Honda has introduced the ninth-generation Civic four-door to the local market. Does the newcomer represent a leap forward or are we looking at more of the same?
Looks
In terms of the new four-door’s styling, we’re talking more of a gentle evolution than a radical restyle. The profile is still fairly dynamic, aided by a steeply raked windshield and a moderate upward kick at the tail. The frontal aspect draws cues from some of the company’s more contemporary offerings (think Ballade and Insight) with a more angular nose punctuated by a louvered grill flanked by upswept headlamps. The Executive-spec model rolls on a set of 16-inch alloys and is distinguished by chrome finishes on the door handles and front foglamps – it looks suitably upmarket, but not especially eye-catching. The new Civic bucks the recent trend of vehicles growing larger in each passing generation and is more compact than its predecessor – an upshot of which becomes apparent when you climb inside.
Inside
Although the new car is 15 mm shorter overall, the same width and 30 mm shorter in its wheelbase than the outgoing car, the engineers at Honda have managed to free up an additional 75 mm of shoulder room, 40 mm of extra legroom in the front and another 10 mm of legroom for those in the rear. It may not sound like much, but it does translate into a spacious and airy feeling cabin. The boot also grows from 304 dm3 to a respectable 440 dm3. The previous car came in for some criticism regarding its quirky facia treatment, and while the new car retains the tiered display first showcased in the previous model it has been revised to be easier on the eye. The rev counter still sits just above the small steering wheel with a large digital speedo and primary information display conveniently falling just below the driver’s standard line of sight. To the left of the speedo sits a colour multi-information display through which the car’s media and secondary information can be displayed – it can even display user-downloaded wallpapers and album sleeves when an iPod is hooked up to the sound system. The ancillary controls are logically laid out and clearly labelled, but the perceived quality of some of the cabin plastics is not class-leading although the general fit and finish is good. Thankfully, the seats are supportive and easily adjustable, and sound insulation is good.
On the road
As a brand, Honda is endeavouring to inject a bit more fun into its cars and the new Civic has consequently received a number of upgrades to certain dynamic elements. The electric power steering now features a motion-adaptive assistance module that varies the amount to assistance given under certain driving scenarios by working with the stability control module to counter oversteer by applying guiding torque to the steering mechanism. The suspension setup (MacPherson front, multi-link rear) has also been upgraded to offer improved damping whilst reining in body-roll. The ride is supple and the handling, although pretty nimble for what it is, is not quite as involving as the likes of the Ford Focus. It does, however, strike a neat balance between comfort and a bit of fun – good enough to make everyday use a pleasure. The 1,8-litre i-VTEC powerplant has undergone subtle changes to eke out better fuel economy but is otherwise very similar to the current car’s unit. It’s quite a gruff-sounding engine that, in typical VTEC fashion, needs to be worked to get the best out of it. Thankfully, the five-speed manual gearbox has a pleasant shift action and the clutch is easily modulated, but the tall gearing makes itself apparent in the car’s generally leisurely progress on the open road – possibly an upshot of it’s fuel-saving proviso. All models in the new Civic line-up feature a modified version of the ECO module that provides the driver with visual cues to aid more fuel-efficient driving.
Range and kit
The new Civic range comprises eight models spanning two choices of engine and three specification levels.
1,6 Comfort MT R209 099
1,6 Comfort AT R221 900
1,8 Comfort MT R229 900
1,8 Comfort AT R241 900
1,8 Elegance MT R259 900
1,8 Elegance AT R271 900
1,8 Executive MT R269 900
1,8 Executive MT R282 900
In Comfort guise, the 1,6 litre model features include 15-inch alloy wheels, electric mirrors and windows all round, MP3-compatible CD audio system and manual air-conditioning. The 1,8-litre Comfort adds heated side mirrors and curtain airbags. Elegance spec brings in 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and seats, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod and USB slots, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control with speed limiter, and climate control. Executive spec adds electric folding mirrors, paddle-shift controls for the automatic version, stability control, a tyre deflation warning system, auto headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
Overall
Those expecting to be bowled over by the new Civic may be somewhat disappointed by what Honda has done here. Basically, the firm has taken a capable car and subtly improved upon certain traits. It’s by no means a bad car – it’s spacious, comfy, fairly light on fuel, a touch more involving to drive than before and should prove mechanically bomb-proof – it just doesn’t represent a vast leap forward and in a market where exceptional progress is the expected norm, the new Civic four-door could have its work cut out.
Specifications
Model: Honda Civic 1,8 i-VTEC Executive 4-door
Engine: 1,8-litre, four-cylinder petrol
Power: 104 kW at 6 500 r/min
Torque: 174 N.m at 4 300 r/min
0-100 km/h (claimed): 9,1 seconds
Fuel consumption: 6,7 l/100 km
CO2: 160 g/km
Top speed (claimed): 200 km/h
Price: R269 900
Service plan: 5 year/90 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km
