Honda Civic 1.6 (A) Review
06 Mar 2012|52,650 views
The Honda Civic began life as a hatchback in 1973. Almost four decades now, the Civic has inevitably entered many of our lives at some point in time, each with differing impressions. Gladly though, undivided opinions do point towards that of a capable Japanese sedan that is synonymous with performance, at the same time retaining its practicality.
The gen-8 Civic, for instance, has once again established Honda as the trend-setter in the sedan category. Truth to be told, there isn't many competitors that is as eye-catching as the previous Civic - think steep-raked windscreen, wraparound headlamps, driver-centric console complete with digitalised speedometer. Without any doubts then, it is the Civic bringing home the bacon for Honda - it is the best-seller in the lineup, both locally and worldwide (although some may reckon that the sales of Jazz/Fit were off the roof).
Taking up the keen tasking, the latest Civic packs an array of premium features, albeit in a smaller package. For starters, Honda's Eco-assist is now standard on all Civic variants, proof of the firm's eco-commitment. All models except the Hybrid will also come with steering-mounted paddle-shifters.
Exterior
As if the designers have undertaken huge risk with the bold, futuristic styling presented in the last Civic, they have decided to play safe this time round, a thin-escape from being 'twice lucky'.
The gen-8 Civic, for instance, has once again established Honda as the trend-setter in the sedan category. Truth to be told, there isn't many competitors that is as eye-catching as the previous Civic - think steep-raked windscreen, wraparound headlamps, driver-centric console complete with digitalised speedometer. Without any doubts then, it is the Civic bringing home the bacon for Honda - it is the best-seller in the lineup, both locally and worldwide (although some may reckon that the sales of Jazz/Fit were off the roof).
Taking up the keen tasking, the latest Civic packs an array of premium features, albeit in a smaller package. For starters, Honda's Eco-assist is now standard on all Civic variants, proof of the firm's eco-commitment. All models except the Hybrid will also come with steering-mounted paddle-shifters.
Exterior
As if the designers have undertaken huge risk with the bold, futuristic styling presented in the last Civic, they have decided to play safe this time round, a thin-escape from being 'twice lucky'.
 |
And while many carmakers are 'adding inches' to their new offerings, the Civic receives a shorter wheelbase, aimed at achieving greater driving dynamics and at the same time saving precious weight.
In Honda's styling language, 'Mono-block' styling is a combination of new meets old. Fresh elements such as the as the sharply- chiselled body panels blends with signature raked-windscreen and angular front facet. The wing mirror looks much simpler in comparison, though Honda claims that the wind-tunnel derived design aids airflow, which in turn reduces wind-noise.
 |
Interior
Like the present-day Hondas, the new Civic's interior is delightfully inviting. The two-tier instrument concept is carried from the previous generation, with subtle changes to the layout. A new i-MID system (Honda's version of multi-information display) now cleverly sits on the left on the digital speedometer, providing ease of reading while driving. At any one time, the driver can choose between vehicle information and analogue clock on the i-MID display, via the steering-mounted control.
Apart from the vibrant and interactive heads-up displays, the dashboard panels and trimmings fit nicely. The same however, could not be said about the finishing, with less-premium looking hard plastics spanning across the dash and door inlets.
Like the present-day Hondas, the new Civic's interior is delightfully inviting. The two-tier instrument concept is carried from the previous generation, with subtle changes to the layout. A new i-MID system (Honda's version of multi-information display) now cleverly sits on the left on the digital speedometer, providing ease of reading while driving. At any one time, the driver can choose between vehicle information and analogue clock on the i-MID display, via the steering-mounted control.
Apart from the vibrant and interactive heads-up displays, the dashboard panels and trimmings fit nicely. The same however, could not be said about the finishing, with less-premium looking hard plastics spanning across the dash and door inlets.
Through clever engineering, Honda has managed to put in more space in the interior despite a 30mm cut in wheelbase. Rear occupants will also find the deeper leg wells a pleasant improvement during the long drives up north.
The point to note is although the test car seen here was fitted with fabric seats, all Civic variants from local authorised distributor Kah Motor will come with leather upholstery as standard.
