MOTOR RIVALS

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. 

Virtually everything about the 2016 Civic Sedan is new – an all-new vehicle architecture, sporty and sophisticated new interior and exterior styling, a more spacious and high-quality cabin, two advanced new engines, and a host of new premium features and technologies.

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.

Powertrain

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.

Both engines feature a wide array of friction-reduction design and engineering features that support both high performance and high fuel efficiency. 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.

Chassis

• Ultra-rigid body with 59-percent application of high-strength steel and 14-percent application of ultra-high-strength steel (up from 55 percent and 1 percent, respectively, in the previous model) – the most extensive use of high-tensile steel ever in a Civic
  
• 68-pound reduction in unibody weight versus the previous Civic Sedan, despite its larger size and greater stiffness
  
• ACE™ body structure with new crash stroke design (Honda and Civic first) for improved collision performance in a sportier, more compact front frame design
  
• Ultra-high-strength steel B-pillars and rear frame rails with selectively-tempered "soft zones" for reduced weight and enhanced collision performance (Civic first)
  
• Ultra-rigid 590-mpa high-strength-steel floor for enhanced collision performance and improved ride quality (Civic first)
• New multi-link independent rear suspension
  
• Hydraulic compliance bushings for premium levels of ride quality and road vibration isolation (Civic first)
  
• Larger stabilizer bars with bonded bushings for more refined body control (Civic first)
  
• Rigid aluminum rear damper brackets for improved ride quality (Civic first)
  
• Agile Handling Assist brake torque vectoring for cornering precision and stability (Civic first)
  
• Dual-pinion electric power steering with variable gear ratio for improved steering feel and maneuverability (Civic first)

Safety

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.p> 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.

Technology

• Remote Engine start
• Electronic parking brake
  
• Walk Away Door Locking
  
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
  
• Rain-sensing wipers
  
• Display Audio with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto
  
• Raising intuitive operation and digital connectivity to the next level, the 2016 Civic Sedan in EX and above trims incorporates a new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen that serves as the nerve center for control of audio, HVAC and other functions. The new Display Audio is integrated with new Apple CarPlay®3 and Android Auto2 platforms, providing seamless integration of smartphone features and functions, including app-based navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities, and access to a host of Apple- or Google-approved smartphone apps.

Highly-anticipated and much-speculated, the Mazda3 is all-new, representing the third generation of Mazda’s best-selling vehicle worldwide. With more than 3.5 million vehicles sold, Mazda3 is the brand’s most recognizable nameplate, one that carries as much ardor as it does expectations. As the first vehicle in North America to launch SKYACTIV®[1] TECHNOLOGY, Mazda’s breakthrough engineering and manufacturing philosophy, the 2012 Mazda3 achieved the new segment-defining number of 40 miles per gallon (mpg) with nary a vehicle evolution but a definitive engineering revolution. SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY presented impressive numbers on paper with its high fuel economy to fun-factor performance ratio being 1:1, and met or bettered those figures in real-world experience. For 2014, Mazda3 not only receives the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies but a complete KODO “Soul of Motion” makeover as well as offers all-new active safety technologies with i-ACTIVSENSE and introduces an all-new “heads-up” HMI/infotainment system known as MAZDA CONNECT™.

On sale now, the Mazda3 is 100-percent removed from its non-SKYACTIV predecessors. Shedding pounds, gaining efficiency and outfitted in a new wardrobe of KODO sheet metal, Mazda3 is poised to challenge its competitive-natured compact car colleagues. Available in four-door and five-door forms, Mazda3 is offered in four trim levels – SV (sedan only), Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Pricing starts at less than $17,000[2] MSRP for sedans and less than $19,000 MSRP for five-door configurations.

Technology

All new for Mazda vehicles and being launched with the Mazda3 is a new HMI (Human Machine Interface) approach and MAZDA CONNECT, a next-generation infotainment system. Based on the heads-up cockpit concept, the new HMI system aims to help drivers maintain proper posture, concentrate on the road and drive more safely, even while handling larger amounts of data. The information used is divided into groups, and an innovative screen layout is employed to let the driver safely balance their primary job of driving while obtaining other peripheral information. MAZDA CONNECT was developed to be a less distracting and more intuitive in-vehicle operating system, its purpose to increase overall safety as well as create a more pleasurable driving experience.

MAZDA CONNECT connects via Bluetooth® to a smartphone and can easily be updated to ensure users always have access to the latest features and services without the need to swap out hardware. In addition to the current music access channels via standard AM/FM radio, CD and USB/auxiliary port connections, Pandora® internet radio and premium content such as Sirius® Satellite Radio and HD Radio™ Technology, new features such as internet-based apps Aha by HARMAN™ and Stitcher™ will be available. An optional Bose® premium audio system with Centerpoint® 2 virtual surround sound playback will bring the harmonies and vocals to life for even the most discerning of audiophiles.

Powertrain

For the North American market, the Mazda3 will be offered with two engine choices: a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine. Both advanced direct injection engines feature a new high-tumble 4-2-1 exhaust system that increases engine output.

The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. As compared to the outgoing MZR 2.5-liter engine, the torque output on the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine at low- to mid-range speeds is increased by 10 to 15 percent, and its weight is reduced by 10 percent. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter produces a peak of 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm, both figures are increases of more than 10 percent over the MZR engine.

The Mazda3 will be available with a choice of transmissions with the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic. SKYACTIV-MT offers the short, crisp shift pattern reminiscent of the MX-5 Miata. SKYACTIV-Drive achieves a direct shift feel and quick gear changes that contribute to quick acceleration while maximizing the best features of a direct-shift gearbox and a conventional torque-converter system.

Chassis

Straight line stability, tire grip and ride comfort have been greatly improved by tuning the suspension system’s springs, dampers and stabilizers. Mazda’s new mechatronic column-type electric power assist steering system is compact and lightweight, with a gearing ratio of 14.0:1. The brake response also was improved to be even more responsive, allowing for excellent vehicle control and feel as well as a braking distance amongst the best in the segment. Such improvements also reduce rolling resistance, all benefiting fuel economy.

A new lightweight material that exhibits a high level of noise absorption is introduced on the dash insulator and floor mats, and insulating material also is positioned for maximum effectiveness behind the instrument panel. These measures achieve a level of cabin quietness that is highly competitive within the compact car class, and on par in class-above segments. Although variable from market to market, the expanded use of high tensile-strength steel and the complete reevaluation of more than 300 separate components has led to significant weight savings. In the U.S. market, the savings is approximately 100 lbs., depending on trim level.  

Safety

The Mazda3 introduces several all-new safety systems under the umbrella known as i-ACTIVSENSE. These technologies use sensing devices such as milliwave radars and cameras to support the driver in recognizing hazards, avoiding collisions and minimizing damage, should accidents occur. While these systems will not eliminate accidents, their intent is to minimize them and reduce the severity of a crash.

The SKYACTIV-Body efficiently absorbs impact energy from any direction and minimizes the chance of the cabin structure being compromised. Other standard safety features for the Mazda3 include six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain), whiplash-reducing front headrests, headrests for all seating positions, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc solid brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist, a collapsible steering column (following air bag deployment), a trunk entrapment release system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in the rear seats.

i Touring and above models feature a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as standard equipment. A rearview camera is an available option on i Touring models and is standard on i Grand Touring as well as s Touring and Grand Touring models. The Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and rain sensing wipers are standard on the s Grand Touring. High Beam Control (HBC), a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) are available as part of the Grand Touring Technology Package for the s Grand Touring models.