Choosing a new version of this past staple couldn’t be easier now.

ONCE so crucial to New Zealand the distribution agency wangled permission for ours to be the first country outside Japan to assemble it – but now, it seems, set to enjoy a quieter life.

 In releasing detail today about the latest generation of new Civic, Honda New Zealand describing the model as being “a critical part” of the brand’s DNA here might seem a great example of ‘actions speaking louder than words’ irony.

 The local operation has determined a barest possible presence: Just one derivative, a front-drive five-door hatch, with a 131kW/240Nm 1.5-litre petrol and constantly variable transmission, in $47,000 (plus $800 on roads) trim.

 Local Honda comment about the car has restricted to imparting technical detail that, in large part, is a repeat of information shared recently by the marque’s distributor in Australia, where choice is broader. (see https://www.motoringnz.com/news/2021/11/29/is-this-nzs-next-civic-hatch).

 There has been no comment about what the marketing strategy, volume hopes or why it feels just a single derivative will do the job.

 That’s not to say more might not be forthcoming in time; our neighbour’s range will be enhanced in late 2022 by an 'e:HEV' hybrid model and gthe replacement for the high-performance Type R that has represented here with success is expected some time in 2023.

 The new hatch is larger than the old, with increased length, wheel track, and wheelbase, Also, the front pillars have been shifted rearward by 50mm, joining a lower roofline, window line and a sleeker bonnet for a sportier look. The engine is an update of the previous car’s; outputs are for 91 octane petrol. The transmission includes a sport mode.

 Standard equipment has increased, however, with Honda calling the gen 11 the “most technologically advanced Civic Hatch ever.” It says this model delivers the most advanced and comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies ever offered in New Zealand.

 The latest system uses a new single-camera system which, Honda says, provides a longer, wider field of view than the previous radar-and-camera based system. “Combined with software advances and a new, more powerful processor, the system is capable of more quickly and accurately hazards, along with road lines and road signs.” 

 The specification includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, electric and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and LED headlights and tail-lights.

Standard active safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring (replacing a LaneWatch camera system), rear cross-traffic alert, a traffic jam assist and driver attention alert.