Honda Civic; Review

 

You can ask almost anyone to talk about Honda's Civic and they will relate a story about a memorable ownership experience, or they know of someone who has had a reliable and rewarding run with their variant.

And that is what Honda have created with the Civic, it has always been an efficient model that has served well the interests of the small-to-medium car buyer. Interestingly, most people relate to the Civic in hatchback form, the three and five-door models selling well in our market.

Some of Honda's ideology has shifted, they have just launched the eight-generation Civic and it has been released downunder as a sedan only. True, there is hatchback destined for Europe, but we aren't getting it.

In fact, the Civic range has been downsized, there are effectively only three mainstream sedan models, one with a 1.8-litre engine, the other with a 2-litre engine, while Sport variants on each add few extra specification goodies which give it a luxury/sporty slant.

Honda New Zealand are also marketing the extensively re-engineered Hybrid version and that will be the subject of a review in these columns soon.

What the Civic range lacks in quantity it surely makes up for in quality. It is beautifully built and the shape crafted to create visual appeal. As you would expect, the Civic has grown, at 4.5m long it almost sits in the medium-size car category, consequently, there is a lot of on board space which exudes warmth and comfort.

The test car was the entry level automatic gearbox model which sits in the market at $28,000, the manual 1.8-litre model is priced at $26,000. The 2-litre variant adds around $4000 in each case, the Hybrid listing at $33,800.

Bear in mind these prices list with Honda's one price for all policy, there is no discount, what you see is what you pay.

Even in 1.8-litre form the Civic is well specified. It gets climate control, central locking with remote (alarm and immobiliser), tilt and reach-adjustable steering column, variable intermittent wipers, cruise control, single-CD audio with steering wheel-mounted controls, and a host of minor fitment which makes the car feel complete.

Honda have a high profile safety agenda with all Civic models getting no fewer than six air bags, five overshoulder seat belts and ABS linked to a vehicle stability assist (VSA) programme for automatic gearbox models.

There's no doubt the sleek exterior shape of the Civic will be quick to find favour and, as soon as the interior is sighted, most buyers would have to agree that Honda have produced some design brilliance, it is almost ergonomically perfect.

Some might argue that the digital gauges are way too modern, but I think they gel well and some of the clever trim techniques must be a source of envy amidst other car makers. What's more, the trim plastics and fabrics are high quality, cost-cutting during manufacture hasn't been an issue.

Under the bonnet lies a new generation single-camshaft, 16-valve i-VTEC engine of 1799cc. It produces 103kW (6300rpm) and 174Nm at 4300rpm. Honda like to have their engine outputs produced high in the rev band, and this engine is no exception, bar for the fitment of a clever valve opening system which keeps the engine burning lean when it's not under load.

The test car was the five-speed automatic gearbox model and the interaction between it and the engine is well managed. The ratios are well defined so that the engine doesn't labour, and with its free revving nature the Civic feels quite flighty when the accelerator is given a bit of a nudge. Against the clock it will make 0-100kmh in 10.1sec while a 120kmh from 80kmh time of 7sec means it will easily scamper through an overtaking manoeuvre.

Honda's five-speed automatic has a manual sequential function through steering wheel-mounted paddles which means gearshifts can be initiated without the driver's hands leaving the steering wheel. It's not a function I used often, the automatic is so good working to its own protocols that I left it in standard drive mode mostly.

In that form, shifts are ushered in smoothly and quickly, the entire drive train process is refined.

Civic drivers will always relate to the economy they have received from the previous generation models, and the newcomer shouldn't disappoint. Sadly, there isn't a fuel usage computer in the entry-level model, but Honda New Zealand say they have recorded up to 5.2-litres usage per 100km (52mpg) in a real world-based economy test.

That figure is helped by the low operating speed on the open road, the engine turning over at just 1900rpm at 100kmh.

The new Civic sits a little awkwardly on the road, its softly sprung struts and double wishbones jiggle a little over bumps and ruts, the in-cabin ride is well cushioned but the suspension does work hard. Nevertheless, the steering feels firm and it has competent handling manners.

At higher speeds the model glides without wind noise but the tyres are a little rowdy. Well, put it this way, wheel arch sound proofing isn't as good as it could be.

The rubber is a nice riding Bridgestone Turanza compound and measure 205/55 x 16in. They perform well when placed into a quick corner, offering positive turn-in and relentless grip thereafter. Force through the front driving wheels would ordinarily induce understeer, but the traction and stability control system negates that.

As with previous generation models, the Civic will tackle all roles with the kind of sophistication we have come to expect from Honda. It is a well engineered model and I'm looking forward to spending more time in it as more variants come on stream and come my way.