The 2012 Civic continues to be a market leader in the compact segment. Here’s what you need to know in order to sell it in today’s market, including information about...
- 2012 Civic Redesign
- 2012 Civic Advantages
- 2012 Civic Reviews and Endorsements
- 2012 Civic Sales Aids
“We recommend [the 2012 Civic] for numerous reasons including its terrific mileage, comfortable cabin, top safety scores, high resale value and a long track record of reliability. When the class is so competitive, these factors are what many car shoppers focus on.”
“Cars.com Recommends the 2012 Honda Civic,” Cars.com, 08/02/2011.
2012 Civic Redesign
The changes to the 2012 Civic were aimed to make the Honda Civic even better in key areas of consumer interest. Based on customer input and market realities, Honda focused on achieving the following goals with the 2012 Civic:
- Improving fuel economy: The compact sedan market is demanding fuel economy approaching 40 mpg on the highway. This involves reducing weight, reducing engine and drivetrain friction, reducing parasitic draws on engine power, and improving aerodynamics. We did all of these. One of the steps we took to reduce parasitic draws on the engine was the introduction of Motion-Adaptive Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS).
- Providing more rear seat legroom: This was in response to customer feedback.
- Providing additional standard features: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control can help to reduce the potential for collisions. It is required by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to be considered for “Top Safety Pick” recognition.
- Minimizing any price increase: Given the current state of the economy, we were sensitive to people’s need to get the most for their money.
We have been very successful in meeting the goals for the redesign:
- Fuel economy: Civic Sedan AT EPA fuel economy ratings increased by three (3) mpg in City, Highway, and Combined driving. Civic DX, LX, EX/EX-L are now rated at 39 mpg on the highway. Civic HF delivers 41 mpg highway. Civic Hybrid is EPA rated at 44 mpg in city, highway, and combined driving.
- Rear seat legroom/interior roominess: Rear seat legroom in the sedan has been increased by 1.6 inches. Overall passenger volume is up by 3.7 cubic feet for increased passenger comfort – especially in the rear seat.
- Standard features: Features like VSA with Traction Control and Brake Assist have been made standard across the Civic line.
- Pricing: We held the line on price. For example: we have provided all this additional value while increasing the MSRP of the 2012 Civic Sedan LX AT by only $100 over that for the 2011 Civic LX AT.
2012 Civic Advantages
Customers can be confident choosing Civic because of the numerous advantages it offers.
- Choice: There is a Civic for (almost) everyone! We offer a wide range of Civic models to meet the wants and needs of the wide range of customer types who buy Civic. Civic offers both Sedan and Coupe models, each with a choice of trim levels: the performance-oriented Si Coupe and Sedan, Civic HF for those customers who want a high-mpg car without it being a hybrid or diesel, Civic Hybrid Sedan, and Civic Natural Gas sedan. Some want a more compliant ride. We have a Civic for that. Some want a much more sporting experience. Civic Si was designed with them in mind. No competitor can match Civic’s broad model lineup.
“If the Civic were a stand-alone brand, it would be the 12th-largest automaker in the United States, ahead of full-line manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Chrysler, and Mazda, and ahead of all luxury brands.”“2012 Honda Civic: First Drive,” MSN Autos, 06/14/2011.
- Safety: Whether your customers are parents buying a first car for a child going off to college, a young couple buying a car to carry their growing family, or someone needing a fuel efficient vehicle for a daily commute, safety is an important concern. Civic provides peace of mind with...
- An extensive list of standard safety features, including Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA™) with Traction Control, Brake Assist, and even unique Honda technologies like Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure on every Civic model and trim level.
- All 2012 Civic 4-door Sedans received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick” designation.
- (The 2012 Civic has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA).
- Fun-to-Drive Character: The 2012 Civic proves that a fuel efficient compact car can be fun to drive.
- After driving the 2012 Civic for the first time, the automotive editor of BusinessWeek had this to say: “...the Civic’s small size and nimble suspension make it feel relatively sporty. The car’s appeal has always been its quickness once it’s rolling, from about 25 mph to 65 mph. In that speed range the Civic really jumps when you give it gas. The new Civic also feels tighter than the previous one, partly because its frame is 10 percent more rigid. “First Drive: 2012 Honda Civic,” BusinessWeek.com, 04/20/2011.
