The FC-generation Honda Civic was a runaway success as a product, so much so that its successor, the Civic FE, will have big shoes to fill when it inevitably arrives in Malaysia. But as with every new model, one question remains.

How has it evolved from its predecessor, the FC-generation, which remained a strong seller in Malaysia even towards the end of its model cycle?

A Japanese publication sat down with the Honda Civic FE's Large Project Leader, Yosuke Sato, the man in charge of development of this model. Who better to share about the improvements made in the FE-generation Honda Civic?

Below are some excerpts from the interview. 

Also read: Initially slated for Malaysia launch in Q3 2021, all-new Honda Civic FE is delayed

Q: You explained earlier that the FC-generation was purchased not only by people in their forties and fifties who valued driving performance, but also by people in their twenties who valued the exterior design. Is that because you want to attract a wider range of customers?

Sato: The previous generation Civic (FC) presented emotional values in an easy-to-understand way, but we've changed the way we present them in the new model by lowering the grille and connecting the headlights. 

In particular, the younger generation of people are looking for the essence of the product, and in a way they don't want to be flamboyant. For example, they don't want a Rolex or Omega watch, but a European Skagen. They are looking for a way to express their own personality, so we have developed our products with the aim of creating a design that conveys emotion and texture.

Q: Apart from design, what are some of the major trends you've noticed in users' opinions of the previous-generation Civic?

Sato: In terms of driving, the engine noise at the start, the rumble around 1,500 - 2,000 rpm, and the 'rubber band' feel of the CVT. For this reason, the new model has a step-shift CVT for more linear acceleration, and the engine's acceleration force is more apparent.

Q: The previous generation was very good in terms of driving, but it had a lot of road noise. Did you focus on improving this in the new model?

Sato: Road noise was also raised as a concern by customers, so we've taken steps to improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Q: The previous generation (FC) was very good in terms of ride comfort and handling, but the new model seems to have evolved even further.

Sato: We've increased the compliance of the rear bushes, for example, and we've also improved the rear damper rates.

Also read: 2022 Honda Civic FE Review: The Americans are calling it a baby Accord

Q: That's right. To be honest, we were worried that the new model would spoil the previous generation's high level of driving perfection.

Sato: I think you'll notice the steering characteristics as soon as you take hold of it. Even if you don't increase the speed, you can trace the line you want to follow from the moment you steer, I think you'll feel a big difference from the previous generation.

Q: Have the brakes been changed from the previous generation?

Sato: The current model (FC) has received high praise for its brakes, so we haven't made any major changes. However, we have made some tuning adjustments to improve the consistency and response of low-force and high-force braking.

Q: In terms of the rear seats, the current model has a lot of legroom but not enough headroom, and the new model doesn't seem to have changed much. Have there been any particular complaints from customers about this?

Sato: We haven't had any complaints about headroom from customers globally, but the shoulder line of the side windows has been lowered slightly and the quarter glass position has been revised, so I think the sense of airiness has been improved over the previous generation.

Also read: All-new 2022 Honda Civic begins USA sales; Corolla rival starts from RM 90k

Q: Would you say that the most significant change in the new model (FE) is the improved interior quality?

Sato: Yes, it is. For example, we now use perforated metal, the centre console is made from undiluted coloured fibres, but it has a painted sheen, and some of the parts are milled, as reflected in the surface quality.

Q: Is it correct to assume that the Civic FE's platform is an improved version of the previous generation?

Sato: The current model's platform was very well received, so yes we've made improvements throughout. The same goes for the body.

Q: We are looking forward to the new Civic FE indeed. Thank you!