The Civic is a core model for Honda
How does the new generation Honda Civic compete against some seriously good competition in the hatchback market asks Suzanne Keane
What is it? The 10th generation Civic is an all new model which has been redesigned from the ground up and is now lower, longer than wider than any of the previous versions.
Styling? From the front the styling of the new Civic is aggressive and sporty and the low and wide stance sets off the sculpted front bumper and spoiler. As you move to the side the wheel arches and angular alloy wheels continue this theme but the rear end seems like an afterthought. However, this new styling overall has ensured that the Civic has shaken off its recent reputation of being a sensible but boring C-Segment hatch.
Under the Bonnet? There are 2 petrol engines available – both 1L 3 cylinder and 1.5L 4 cylinder versions are VTEC Turbo engines and come with manual or automatic gearboxes. The range topping 1.5L replaces the previous 1.8L VTEC engine and produces 182PS while the 1L version tested had a more than adequate 129PS.
What about inside? The interior finish on the Civic we drove did seem a little cheap but the level of equipment available certainly isn’t. a 7” colour LED driver interface replaces the standard instrument cluster with a variety of information screens available to the driver. The “Smart Plus” model tested comes with the Honda Connect system which has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Internet radio, internet browsing and a Garmin Navigation system integrated into a 7” touchscreen. It also comes with 2 USB sockets and a HDMI jack for additional connectivity. The “Premium” model will upgrade you to leather heated seats (front) and an opening glass roof while the “Prestige” trim level comes with front and rear heated seats, 11 speakers and a wireless charging system.
On the Road? On the open road is where the new generation Civic begins to shine. Despite having a smaller 3-cylinder engine the 1.0L VTEC model tested was fun to drive and capable of handling both city and country roads with excellent handling and a low centre of gravity. Under pressure the engine was quite noisy although this tends to add rather than detract from its appeal! The new body design means that this Civic is 16kg lighter than its predecessor with a more rigid body.
The all-new Civic is more spacious than the previous model with more room for passengers and luggage
And Safety? The base level “Smart” Civic comes with collision mitigation braking system, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition as standard while upgrading to “Premium” will get you blind spot information including cross traffic monitor.
Will it break the bank? The new Civic starts at €23,750 with a good level of standard equipment. The model tested was €26,250 with annual road tax costing €200 and fuel economy of 4.8l/100km.
Verdict? The Honda Civic was the car of choice for a generation of boy (and girl) racers and this 10th generation version seems to be heading back to its roots with a stack of new technology thrown in for good measure.
Why you’ll buy one? Styling; Running Costs; Safety Equipment
Why you won’t? Rear end looks a little awkward!
Rivals
Ford Focus
Volkswagen Golf
Peugeot 308
Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo 120 Smart Plus
Engine: 1L 129PS@5,500rpm, 200Nm/ 2,250rpm
Max speed: 203km/h
0-100 kph: 10.9 seconds
Emissions (Motor Tax) : 110g/km (€200 road tax)
Model price range: €23,750 (Test Car €26,250)
No of Doors: 5 doors
Euro NCAP : 5 star
Fuel type: Petrol
Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 4.8l/100km
Boot Capacity Seats up: 478 litres
Car Seats: 2 Isofix fittings in the rear
Length: 4,495mm
Width: 1,800mm
Height: 1.420mm
Wheelbase: 2,700mm
For more information on the new Civic check out Honda.ie, the Honda Ireland Facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Suzanne Keane
31st May, 2017