The point to note is although the test car seen here was fitted with fabric seats, all Civic variants from local authorised distributor Kah Motor will come with leather upholstery as standard.
 |
The Drive
Before you get to work the 1.6-litre engine, the Civic's key strikes as one from an up-class marque. The fabrication feels better than many of its Japanese competitors, with a spring-loaded retractable key, which makes up for the lack of a 'start-stop' button.
On our pocketed roads, the Civic's ride feels more pliant than before, absorbing the little dings with dignity. Noise intrusion is also well kept from the cabin, which adds on to the delightful experience.
The electric steering has now been tweaked to a slower ratio, adding refinement and maturity to the way the car handles. This however reduces the steering's responsiveness, especially around tight corners in urban driving, making the car feels bigger than it actually is.
Before you get to work the 1.6-litre engine, the Civic's key strikes as one from an up-class marque. The fabrication feels better than many of its Japanese competitors, with a spring-loaded retractable key, which makes up for the lack of a 'start-stop' button.
On our pocketed roads, the Civic's ride feels more pliant than before, absorbing the little dings with dignity. Noise intrusion is also well kept from the cabin, which adds on to the delightful experience.
The electric steering has now been tweaked to a slower ratio, adding refinement and maturity to the way the car handles. This however reduces the steering's responsiveness, especially around tight corners in urban driving, making the car feels bigger than it actually is.
Conclusion
It is no surprise that creature comforts and efficiency has emerged tops in Honda's priorities during the creation of the new Civic.
With the increasing focus on fuel economy and ease of driving, the Japanese carmaker has without a doubt created a better Civic for the mass market.
The question in mind for enthusiasts is then, if the new car is capable of stirring senses the same way its predecessors did.
It is no surprise that creature comforts and efficiency has emerged tops in Honda's priorities during the creation of the new Civic.
With the increasing focus on fuel economy and ease of driving, the Japanese carmaker has without a doubt created a better Civic for the mass market.
The question in mind for enthusiasts is then, if the new car is capable of stirring senses the same way its predecessors did.
The Honda Civic began life as a hatchback in 1973. Almost four decades now, the Civic has inevitably entered many of our lives at some point in time, each with differing impressions. Gladly though, undivided opinions do point towards that of a capable Japanese sedan that is synonymous with performance, at the same time retaining its practicality.
The gen-8 Civic, for instance, has once again established Honda as the trend-setter in the sedan category. Truth to be told, there isn't many competitors that is as eye-catching as the previous Civic - think steep-raked windscreen, wraparound headlamps, driver-centric console complete with digitalised speedometer. Without any doubts then, it is the Civic bringing home the bacon for Honda - it is the best-seller in the lineup, both locally and worldwide (although some may reckon that the sales of Jazz/Fit were off the roof).
Taking up the keen tasking, the latest Civic packs an array of premium features, albeit in a smaller package. For starters, Honda's Eco-assist is now standard on all Civic variants, proof of the firm's eco-commitment. All models except the Hybrid will also come with steering-mounted paddle-shifters.
Exterior
As if the designers have undertaken huge risk with the bold, futuristic styling presented in the last Civic, they have decided to play safe this time round, a thin-escape from being 'twice lucky'.
The gen-8 Civic, for instance, has once again established Honda as the trend-setter in the sedan category. Truth to be told, there isn't many competitors that is as eye-catching as the previous Civic - think steep-raked windscreen, wraparound headlamps, driver-centric console complete with digitalised speedometer. Without any doubts then, it is the Civic bringing home the bacon for Honda - it is the best-seller in the lineup, both locally and worldwide (although some may reckon that the sales of Jazz/Fit were off the roof).
Taking up the keen tasking, the latest Civic packs an array of premium features, albeit in a smaller package. For starters, Honda's Eco-assist is now standard on all Civic variants, proof of the firm's eco-commitment. All models except the Hybrid will also come with steering-mounted paddle-shifters.
Exterior
As if the designers have undertaken huge risk with the bold, futuristic styling presented in the last Civic, they have decided to play safe this time round, a thin-escape from being 'twice lucky'.
|
And while many carmakers are 'adding inches' to their new offerings, the Civic receives a shorter wheelbase, aimed at achieving greater driving dynamics and at the same time saving precious weight.
