2016 Honda Civic Lx Sedan Review It Is Very Quiet Much Quieter Cabin Smooth Ride
Okaerinasai!
That's Japanese for 'Welcome dorsum!' if I was to trust Google Interpret and information technology's exactly what information technology feels like for the tenth-generation Honda Civic.
Information technology has only taken well-nigh a decade for Honda to wake from its dozy sleep but the Japanese behemothic is dorsum.
You see, Honda used to be the technological leader for Japanese cars. I still call back the brilliant gratuitous-revving VTEC engine in the Borough from the mid-90s and the lift back sedan shape that is at present common as Sushi Train.
And who could forget the astonishingly superb and cutting edge first-generation NSX that is yet revered today.
While the engineering science behind the latest 2016 Honda Civic isn't ground breaking like its early forebears, information technology is the most disarming Honda I've driven for a while; from its brand new turbocharged engine to one of the best behaving CVTs e'er (Yes, I know. I tin can't believe I'k saying this either!). If the latest Civic is a preview of things to come, then nosotros can't expect.
The line upwardly in Commonwealth of australia is available in five variants, kicking off with the 1.eight-litre VTi priced from $22,390 plus on-roads and tops out with the i.5-litre turbocharged VTi-LX from $33,590 +ORC. Headlining the new range is the sports-infused RS which sits beneath the VTi-LX. Priced from $31,790 +ORC, it shares the latter's engine while calculation an integrated trunk kit for a scrap of athleticism.
Pattern and Comfort
With a sporty, fastback stance, the new Civic's design is the almost dramatic notwithstanding. Its aggressive new face is highlighted by a chrome-plated grille that runs the full width of the front fascia, extending to the acme of the slender headlights in what Honda calls 'solid wingface'.
In profile, the sharply creased shoulder line surges over the rear wheel arches, reaching out to the upper bend of the distinctive LED taillights. In combination with the upswept lines on the doors and sweeping roofline, the new Civic has the dynamism and sporty styling to stand out from the crowd.
The RS is further enhanced with a handsome body kit with hitting blacked out grille, LED headlights, LED front foglights and larger 17-inch blend wheels (Sixty gets 17-inch alloys, besides).
Within, the two-tier dashboard of the outgoing model has been replaced with a modern cockpit complete with a clear, one-piece digital instrument panel. Nearly contact points besides have soft-to-the-bear on materials while specks of aluminium-await trim lighten up the cabin.
Both front end seats are comfy only some, like myself, may notice the lack of lumbar support a pain in the back. Literally. Uniquely, the driver sits low in the new Civic, giving it a sportier experience, also.
The party piece comes in the form of a grooved, touch-sensitive volume control on the steering cycle, where you swipe your fingers up or down the surface to either increment or lower the volume.
A new infinite-saving electronic parking brake replaces a conventional hand brake, freeing up room in the center console to accommodate a larger armrest and deep storage space. Grip-surfaced storage compartments are ample across the gear lever, including one hidden beneath for keeping items away from prying eyes.
The motel feels low-cal and airy with good over the shoulder visibility, augmented by standard reversing camera with dynamic guiding lines.
The redesigned dash likewise provides greater knee joint room for the driver, while rear-seat foot room has improved, thanks to an increase of 27mm in the infinite between the front seat rails.
Yet, rear seat passengers might feel slightly short changed due to the lack of rear air-con vents.
With 517 litres of kicking space, the Borough sedan's cargo carrying capacity trumps that of the Mazda3 Sedan, Toyota Corolla and even the Holden Commodore'due south 495 litres. Its flat boot floor tin be further expanded via the 60/40 split folding backrest.
Performance and Handling
While the entry-level VTi and VTi-South continue to be powered by Honda's proven 1.8-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that dispenses 104kW of power and 174Nm of torque, the rest of the line up gets the sweetness new turbocharged 1.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder powerplant delivering 127kW of ability and 220Nm of torque between 1,700-5,500rpm.
Both are mated with a new CVT (no manual is offered on the new Borough range) that is expectedly smooth, yet refreshingly well sorted at around town speeds, with none of the droning and revs flare that we come to await from such transmissions.
However, they are still not entirely convincing for enthusiastic driving, particularly when matched with the more than muscular 1.5 turbo despite paddle shifters that attempt to bring a semblance of driver engagement to the fore.
Driven hard, the gearbox steps downward rather abruptly, while its stepless characteristic ways you won't be rewarded with the dramatic upshifts bangs and downshift throttle blips that you get with a conventional auto and dual-clutch connected engine.
On the plus side, both engines are refined and responsive, although the turbo manufactory is all the same plagued with some lag low down.
On the motion, its steering is direct and relatively quick just could use with a fleck more than feel. Its ride is also more compliant than ever, although some body roll is evident around the bends. However, this is the sharpest, most confidence-inspiring Honda we have driven in a long time (likewise the now discontinued CR-Z) and could give the benchmark Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf a run for their coin.
