive a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the IIHS. The 2014 Civic Sedan and Civic Hybrid received the top 5 Star Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the Civic Coupe received a 4 Star rating.

Warranty
The 2014 Honda Civic is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty. Hybrid models have a 15-year/150,000-mile emissions warranty when the vehicle is registered and normally operated in California and certain states that have adopted California Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations. The IMA battery on the Civic Hybrid is covered by a 10-year/150,000-mile limited warranty. This warranty also applies to the SULEV 1.8L CVT equipped Civic models in states with a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program.

Awards
In addition to receiving numerous awards for the completely redesigned 2012 Honda Civic, the refreshed 2013 model was also awarded and recognized with accolades. It was named "Best Buy Compact Car" by Consumer Guide and "Top Family Car of 2013" by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine. In addition, KBB awarded the Civic "Best Resale Value: Top 10" status and the Civic Si "Best Retail Value: Sporty Compact Car." Civic was also recognized with a "Polk Automotive Loyalty" award in the compact car segment, Edmunds.com named the Civic "Best Retained Value" and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy included the Civic Hybrid amongst the "Greenest Vehicles of 2013."

For More Information
Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/civic. To join the Civic community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/hondacivic. Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2014 Honda Civic is available at hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-civic.

¹ Based on 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
²143 horsepower @ 6500 rpm (SAE net)
³129 lb-ft of torque @ 4300 rpm (SAE net)
⁴205 hp @ 7000 rpm (SAE net)
⁵174 lb-ft of torque @ 4400 rpm (SAE net)
⁶110 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
⁷127 lb-ft of torque @ 1000-35000 rpm
⁸110 horsepower @ 6500 rpm (SAE net)
⁹ 106 lb-ft of torque @ 4300 rpm (SAE net)
¹⁰ When the vehicle is registered and normally operated in California and certain states that have adopted California Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations.
¹¹ The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the Civic in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
¹² 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.

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SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.