In Honda's styling language, 'Mono-block' styling is a combination of new meets old. Fresh elements such as the as the sharply- chiselled body panels blends with signature raked-windscreen and angular front facet. The wing mirror looks much simpler in comparison, though Honda claims that the wind-tunnel derived design aids airflow, which in turn reduces wind-noise.
|
Interior
Like the present-day Hondas, the new Civic's interior is delightfully inviting. The two-tier instrument concept is carried from the previous generation, with subtle changes to the layout. A new i-MID system (Honda's version of multi-information display) now cleverly sits on the left on the digital speedometer, providing ease of reading while driving. At any one time, the driver can choose between vehicle information and analogue clock on the i-MID display, via the steering-mounted control.
Apart from the vibrant and interactive heads-up displays, the dashboard panels and trimmings fit nicely. The same however, could not be said about the finishing, with less-premium looking hard plastics spanning across the dash and door inlets.
Like the present-day Hondas, the new Civic's interior is delightfully inviting. The two-tier instrument concept is carried from the previous generation, with subtle changes to the layout. A new i-MID system (Honda's version of multi-information display) now cleverly sits on the left on the digital speedometer, providing ease of reading while driving. At any one time, the driver can choose between vehicle information and analogue clock on the i-MID display, via the steering-mounted control.
Apart from the vibrant and interactive heads-up displays, the dashboard panels and trimmings fit nicely. The same however, could not be said about the finishing, with less-premium looking hard plastics spanning across the dash and door inlets.
Through clever engineering, Honda has managed to put in more space in the interior despite a 30mm cut in wheelbase. Rear occupants will also find the deeper leg wells a pleasant improvement during the long drives up north.
The point to note is although the test car seen here was fitted with fabric seats, all Civic variants from local authorised distributor Kah Motor will come with leather upholstery as standard.
The point to note is although the test car seen here was fitted with fabric seats, all Civic variants from local authorised distributor Kah Motor will come with leather upholstery as standard.
|
The Drive
Before you get to work the 1.6-litre engine, the Civic's key strikes as one from an up-class marque. The fabrication feels better than many of its Japanese competitors, with a spring-loaded retractable key, which makes up for the lack of a 'start-stop' button.
On our pocketed roads, the Civic's ride feels more pliant than before, absorbing the little dings with dignity. Noise intrusion is also well kept from the cabin, which adds on to the delightful experience.
The electric steering has now been tweaked to a slower ratio, adding refinement and maturity to the way the car handles. This however reduces the steering's responsiveness, especially around tight corners in urban driving, making the car feels bigger than it actually is.
Before you get to work the 1.6-litre engine, the Civic's key strikes as one from an up-class marque. The fabrication feels better than many of its Japanese competitors, with a spring-loaded retractable key, which makes up for the lack of a 'start-stop' button.
On our pocketed roads, the Civic's ride feels more pliant than before, absorbing the little dings with dignity. Noise intrusion is also well kept from the cabin, which adds on to the delightful experience.
The electric steering has now been tweaked to a slower ratio, adding refinement and maturity to the way the car handles. This however reduces the steering's responsiveness, especially around tight corners in urban driving, making the car feels bigger than it actually is.
Conclusion
It is no surprise that creature comforts and efficiency has emerged tops in Honda's priorities during the creation of the new Civic.
With the increasing focus on fuel economy and ease of driving, the Japanese carmaker has without a doubt created a better Civic for the mass market.
The question in mind for enthusiasts is then, if the new car is capable of stirring senses the same way its predecessors did.
It is no surprise that creature comforts and efficiency has emerged tops in Honda's priorities during the creation of the new Civic.
With the increasing focus on fuel economy and ease of driving, the Japanese carmaker has without a doubt created a better Civic for the mass market.
The question in mind for enthusiasts is then, if the new car is capable of stirring senses the same way its predecessors did.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
Honda Civic 1.6 (A)
CAT A|Petrol|14.7km/L
Horsepower
92kW (123 bhp)
Torque
151 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Honda Civic
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