MOTOR RIVALS

Ford Focus retains its title as world’s best-selling vehicle, according to Ford analysis of the just-released full-year Polk new vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive. The redesigned Ford Focus offers a bolder exterior design, a more intuitive and upscale interior, a host of technologies uncommon for a compact car and the additional powertrain option of Ford’s award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine with a new six-speed manual transmission in the U.S.-spec Focus. While U.S. EPA fuel economy ratings are not yet available, Ford expects the 1.0-liter EcoBoost Focus to raise the bar in fuel efficiency among non-hybrid compact vehicles.

Also, Ford’s popular MyKey® feature will be standard on all trim levels. An all-new heated steering wheel will be available as well as 10 different wheels as factory options.
In addition to a host of styling and technology advances, the new Focus will offer the efficient, fun-to-drive 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Automotive journalists globally named it International Engine of the Year for 2012 and 2013.

The smallest engine in Ford’s growing EcoBoost family – already available in Fiesta - will come standard in Focus with an Auto Start-Stop feature that automatically shuts down the engine at stops and instantly turns it back on at takeoff.

EcoBoost technology combines smaller-displacement engines with turbocharging, direct injection, variable valve timing and proprietary Ford software to bring customers outstanding performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines can deliver significantly better fuel economy than larger-displacement gasoline engines.

A package of sensors brings a new level of convenience for compact car customers by adding driver-assist technologies, including a rear view camera, available Blind Spot Information System and a lane-keeping system.

Standard on Focus for the first time, the rearview camera will appear on either a 4.2-inch screen or the 8-inch screen that comes with MyFord Touch®-equipped cars.

BLIS® uses two advanced multiple-beam radar modules, the same used with cross-traffic alert, which are packaged in both rear quarter panels. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding sideview mirror, providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching.

Should a Focus driver start to drift out of the current lane without a turn signal activated, the lane-keeping system provides a warning through a series of steering wheel vibrations that mimic a rumble strip. If the unintended lane departure is not corrected by the driver, the aid function of the system actively applies steering to help the driver direct the car back toward the center of the current lane.

These include a new shock absorber valve design providing improved interior quietness, and a change to the rear suspension to give drivers a more connected feel to the road. The electric power-assisted steering has been retuned to make the driver feel even more connected to the road.

Focus drivers will have access to powerful new capabilities thanks to a host of functions developers can integrate as they modify their apps to communicate with enhanced SYNC® AppLink™. Android and iOS smartphone users can download more than 60 AppLink-enabled apps from the Apple App Store and Android market.

The creation of this new 10th-generation Civic represents one of the most comprehensive and ambitious new-model developments ever undertaken by Honda, requiring an unprecedented commitment of R&D resources and Honda engineering prowess. 

Further, with the addition of Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies and the first application of Honda turbo engine technology to Civic, the 2016 Civic Sedan offers buyers a wider range of options than ever before. Civic models powered by the new 2.0-liter i-VTEC™ engine are designated as the Civic LX and EX trims. Civic models powered by the new turbocharged 1.5-liter engine are designated as the EX-T, EX-L (with leather-trimmed interior) and new line-topping Civic Touring, which reaches higher into the upper end of the compact car market than ever before.

Powering the 2016 Civic Sedan are two all-new engines, both designed to provide highly refined, responsive and fuel-efficient performance. Civic Sedans in LX and EX trim are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve, port-injected, inline 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC™ valvetrain producing a peak 158 hp at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm, making it the most powerful base engine ever offered in Civic. The new 2.0-liter engine is mated to a sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Design shift control, or a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission.

Civic Sedans in EX-T, EX-L and Touring trim are powered by an all-new turbocharged 1.5-liter DOHC, direct-injected and inline 4-cylinder engine with variable cam timing (VTC) and electronic waste gate, turning out 174 hp at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. The 1.5-liter turbo engine is mated to a new CVT that combines with the low-inertia turbo, VTC and electronic waste gate to optimize power delivery across the engine's full operating range.

These two ultra-efficient engines, married to the 2016 Civic's light, rigid and highly aerodynamic body, help the Civic garner anticipated class-leading EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined)1 for the 2.0-liter engine with CVT and 31/42/35 mpg1 for the 1.5-liter turbo with CVT.

The Civic utilizes advanced front, side and side curtain airbag technology, including a driver's front airbag with new spiral stitching for an improved deployment profile; SmartVent® technology for the driver and front passenger side airbags; and a new front passenger airbag with safety vent technology that can mitigate the possibility of injury from airbag deployment when the passenger is "out of position." These systems work in conjunction with the advanced body structure and optimally tuned interior components to help mitigate injuries in a collision.

Utilizing these design features and safety technologies, the 2016 Civic Sedan targets the highest available crash protection ratings – a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), with top ratings in all test modes; and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with a score of GOOD in all test modes.

The 2016 Civic Sedan is designed to provide a high level of collision performance in a wide variety of collision scenarios, including offset and oblique-angle frontal collisions, side and rear impacts. The Civic's safety performance starts with its class-leading forward visibility and precise, stable and predictable steering, handling and braking performance. Standard four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) 4 with traction control and Agile Handling Assist further enhance dynamic stability and emergency maneuvering and braking performance.