The Proton X50's seat designers could learn from the 2022 Honda Civic FE's
Jason · Aug 10, 2021 05:00 PM
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Unless you were living on another planet, you've probably read about the ASEAN launch of the 2022 Honda Civic FE in Thailand. As with full-model changes, there are a host of improvements made to the all-new model.
Today, we dive in to the improvements made in the seat department of the all-new Honda Civic. While it may sound like a trivial thing, let's not forget that a Honda Civic will see a lot of daily-driving duty in its lifespan. Hence, having well-designed seats is paramount.
The foundation of Mazda's GVC Plus is the study of human biokinematics, of how humans balance themselves while in motion.
It goes without saying that a good - and by extension, ergonomic - seating position sets the tone for good car control, in addition to reducing physical fatigue on long drives. Poor seat ergonomics will result in a very uncomfortable driving experience.
Take for example, the Proton X50, a car that we at WapCar.my rate very highly, but the front seats suffer from poor ergonomics. Don't believe us? Have a look at the picture below.
The Proton X50's seats lack thigh support
The seats are let down by short bases, which means a lack of thigh support. If you're taller or prefer the correct driving position, your knees will feel dull and your thighs will feel tired during and after long drives.
Mazda started thinking about seating position on a deeper level
While this comparison might sound odd, - what with one being a C-segment sedan, and the other a B-segment SUV - good seat design should span across any and all segments.
In this respect, it was Mazda that started paying detailed attention to human biomechanics when designing the seats in their cars. And, yes modern Mazda cars have excellent seats, both in support and ergonomics.
Prioritising ergonomics
Improved seats on the Honda Civic FE
It seems that Honda has also taken notice of the trend that Mazda started and paid more attention to the seat design in the 2022 Honda Civic FE. The main thinking behind the improved seats is to enhance lumbar and spine support, plus increase connection between the support surfaces.
In the product presentation of the all-new Honda Civic FE, you can see that the driver sits in an optimal and anatomically-correct position (in the diagram, at least), with no gaps in the thigh and overall seating area. The pelvis and spine area are also well supported.
This is how a proper driving position looks like
The Honda Civic FE's new seat design also looks to be ideal from a driving position standpoint, with the driver able to operate the steering and pedals in a very natural and comfortable manner. In this respect, the FC-generation Honda Civic was already pretty good, so we do expect the FE to better it.
Conclusion
Honda Civic FC seats pictured
As discussed, the level of technology available to carmakers these days takes the guesswork out of ergonomic seat design. And carmakers the stature of Honda are definitely on the right path giving extra thought to such an important component of the car.
While the seats on the FC-generation Honda Civic were not terrible to begin with, it's great to see that the 2022 Honda Civic FE still striving to further improve in this aspect. When it does finally arrive in Malaysia, we'll be sure to pay extra attention to the improved seats.
Jason's foremost passion is all things automotive, where he spent his formative working years as a Product Planner and Trainer. An Advanced Driving Instructor by training and an all-round enthusiast, Jason loves going into intricate details about driving dynamics. Will drive anything with 4 wheels and a steering.
