The 11th Generation is Coming – Should We Look Back and Learn?

Honda Magazine – Japanese Car Enthusiasts Magazine – 2021-05-29 16:25:01


🌟 Hello, my friend...
Welcome to a hidden gem—OLD FISHER DISCOUNT, your one-stop online shop with 9,999+ unique finds waiting for you. 🎉
🛒 Explore a World of Discoveries
Dive into our collection and uncover special treasures that will delight and inspire.
🔗 Start Your Journey Here: www.fisherdiscount.com
Come and see why we’re more than just a shop; we’re a place of endless possibilities! ✨


Civic, whether known for good or bad press, is undeniably a household name.

That said, do people really know the Civic, or merely recognize it? I believe most fall into the latter. Even if some say they know it well, in my opinion, many only understand it superficially.

For Chinese car fans, especially those born in the 80s and 90s, our knowledge of Civic often starts from the 8th generation.

First Generation Honda Civic
📷 This is the two-door version of the first-generation Civic. Production started in 1972, and the earliest models were equipped with an EB1 carburetor engine.

📷 The chassis codes for this generation of Civic included SB1, SG, SH, SE, and VB. There were multiple codes because various body styles were available, including the two-door version shown in the picture.

📷 Although the engine of the first-generation Civic was not particularly impressive, the suspension was well-designed. It already featured four-wheel independent suspension, though it still used MacPherson struts instead of double wishbones.

The 8th-generation Civic was the first to be mass-produced in China. It emerged at a time when those born in the 80s had the financial means to purchase cars. Considering its practicality, affordability, and the performance credibility of the Type R, it became an attractive option for a broad audience.

📷 This is the three-door version of the first-generation Civic. You can tell from the grille that it features an engine with Honda’s CVCC system. Speaking of which, this generation had four CVCC-equipped engines: the 1.2L EE series, the 1.4L EJ series, and the 1.5L ED series.

Beyond the 8th generation, the Civic has remained an incredibly appealing car. From the first generation to the upcoming 11th generation, it has continued to attract a loyal fan base. The Civic has been a cornerstone of Honda’s lineup.

Some misinformed media outlets, whether due to ignorance or for the sake of hype, reported that the Civic lineup was ending when they saw news about the discontinuation of the FC1 model in Japan. Reading such reports, I couldn’t help but feel both amused and frustrated.

Since the 11th-generation Civic is about to be released, true fans should take a trip down memory lane and gain a deeper understanding of its history. After all, if you're going to talk about the Civic, you should at least have some knowledge to back it up.

📷 This three-door version of the Civic is a true hatchback. Unlike the two-door and four-door versions, its rear design is distinctly different.

The Origins of the Honda Civic
The first-generation Honda Civic debuted in 1972, designed with the assistance of Honda’s fourth president, Nobuhiko Kawamoto. It was built on a brand-new platform as a successor to the Honda N600.

📷 This is the four-door version of the Civic. Notably, this car is not a traditional hatchback.

📷 Its rear window is integrated with the body, while the panel below the window can be opened as the trunk lid.

As a successor to the N600, the Civic was also a two-box design, offering two-door, four-door, three-door, and five-door variants. Among these, the two-door and four-door versions were particularly distinctive. Unlike traditional hatchbacks, their rear windows were fixed, and only the panel below could be opened for trunk access. Meanwhile, the three-door and five-door versions were true hatchbacks. To compensate for reduced trunk space due to the hatchback design, Honda incorporated foldable rear seats to enhance cargo capacity.

📷 In October 1974, Honda introduced the Civic’s first sporty model, the Civic 1200 RS. The "RS" stood for "Road Sailing," not "Racing Sport."

📷 This car was equipped with an upgraded EB1 engine featuring twin Keihin CV carburetors, modified intake manifolds, a higher camshaft profile, higher compression pistons, and a redesigned exhaust manifold. After these upgrades, the EB1 engine produced 76 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 101 Nm of torque.

Civic’s Rise in Popularity
In the same year that it was introduced, the first-generation Civic was exported to countries like the UK and the US. Initially, it wasn't a huge success. However, following the 1973 oil crisis, consumers in Japan, the UK, and the US began seeking economical cars.

The Civic, being affordable yet well-equipped, quickly became a popular choice, leading to a rapid increase in sales.

📷 In 1974, Honda increased the engine displacement by introducing the EB2 engine with 1237cc and 52 horsepower. Though not particularly powerful, the Civic weighed only 680 kg, making it lightweight and efficient.

In 1975, Honda introduced another engine option—a 1488cc engine equipped with Honda's newly developed CVCC system. This not only improved fuel economy but also enhanced power output.

📷 Aside from the upgraded engine, Honda also reinforced the suspension with stiffer springs and improved shock absorbers, giving the Civic better handling. During its 12-month production cycle, approximately 20,000 units of this model were produced.

📷 In October 1975, to meet new emission regulations, the Civic 1200 RS was replaced by the Civic 1500 RSL.

📷 This model was equipped with a 12-valve ED-series engine. Though not as powerful as the 1200 RS, it still produced 75 horsepower and 109 Nm of torque, which was 2 horsepower and 3 Nm higher than the standard ED-series Civic.

Conclusion
From 1972 to 1979, the first-generation Civic remained in production before being replaced by the second-generation model. It was Honda’s first truly successful overseas model, setting the stage for decades of success.

Stay tuned for our next installment, where we dive into the history of the second-generation Civic!

Survey for Car Enthusiasts
After purchasing a vehicle, aftermarket car accessories are often the most frequently used products. We invite all car lovers to take a short survey to help us gather insights on consumer preferences.



Your feedback could help shape future car accessory trends! Thank you for your support! 🚗🔧