Honda South Africa has introduced a new 1,5-litre Civic sedan that gives its owner maximum “living space”, while having a “smart compact” look.
Honda South Africa has introduced a new 1,5-litre Civic sedan that gives its owner maximum “living space”, while having a “smart compact” look.
The new vehicle is 40 mm taller as the rear overhang has been increased and the nose is 55 mm shorter. This creates maximum “living space” for the owner and results in a 40-litre increase in luggage space. It is also comprehensively equipped and offers all the features of the flagship models at an even more affordable price.
The 1,5-litre model is powered by a water-cooled, four-stroke single overhead cam, 16-valve, in-line four-cylinder transversely mounted engine. This drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.
The manual retails for R128 500 without ABS, and R133 500 with ABS. The automatic without ABS sells for R134 900 and R140 300 with ABS.
The engine develops 81 kW at 5 800 r/min and 135 N.m at 4 200 r/min giving the Civic 150i manual version a top speed of 186 km/h and a 0 – 100 km acceleration time of 10,4 seconds. Top speed of the automatic model is 174 km/h.
The new sedan has not only the new “Smart Compact” look, but like the bigger-engined version has the totally new interior with improved ergonomics.
According to the manufacturer, the cabin has an uncluttered and harmonious ambience with larger and clearer dials. The front-seat occupants are secured by inertia reel belts with frontal pretensioners and dual SRS airbags.
It is a thoroughly modern vehicle, with the corners of the stubby nose defined by large, integrated headlights. At the rear, the light clusters once again define the top of the fender and the bootlid.
As well as a slick and precise-shifting manual version, there’s an advanced “thinking” automatic. Honda’s Prosmatec transmission uses software dubbed Grade Logic Control to optimise gearchange points, based on vehicle speed and attitude.
This technology achieves a three per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared to a normal automatic, and also offers a safety benefit in that engine braking can be used to control the vehicle’s speed.