2012 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe Debut With 39-MPG Rating
Despite being known for its engine building prowess, Honda‘s new 2012 Civic does not live up to rivals in delivering the new 40-mpg benchmark number, set by cars like the 2011 Hyundai Elantra. In fact, Honda falls one short, with a 39-mpg highway rating.
Powered by a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, the new Civic may, however, have one surprise left, with Honda not yet disclosing city fuel economy. With the 1.8-liter a smaller powerplant than those used by rivals, the average fuel economy number may still come out on top.
What is amazing, is that Honda is able to achieve a number so close without the use of turbocharging, direct-injection or even a 6-speed transmission. Yup, the 2012 Honda Civic still relies on a 5-speed box.
Those looking for improved fuel economy can opt for a special HF model that makes use of special aerodynamic pieces, as well as Honda’s ECO Assist technology that coaches drivers on how to get maximum fuel economy to help deliver 41-mpg highway.
Maximum Honda fuel economy is available with a new Civic Hybrid that gets a 4-mpg bump to achieve a 45-mpg combined rating, while those with a penchant for performance can turn to the Civic Si with a larger 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 200-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque.
GALLERY: 2012 Honda Civic
Get more news and info on the 9th generation Honda Civic at 9thGenCivic.com
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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One mpg gallon less than the first 1973 Honda Civic. Wow. That's progress. They aren't even trying anymore.