- In the July 2011 issue of Motor Trend magazine, “Comparison: Best Selling Compact Sedans,” the following 60-0 mph braking results were recorded for Civic EX (with rear disc brakes) and four competitive small sedans:
- 2012 Honda Civic EX: 126 feet
- 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited: 122 feet
- 2011 Toyota Corolla LE: 129 feet
- 2011 MAZDA3 Touring: 135 feet
- 2011 Kia Forte EX: 141 feet
- Of course, Civic Si models are available for more performance-oriented customers.
- Invite customers to judge for themselves during a test drive.
- Fuel Economy: Everyone is concerned about fuel economy today. The 2012 Civic Sedan AT EPA fuel economy ratings increased by three (3) mph in City, Highway, and Combined driving. Civic DX, LX, EX/EX-L are now rated at 39 mpg on the highway. (Please note that Civic Sedan doesn’t have just one trim level hitting this number but all trim levels.) Civic HF will deliver 29 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, with a combined 33 mpg, top of class for any gasoline-only Sedan. Of course, Civic Hybrid delivers 44 mpg across the board – city, highway, and combined driving.
- Affordability: Despite the many improvements to the 2012 Civic, Honda held the line on prices. For example, as noted earlier, the MSRP of the 2012 Civic Sedan LX AT increased by only $100 over that for the 2011 Civic LX AT.
2012 Honda Civic interior - Passenger Comfort: Here are just a few reviews relating to the 2012 Civic’s interior roominess and comfort:
- “The 2012 Civic sedan... is the same size as before, but roomier, which makes it feel larger than its compact designation.”
-“Subtle Civic,” San Diego Union-Tribune, 07/09/2011.
“...the Civic, redesigned to provide more room and a better interior, remains one of the most civil of choices.”
-“Civic True to Reputation,” Detroit News, 06/09/2011.
“Bumps and potholes are damped better than before, the ride feels solid, and the cabin is better isolated from road and wind noise, especially on the expressway.”
-“Fine-Tuned and Frugal,” AutoWeek, 05/16/2011.
“The rear seat is surprisingly spacious for such a small car and the thinner A pillars give the cabin an airier feel.”
-“2012 Honda Civic Test Drive,” Popular Mechanics, 04/20/2011.
- “The 2012 Civic sedan... is the same size as before, but roomier, which makes it feel larger than its compact designation.”
- Reliability: Bullet-proof reliability has long been a Civic hallmark. Numerous reviewers, including Cars.com, MSN Autos, and the Los Angeles Times have cited reliability as an anticipated strength of the 2012 Civic.
- Resale Value: Civic’s traditionally high residual/resale value makes lease payments more affordable and lowers the overall cost to own one. Cars.com notes: “Automotive Leasing Guide currently rates the 2012 Civic at 58% residual value for a three-year lease. The segment average is 49%.” “Cars.com Recommends the 2012 Honda Civic,” Cars.com, 08/02/2011.
2012 Civic Reviews and Endorsements
Here’s a sampling of what members of the automotive press are saying about the 2012 Civic. (See the October issue of Honda Frontline for more press quotes about the 2012 Civic.)
2012 Honda Civic Coupe
2012 Honda Civic Sedan
“The Civic is conservative and comforting in its simplicity. It is the benchmark in this segment and doesn’t need to be a rebel to be noticed.”
“Those who value Honda’s honest commitment to reliability, efficiency and quality will certainly continue to find themselves right at home in the new Civic. For what it is, the new car is practically flawless and better than its predecessor without any trade-offs.”
“There’s a reason almost 9 million Civics have been sold in the U.S. since the compact car was introduced in 1973, most notably its extreme sensibility. Not only is it affordable, it’s reliable. The latest generation Civic continues those themes, adding increased fuel economy and options.”
- “Subtle Civic,” San Diego Union-Tribune, 07/09/2011.
“Those who value Honda’s honest commitment to reliability, efficiency and quality will certainly continue to find themselves right at home in the new Civic. For what it is, the new car is practically flawless and better than its predecessor without any trade-offs.”
- “2012 Honda Civic: First Drive,” MSN Autos, 06/14/2011.
“There’s a reason almost 9 million Civics have been sold in the U.S. since the compact car was introduced in 1973, most notably its extreme sensibility. Not only is it affordable, it’s reliable. The latest generation Civic continues those themes, adding increased fuel economy and options.”
- “Civic Is a Model of Extreme Sensibility,” Los Angeles Times, 05/19/2011.
2012 Civic Sales Aids
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