Honda Confirms Downsized Engine for 2016 Civic

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda's new president and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, in an official statement revealed that the next generation of company's most successful sedan – Civic, will be built on an all-new platform and will be powered by a smaller turbocharged engine. Takahiro recently took over the reins from former Honda chief Takanubo Ito.

This announcement has virtually confirmed earlier rumors about the presence of a 1.5L VTEC turbo engine under the Civic's hood. Honda has previously used this Direct Injected engine in the recently unveiled Jade RS, where it produces 150 PS of power at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 203 Nm between 1,600 to 5,000 rpm. On the Jade RS, this engine comes mated to a 7-Speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox.

Mr Hachigo further revealed that the hatchback version of the updated Honda Civic will be available in various markets around the world, unlike its predecessor which was exclusively sold only in the UK. The US market will even get a relaunch of the 5-door Civic, which will be the company's second major launch after the Fit was recently revealed there. Moreover, the company will export the hatchback from its European manufacturing hubs to various dealers throughout the globe.

Design elements of the 2016 Honda Civic are expected to be influenced by the Civic concept that was showcased at the New York Auto Show this year.