In each carmaker’s lineup, there’s a core product that strongly defines the company philosophy and demonstrates its technological abilities. Sometimes, that core product enjoys so much success that it reaches iconic status. If Porsche has its 911 and Mercedes-Benz its E-Class, Honda’s core is the Civic.
Each generation of Civic has stood for technological advancement in a practical, affordable compact car. Previous generations have introduced the compact car buyer to the CVCC combustion chamber, fuel injection, independent rear suspension, and variable-valve timing: some of which are not even standard in all vehicles in its class.
Lately though, the Civic’s lead has been encroached upon by other cars that offer more luxury, technology, and sportiness.
The 8th-generation Civic seeks to redress all that, by once again promising sharp handling, good looks, and of course great engines. In this case, two engines: a 1.8 liter that delivers an impressive 140 hp, and a 2.0 that’s good for 155 hp. The 1.8, with an SOHC i-VTEC system, promises the acceleration of a 2-liter engine combined with the fuel economy of a 1.5-liter.
As for the Civic’s looks, every Honda automobile begins life as an animal. That’s if we believe the company’s self-described styling procedure, which begins with the design team picking a particular creature to base their new car on. From all indications, the eighth-generation Civic is a different, well, animal, altogether. This one seems to have been based instead on Cylon robots straight from Battlestar Galactica. The glaring, beady quad headlamps; prominently rectangular bumper; and evil-looking chrome wing inset in the wide grille remind us of our favorite robotic antagonist.
The futuristic styling isn’t appreciated by just geeks and sci-fi fans (come to think of it, they comprise one nearly congruent set); many motorists mistake the Civic for more expensive (read: European) machinery. Short front overhangs, steeply-raked windshield, sculpted front fenders, and sleek profile ensure that this Civic looks light-years ahead of its predecessor, and most of its competitors. As rarely happens in a Japanese economy car, the details are just as enticing as the overall appearance.
Honda has learned its lesson well; the seventh-generation Civic looked like a blander version of the sixth generation, and that cost it the top spot in the compact sedan charts. Now, the eighth generation’s mission is to claw its way back to number one. Europe may have its own more-heavily Galactica-influenced hatchback, and the USA its lustful coupe, but our Asean-market sedan strikes the right balance of sportiness and luxury-sedan styling cues.
The spaceship theme carries over to the interior as well. Settle into the driver’s chair, and you’ll feel like you’re piloting a Viper spacecraft. The instrument panel is split into two compartments. The lower portion contains a large tachometer flanked by various indicator lights. The top segment is positioned just below the windshield and is designed to be viewed above the steering wheel rim. This data window shows vehicle speed using a large digital display, and fuel and temperature using bar graphs. The bright white markings are bathed in a cool blue light. It looks strange at first, but proves to be exceptionally clear and easy to use. The high-mounted speedometer allows the driver to keep his eyes on the road even while glancing at the meter. The instruments remain highly readable even in bright sunlight.
Complementing the instrument lighting is the blue fabric clothing the seats and door panels. The sharply-raked windshield requires van-type mini-windows and hectares of plastic dashboard, but the design looks well integrated and provides plenty of front legroom. Front seats are supportive and comfortable. The tilt-telescope steering wheel allows perfect positioning, and it feels properly meaty (and it also looks like a Cylon). The Civic still has the most spacious rear seat in the compact class, thanks mostly to the unique flat-floor design.
Secondary controls are efficiently laid out using rotary main controls for audio and aircon. The Z-shaped handbrake falls easily to hand while taking up minimal space. That leaves a center console large enough for a Type-2 phaser, and a classy sliding cover to keep it hidden away. There are several other cubbyholes, including a small ledge for your iPod. The auxiliary input for the stereo is just above it, making for a very convenient connection. The built-in audio system delivers robust sound, and it incorporates an auto-volume control that adjusts to vehicle speed.
Another convention to fall is the 1.6-liter engine displacement. With that tax-induced constraint now removed, Honda has installed a 1.8 as the base engine for the Civic. To those fretting about fuel bills, Honda promises that this engine will provide the fuel efficiency of a 1.5-liter, and provide the power of a 2.0-liter to boot. Is this claim too good to be true?
On paper, the Civic seems to have the needed firepower. The i-VTEC engine incorporates infinitely-variable valve timing and switches to a more aggressive camshaft profile at higher revs. The result is 140 hp and 177 Nm.
A manual transmission is standard, but our test car was equipped with the five-speed automatic. Shifting is smooth and responsive. Fifth is an overdrive gear meant mainly for highway driving. Cruising at 100 km/h in top gear sees the engine ticking over at around 1900 rpm, instead of 2500 rpm as with most four-speeds. This reduces fuel consumption and cabin noise. Over a week of mixed city and highway driving, with no undue effort to drive efficiently, the Civic returned an impressve 12.4 km/liter.
The Civic’s steering reacts like a whipcrack glare from Commander Adama. If your driving involves holding the steering wheel in one hand while the other fondles a cellphone, coffee cup, or the hand of your passenger, you’d better watch out. The quick and flab-free steering doesn’t take too kindly to being ignored. For enthusiastic drivers, it’s a delight, rewarding with precision.
The Civic manages to avoid the downsides of responsive steering. It’s steady on the highway and doesn’t require constant correction. The suspension filters out bumps and maintains its composure even when subjected to potholes and ragged surfaces. With its excellent suppression of engine noise, it’s too bad that the Civic lets in a lot of road noise, particularly from the front tires.
Safety is better than on any previous Civic, with features that are the most complete in its class. The Civic comes with Vehicle Stability Assist and four airbags for the 2.0 liter model, and ABS-EBD standard except on the base 1.8V. The Civic features four-wheel independent suspension, with Honda’s trademark double wishbone setup in the rear, with disc brakes on all four corners.
Honda has pulled out all stops to make sure that its core sedan is once again on top. Cutting-edge styling? Roomiest and most high-tech interior? Best ride-handling combination? Best in class? Check on all counts—mission accomplished.
