The new Honda Civic? Haven't we already reviewed this car?
Yes, we have recently reviewed the new headline-grabbing Civic 1.5 Turbo.
This model you are looking at comes amidst much less fanfare. Its innards are more familiar and traditional - a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine. While the new 1.5 Turbo model is busy being splashed on big billboards, the new Civic 1.6 continues the long lineage of Honda's compact sedans powered by a 1.6-litre VTEC engine.
So, new body, old engine?
Yes, that is sort of true. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine is a familiar one, the same R16 engine carried over from the eighth generation FD model. With 123bhp and 152Nm of torque, the engine is smooth and easy to use, but will need coaxing for added punchiness.
The part of the drivetrain that is certainly new is the transmission. Like the 1.5 Turbo, the Civic 1.6 now comes equipped with Honda's Earth Dreams Continually Variable Transmission (CVT) - simply to reduce carbon emissions and deliver a blend of performance and efficiency.
Yes, we have recently reviewed the new headline-grabbing Civic 1.5 Turbo.
This model you are looking at comes amidst much less fanfare. Its innards are more familiar and traditional - a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine. While the new 1.5 Turbo model is busy being splashed on big billboards, the new Civic 1.6 continues the long lineage of Honda's compact sedans powered by a 1.6-litre VTEC engine.
So, new body, old engine?
Yes, that is sort of true. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine is a familiar one, the same R16 engine carried over from the eighth generation FD model. With 123bhp and 152Nm of torque, the engine is smooth and easy to use, but will need coaxing for added punchiness.
The part of the drivetrain that is certainly new is the transmission. Like the 1.5 Turbo, the Civic 1.6 now comes equipped with Honda's Earth Dreams Continually Variable Transmission (CVT) - simply to reduce carbon emissions and deliver a blend of performance and efficiency.
Now, we are the first to admit that we aren't fans of CVTs. Most tend to be unresponsive and generally annoying to use. However, Honda's Earth Dreams CVT bucks this stereotype. It is actually surprisingly good, and is a welcome surprise. It's smooth and unintrusive and makes light work in heavy traffic, which is becoming a norm on our roads.
Can kui VTEC?
The problem with a CVT is that it's a lot harder to push the engine to its limits. If it's power you want, you would be better off looking at the 1.5 Turbo. This Civic is much more concerned with efficiency, and in this respect it is certainly civilised on the wallet. We managed to do 14.4km/L, which is just 0.5km/L off the official figure.
Driven sensibly, the engine is quiet and refined, and pulls effortlessly. Compared to the Turbo, what it lacks in power, it makes up for in refinement and quietness. The Turbo is rather noisy and intrusive, whereas in the 1.6 you never really hear or feel the engine working hard, even as you begin to break three digits on the speedometer.
Can kui VTEC?
The problem with a CVT is that it's a lot harder to push the engine to its limits. If it's power you want, you would be better off looking at the 1.5 Turbo. This Civic is much more concerned with efficiency, and in this respect it is certainly civilised on the wallet. We managed to do 14.4km/L, which is just 0.5km/L off the official figure.
Driven sensibly, the engine is quiet and refined, and pulls effortlessly. Compared to the Turbo, what it lacks in power, it makes up for in refinement and quietness. The Turbo is rather noisy and intrusive, whereas in the 1.6 you never really hear or feel the engine working hard, even as you begin to break three digits on the speedometer.
So, it's a boring car then...
Nope, it isn't. While the Civic 1.6 may be fitted with an 'un-sporty' CVT, the Civic still retains the great road-handling characteristics that it is renowned for. The steering is light yet sharp, offering great road feel and assurance.
Entering bends at speed, the Civic's composure and stability tempts you to want to push the car a little bit harder. And we reckon the car is much more capable around corners than our driving abilities allow.
So, while it may be a little humdrum in a straight line compared to its more fiery turbocharged sibling, the Civic is in no way a boring car.
Is it still a practical family sedan?
Very much so. For its size, the Civic is generously spacious, with tons of legroom at the rear. The cabin is quiet and comfortable, well-suited for a family of five.
There are also enough creature comforts for the whole family, such as dual zone air-con with rear ventilation outlets and dual USB/HDMI ports to hook up your smartphone to the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Nope, it isn't. While the Civic 1.6 may be fitted with an 'un-sporty' CVT, the Civic still retains the great road-handling characteristics that it is renowned for. The steering is light yet sharp, offering great road feel and assurance.
Entering bends at speed, the Civic's composure and stability tempts you to want to push the car a little bit harder. And we reckon the car is much more capable around corners than our driving abilities allow.
So, while it may be a little humdrum in a straight line compared to its more fiery turbocharged sibling, the Civic is in no way a boring car.
Is it still a practical family sedan?
Very much so. For its size, the Civic is generously spacious, with tons of legroom at the rear. The cabin is quiet and comfortable, well-suited for a family of five.
There are also enough creature comforts for the whole family, such as dual zone air-con with rear ventilation outlets and dual USB/HDMI ports to hook up your smartphone to the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Civic 1.6 or Civic Turbo?
When it comes down to it, the two cars cater to two distinct markets - namely, Cat A COE and Cat B COE. The 1.6 model is $17,000 cheaper, so it certainly appeals to the more budget-conscious buyers out there.
However, the two variants can also be seen as catering to two different kinds of drivers. The Turbo will appeal to those for whom words like 'power' and 'torque' form an integral part of their lexicon - the sort that will probably swap out the stock Honda badge for a red one.
For the less performance-conscious drivers, the Civic 1.6 is the one to have. It definitely looks the part and will certainly grow on you. Compared to the Turbo, the Civic 1.6 is also notably quieter and easier to live with.
The 1.5 Turbo may be the car grabbing all the headlines, but the Civic 1.6 will likely be the model that does its dutiful best to get Honda back to dominating its segment.
When it comes down to it, the two cars cater to two distinct markets - namely, Cat A COE and Cat B COE. The 1.6 model is $17,000 cheaper, so it certainly appeals to the more budget-conscious buyers out there.
However, the two variants can also be seen as catering to two different kinds of drivers. The Turbo will appeal to those for whom words like 'power' and 'torque' form an integral part of their lexicon - the sort that will probably swap out the stock Honda badge for a red one.
For the less performance-conscious drivers, the Civic 1.6 is the one to have. It definitely looks the part and will certainly grow on you. Compared to the Turbo, the Civic 1.6 is also notably quieter and easier to live with.
The 1.5 Turbo may be the car grabbing all the headlines, but the Civic 1.6 will likely be the model that does its dutiful best to get Honda back to dominating its segment.
