The lower section, below the spoiler, has a water-repellent hydrophilic coating - no need for a wiper!

Easy access to and exit from the interior and good general usability are essential in a C-segment car which is likely to be used for a wide range of purposes, but in particular load carrying and ferrying children. Honda has therefore provided doors with three stage opening to assist in a variety of situations. Thus, when parked close to an obstacle, the first step at 35 degrees gives a 470mm opening; the second step at 52 degrees (660mm) allows easy access for children; where extra space is needed (as in the case of people with limited mobility or when it is necessary to lift a child in or out), then the door will fully open to a class-leading 80 degrees (920mm).

A new electrically-assisted tailgate release offers better operation, eliminates a release handle and enhances vehicle security since there is no cable.

Extensive use has been made of computer simulation for more efficient development of the body. As well as lessening development time, these techniques have allowed the engineers to minimise weight and determine the optimum materials while improving the overall design.

One of the benefits to emerge from this process is a significant improvement in body rigidity. Both bending and torsional rigidity are increased significantly over that of the previous Civic, delivering improved impact resistance, reduced interior noise, as well as enhanced handling and ride since the suspension mounting points always remain in correct alignment.

Also, the new Honda ACE body structure has been adapted for the new Civic. It enhances frontal collision energy management. Further details regarding ACE can be found in the chapter, 'Safety'.

The new Honda Civic also aims for best in class NVH characteristics that achieve overall refinement without totally eliminating 'sportiness' to the engine note. A refined door mirror profile has minimised wind noise, while the new flat blade wipers are a key element in arriving at the lowest windscreen noise in the Honda range. Further contributions come from the use of lightweight and noise-absorbing materials and rounder, more 'slippery' A, B and C pillars.

NVH has also been significantly reduced by adopting a torque-rod type engine mounting and a front sub-frame. Other noise suppression measures include a lightweight anti-noise body structure that integrates a foam agent in the lower sections, an anti-noise undercoat, an absorptive roof lining and dashboard insulating material. The results are astonishing values for road noise (70.5 dBA at 50mph cruising in sixth gear, all engines) and interior noise during acceleration (65 dBA at 4,500rpm in third gear, with the 1.8 i-VTEC engine).



INTERIOR DESIGN

"By combining 'Honda logic' and 'Honda magic' - or technology - we were able to come up with a revolutionary interior packaging that maximises practicality and utility of the car to a totally new plateau"
Yoshiyuki Matsumoto

Just as the Civic's external styling has taken a radical departure, Honda's interior engineers were briefed to rethink the Civic interior from scratch. It had to be exciting but loaded with easy-to-operate, functional benefits. Tip-up, dive-down rear seats are unique, and the driver-oriented, rounded instrument panel is both attractive and practical. Fundamental to achieving a comfortable, spacious environment was the unique centre tank layout which permits a low and flat rear floor to the benefit of both passengers and load carrying capacity.

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