2022 Honda Civic debuts with fabulous new interior – Roadshow [CNET]

Say ‘hello’ to the new 2022 Honda Civic sedan. The Japanese automaker initially teased this redesigned four-door late last year, and then gave us another peek at it a few weeks ago. Now, the wrapper is fully off and we can get a closer look at this reborn icon. This 11th-generation Civic promises to be safer and more comfortable than its predecessor, plus it offers new features, a much-improved cabin and even slightly better fuel economy. In short, it should be the best Civic yet.

While there are some important structural changes to report, this Honda sedan hasn’t strayed too far from the 10th-generation model that launched about five years ago. That’s great news, since the outgoing Civic was already widely considered to be among the compact segment’s leaders. With this 2022 rework, think careful update, not complete overhaul.

Outside, the Civic’s styling is cleaner and more elegant than it’s probably ever been. Yes, it still closely resembles its predecessor, but it is a whisker longer, rides on a wheelbase that’s been stretched by 1.4 inches and its rear track has been widened by half an inch. More noticeably, the bases of the A-pillars have been shifted rearward by nearly 2 inches, which elongates the hood for a more premium appearance. Viewed in profile, if you squint, the new Civic almost looks like it could be rear-wheel drive… almost. Improving outward visibility is the low, flat beltline, which transitions neatly to this Honda’s perky, Volkswagen Jetta-like rear end. Pop the trunk, and you get up to 14.8 cubic feet of storage space, which is a couple ticks shy of what the outgoing model offers.

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When it comes to tech, all 2022 Civic sedans will come with at least a partially digital instrument cluster, though range-topping Touring models feature a nifty 10.2-inch display as well as a 12-speaker Bose sound system. This trim also boasts of a 9-inch screen for the infotainment system, which, for better or worse, is similar to what you get in an Accord or Odyssey. Lesser models feature a 7-inch main display. Naturally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, and both can connect wirelessly in Touring models for added convenience.

Popping that elongated hood, two engines are on the menu for 2022. Lower-end LX and Sport models feature a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter unit that pumps out 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, exactly the same as before. Fancier EX and Touring variants feature a friendly and familiar 1.5-liter turbo-four that now delivers 180 horses and 177 pounds of twist, slightly more of each than the outgoing model provides — slightly. Thanks to a range of minor changes to these engines and the car’s chassis (things like a reworked catalytic converter design, revised intake plumbing and lower-friction wheel bearings), this new Civic sedan is more efficient. Depending on trim and drive cycle, you get up to 1 or 2 additional miles per gallon.

But now for a bit of bad news. As before, a manual gearbox is not offered in the sedan model. I’m told a three-pedal driving experience will be available in other Civics, just not here, likely because demand is basically nonexistent. Instead, both powerplants are paired with a continuously variable transmission, something that also undoubtedly helps with fuel economy.

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