Superb quality marks new Civic

By GLEN HILL

THE Honda Civic that won the 2007 Car of the Year competition was such a great vehicle in so many respects that Honda were always going to battle to beat it. The Honda Civic launched last week was a brave attempt. The split binnacle dashboard was so far ahead of its time that the concept remains modern today. As do many of the other styling cues. Performance is not high on the list of priorities for this class of vehicle so there was not much Honda could so to improve on the 1.8-litre V-Tec engine already used. So much so that they actually introduced a smaller more inexpensive unit.

The new 1,6-litre engine derivative will clearly appeal to customers looking for a car that offers Honda’s exceptional quality and engineering plus the Civic’s comfort, but find the 1.8-litre derivative an unnecessary or unaffordable extravagance. Priced at just under R210 000 the 1.6 is obviously being pitched as the value-for-money option, although it is far from an “entry-level” offering. It was unfortunately unavailable at the launch drive, a status it will unfortunately retain at dealers until next month. Engine performance is 92 kW and 151 Nm. This aside it was pretty easy to get an idea of the rest of the vehicle from its siblings.

Ride and handling of the Civic is superior in a segment where ride is somewhat more of a priority than is handling. However the Civic adds something extra. Perhaps it is a simple as the perception one gets from behind the steering wheel, itself an item with a sporty feel, but i believe it is far more than that. Honda’s racing heritage sneaks in everywhere. So despite the segment’s primarily utilitarian bent, Honda engineers have ensured that when the gearshift paddles are used in the top end auto, the downward shift is maintained until the corner is completed. This is a true driver’s innovation.

Even the 1.6 gets 15-inch alloy wheels (with 195/65 R15 tyres and a full-size alloy spare), colour-coded mirrors and door handles. Also part of the comprehensive standard offering is speed-sensitive auto door locking with selective unlocking, while an integrated alarm system and rolling-code engine immobiliser are also included. Electrically operated windows are provided all round, along with electric mirrors, manual air-conditioning with dust and pollen filter, Honda’s new electric power steering system, a trip computer with outside temperature display, and the new ECON mode system.

Height adjustment is provided for the driver’s seat, while the steering column is tilt and reach adjustable. Also included are front and rear armrests, a leather-trimmed gear knob, as well as a practical information button on the steering wheel for accessing essential vehicle information. The standard audio system comprises a single-CD WMA/MP3-compatible tuner with speed-sensitive volume control, four door speakers and an auxiliary audio connection. In terms of safety, the entire range boasts ABS brakes with EBD and EBA, dual front and side airbags, active anti-whiplash head restraints, and ISOFix rear child seat anchors among the primary features.

Very significantly the option of manual or automatic transmissions is available across all derivatives and engine options. The Civic 1.8 makes 104 kW and 174 Nm and propels a 7 percent lighter vehicle. Its Comfort derivative mirrors the specification of the 1.6 model, but adds heated side mirrors as well as side curtain airbags to the features set. In Elegance guise, the Civic steps up the level of sophistication and gains 16-inch alloy wheels with wider 205/55 R16 tyres, full leather seats, a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, and cruise control with speed limiter.

The multimedia system is enhanced with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a USB audio slot and two additional tweeters for the speaker system. The Civic 1.8 Executive is set apart by several distinguishing features. Externally it boasts electric folding mirrors, front fog lights and chrome finishes for the door handles. For added convenience it is equipped with paddle-shift controls on the steering wheel (for the five-speed automatic transmission), automatic headlight activation and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. On the safety front, it also receives Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and a tyre deflation warning system (DWS).

The two tier dash now incorporates a third area to the left which groups the controls which are not essential to driving, such as the intelligent multi-information display for the vehicle and audio information. This innovative system is customisable, and integrates all of the Civic’s multimedia entertainment and connectivity features. Depending on the model, this is complemented by the likes of Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB audio connections, and a fully-featured multi-function steering wheel. Dual front and side airbags are fitted as standard, along with curtain airbags on all but the entry-level derivative. ABS is included on all models, linked to electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA).

PRICING

1.6 Comfort Manual R209 900
1.6 Comfort Automatic R221 900
1.8 Comfort Manual R229 900
1.8 Comfort Automatic R241 900

1.8 Elegance Manual R259 900
1.8 Elegance Automatic R271 900
1.8 Executive Manual R269 900
1.8 Executive Automatic R282 900

Prices include a five-year/90 000 km Service Plan, and three-year/100 000 km Warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.