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#MotoringMonday: Ten generations of the evolution of the Honda Civic (WATCH)

Weather you yourself has owned one or just know of someone who has, we can all agree that when it comes to looks as well as performance, the Civic dominates the tar mat.

April 30, 2018

Zianne Leibrandt 4 minutes read

The Honda Civic is arguably one of the most popular vehicles of all time.

When it comes to looks as well as performance, the Civic dominates the tarmac.

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We take a look back at the evolution of the Honda Civic and how it has changed over its 10 generations of existence:

First Generation – 1972 to 1979:

The first generation of Honda Civic was introduced in Japan on July 11, 1972.

It was equipped with a 1.169 cc, four cylinder water cooled engine and featured front power disc brakes, reclining vinyl bucket seats, simulated wood trim dashboards, as well as optional air-conditioning and a AM/FM radio.

The Civic was available in a three-door coupe as well as a five-door station wagon.

However, due to the 1973 oil crisis and demand for fuel efficiency in vehicles , the Honda Civic soon introduced the CVCC engine, which allowed drivers more efficient combustion, and made the vehicle able to utilise both leaded and unleaded fuel.

Second generation – 1979 to 1987:

The second generation of Honda Civic was introduced in June 1979 as a 1980 model.

The vehicle was larger and sported a more angular shape, and also came with more increased engine power.

Due to the CVCC engine design, a third valve cylinder was added, which introduced the lean burn swirl technology.

The vehicle was now available in either a 1 300 or 1 500 with three transmissions being offered; a four speed manual, a five speed manual and a two speed semi-automatic.

The second generation was also available as a three-door hatchback, a four-door sedan and a five-door wagon.

Third generation – 1983 to 1987:

The third generation of the Civic was introduced in September of 1983 as a 1984 model.

Known for its compact dimensions and light weight, the third generation saw the introduction of the long running four cylinder D series engine, including a brand new 1.5L CVCC engine.

However, the five-door hatchback and the wagon were merged into a four-door ‘shuttle wagon’ which soon became referred to as the ‘Breadbox’.

The third series also saw the introduction of the famous Honda Ballade.

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Fourth generation – 1987 to 1991:

The fourth generation of the Civic was introduced to the world in September 1987, with increased dimensions and a lower hood line.

All models at the time featured electronic fuel injection, and civic enthusiasts were introduced to the fully independent rear suspension.

All models at the time came with 1 500 and 1 600 engines.

The interior had also undergone some upgrades as well a chrome tipped exhaust.

Fifth Generation – 1992 to 1995:

The completely redesigned fifth generation was introduced in September 1991, and featured increased dimensions as well as more aerodynamic styling.

However, MBSA (Mercedez Benz South Africa) built the Civic as a Ballade only in four wheel drive.

A brand new body style was also introduced as the Civic Coupe.

The fifth generation Civic still remains quite popular in the racing world to this day.

Sixth generation – 1996 to 2001:

The sixth generation of the Civic was introduced in September 1995 as a 1996 model.

It featured updated styling but was considered less radical than previous redesigns.

Suspension and engine options were available along with the first ever Gas Powered Civic GX model.

All base models were manufactured with 1.6 litre engines. However, a 1.8 litre engine was available.

Seventh generation – 2001 to 2005:

The seventh generation of Civic was introduced to the world in September 2000.

Interior space was improved by using a flat rear floor, making civic a compact car size segment.

The front suspension was changed from a double wishbone a MacPherson Strut in order to lower costs, and to allow more engine bay room for the then newly introduced Honda K-series engine.

The vehicle was available in a three and five door hatch back, and the world got to witness the redesigned Honda Civic Type R, which used a more powerful V-Tec motor and an upgraded body style.

During this generation, Honda also introduced its very first Civic Hybrid, which sported a 1.3 litre engine.

Eighth generation – 2005 to 2011:

The eighth generation of the Civic was introduced in September 2005, where Honda split the model into only two different platforms; the sedan and coupe and then the hatchback.

The hatchback now sported a simpler rear suspension and a more aggressive body style.

The end of the model range unfortunately also saw the end of the Honda Civic Type R, with no successor model until the tenth generation in 2017.

Ninth generation – 2011 to 2016:

The ninth generation of the Civic was introduced in December 2010 as a 2011 model.

All models now came with ABS (Anti-lock brakes), VSA (Vehicle stability Assistance) and EBD (Electronic brake distribution).

Further improvements also included a multi link rear suspension.

It was described as energetic, sleek and aerodynamic, but unfortunately, the ninth generation model of the Civic soon became a disaster.

Automotive press gave the model less than average ratings for the poor quality of interior design as well as performance.

Although Honda attempted to redesign the models, market decline still prevailed.

Tenth generation – 2016 to present:

Introduced in September 2015 as a 2016 model, the Honda Civic tenth generation has most definitely swept consumers off their feet.

Sporting a brand new design, the civic features a fastback exterior design with a rear C-pillar flowing into the tailgate.

The front now sports a chrome wing design which extends right across the top of the headlamps.

The tenth generation also features brand new interior design as well as an all digital 7-inch LCD screen driver information interface, positioned behind the steering wheel.

The newest generation comes in a array of of variants, consisting of a sedan, coupe, five door hatchback, Si trims and brand new Type R models.

So there you have it.

Whichever model generation tickles your fantasy, the Honda Civic has been a successful and trusted brand name since the start.

(WATCH)/// The Evolution of the Honda Civic