Road Test: Honda Civic 1.8 Executive

When you think ‘Honda’, there’d be no reason to argue sentiments of: reliability, advanced and user-friendly technology, versatility and good handling. Similarly, Honda say their new Civic offers, “… more intuitive and involving driving dynamics, … markedly higher levels of ride refinement and comfort, interior space and packaging, along with the addition of new interactive technologies for further personalisation and convenience.”

We begin with the driving experience of the new Civic. The 1.8-litre VTEC engine has been retained, but has been updated to deliver rather negligible improvements in performance and fuel consumption. Maximum power output is 104 kW at 6 500 r/min (up from 103 kW at 6 300 r/min), allied with unchanged torque of 174 Nm at 4 300 r/min – although Honda claim torque delivery is now more progressive compared to the previous model. Combined cycle fuel consumption has improved to 6.7 L/100km and 160 g/km of CO2 emissions, compared to the previous generation’s 6.8 L/100km and 163 g/km. Sure, 1 kW and 0.1 L/100km improvements are debatable, but the Civic is now a stiffer and lighter car than before.

Less weight and improved rigidity mean the ride quality is better and the handling is on par with Honda’s claims. In other words, the Civic is capable of enjoying a few corners when the mood takes you. The new Civic features a revised McPherson strut suspension set-up in front and a multi-link configuration at the rear. The result is improved handling with less roll, as well as greater comfort with reduced harshness.

The Civic’s sleek silhouette, with its steeply raked windscreen, wide-looking stance and pronounced character lines, conceals a spacious interior and has helped to reduce interior wind and road noise. The car retains the split-level dashboard, but the layout has been updated to include a third area that houses a display for the vehicle and audio information, as well as connectivity features. The dashboard features a few too many colours and textures, and some of the switch gear is not as convincing as we’ve come to expect from Honda’s of old. This said, 200 kilometers of dirt roads failed to coax any squeaks or rattles from the Civic.

The Executive spec Civic also features Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB audio connections, and a multi-function steering wheel. The seats are comfortable and rear passengers will be pleased to find ample legroom, some 40 mm more than in the outgoing model. The boot will accommodate 440-litres of luggage, which can be extended with the rear seats folded flat in a 60:40 split configuration.

Technology comes to the fore on the safety front. Motion-Adaptive Electronic Power Steering (EPS), combined with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), is a passive safety feature that enhances the driver’s control of a vehicle in difficult driving situations. The combined technology assists the driver with countering oversteer and understeer, as well as slippery road surfaces. Together, EPS and VSA control braking, engine torque and apply force on the steering wheel to help maintain control of the vehicle. The range-topping Civic 1.8 Executive is also fitted with Hill Start Assist and a tyre deflation warning system.

The Civic 1.8 Executive earns its title from creature comforts such as, heated side mirrors, leather-trimmed steering wheel and seats, cruise control with speed limiter and automatic climate control. Exterior distinguishing features include the door handles finished in chrome, front fog lights, electric folding mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Honda have stamped out another dependable family sedan in the form of this 9th generation Civic. In offensive in its styling and performance, the Civic’s placid nature will continue to gain the support of the Honda faithful, but others may take a little more convincing in light of this Honda’s competition.

What we like…

• Sleek silhouette.
• Interior space.
• Smooth and effective 5-speed transmission.

What we would like…

• Improved tactile quality of the dash.

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