Simply the biggest improvement past far, is the car's refinement. The new Borough is quiet around town with both engine and tyre noise well suppressed.
The VTi-Southward rolling on 16-inch wheels is cushy without being floaty, while the 17-inch equipped RS and Sixty ride a little firmer but besides grippier.
Quality
Built quality of the Thai-sourced Civic is generally adept, with tight fitment and well-aligned panels, though ane of our examination vehicles has a small-scale rattle from inside the dash, which became annoying later on a while. The lack of "soft open up" for the glove box is another oversight in an otherwise very well presented cabin.
We as well experienced a gremlin in the new electric park brake system where information technology refuses to engage if we activate it too apace later turning off the engine (with auto concord on). It would work if we waited for 2 seconds before pulling the lever. Honda Australia is currently investigating the upshot and we are still pending an consequence as we write this review.
Economy
Both powerplants are suitably efficient, with the 1.eight-litre returning a combined 8.0L/100km, while the i.v-litre turbo managed a slightly thirstier 8.5L/100km. In Honda's books, the figures are 6.4L/100km and 6.0L/100km respectively.
On the freeway, both engines hover around 4L/100km, giving excellent out-of-town range.
Equipment and Features
Like nigh new cars these days, the Civic is generously equipped. All variants get LED daytime running lights, taillights with LED light bars, cruise control (VTi-60 gets adaptive cruise control), climate control (dual-zone on VTi-L and to a higher place), auto up and downwardly ability windows (front only for VTi and VTi-Southward), 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Machine, Bluetooth and USB.
The RS and VTi-Sixty are further enhanced with heated leather seat trim with power aligning (driver), LED headlights, DAB+ digital radio and 452W, 10-speakers with sub-woofer premium audio.
On the safety front, 6 airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Traction Command Organization (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) Emergency Restriction Aid (EBA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Commencement Aid (HSA) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring are standard beyond the lath.
As well standard on the VTi-Southward and up is Honda'south rather gimmicky LaneWatch characteristic which offers a camera view of the passenger-side roadway on the center touchscreen when the left indicator is engaged or the LaneWatch push is pressed. Can we stick to a conventional Blind Spot Monitoring organisation please, Honda?
Sadly, only the range-topping VTi-LX gets the full suite of active rubber features, which include Forrard Collision Alarm (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Deviation Alert (LDW), Lane Keeping Assistance Arrangement (LKAS) and Road Departure Mitigation Organization (RDM).
It is also the only model with embedded satellite navigation system, with the others relying on data zapping mobile map.
Verdict:
Pattern and Comfort: viii.5/10
Functioning and Handling: 7.5/x
Quality: 7.5/x
Economy: eight.0/10
Equipment and Features: 8.0/10
Our Score: iv.0/5
Honda has done a terrific job with the assuming-new 2016 Borough Sedan. While peachy drivers should make a queue for the RS with its punchier and sweeter sounding one.5-litre turbo, the VTi-S is the sweet spot of the range, with decent dynamics and practiced refinement.
Information technology may have a carried over 1.8-litre engine simply it's quieter and feels more in tuned with the CVT while ceasing simply slightly in terms of driving enjoyment.
Pros:
- Sleek styling both inside and out
- Good treatment and dynamics
- Good refinement
- CVT well calibrated
- Large boot space
Cons:
- RS isn't really sporty
- Advanced safety kit and saturday-nav merely on range-topping model
- Minor quality consequence
2016 Honda Civic pricing and specification
| Price (Excluding on-route costs): | From $22,390 VTi: $22,390 VTi-S: $24,490 / As tested: $24,490 VTi-L: $27,790 RS: $31,790 / As tested: $31,790 VTi-Sixty: $33,590 / As tested: $33,590 | |
| Warranty: | 3 years/100,000 kilometres | |
| Warranty Customer Assistance: | Northward/A | |
| Country of Origin: | Japan. Built in Thailand | |
| Service Intervals: | 12 months/10,000km | |
| Engine: | 1.eight-litre aspirated, multi-point injected in-line 4-cylinder petrol: 104kW @ 6,500rpm, 174Nm @ 4,300rpm | |
| 1.5-litre turbocharged, direct-injected in-line 4-cylinder petrol: 127kW @ 5,500rpm, 220Nm @ one,700-5,500rpm | ||
| Manual: | Continuously Variable Manual (CVT) | |
| Drivetrain: | Front-wheel drive | |
| Power to Weight Ratio (Westward/kg): | VTi and VTi-Southward: 82.5 | VTi-L, RS and VTi-Sixty: 95.4 |
| Combined Fuel Consumption (L/100km): | VTi and VTi-Southward: Claimed: 6.4 / Tested: 8.0 | VTi-Fifty, RS and VTi-60: Claimed: half-dozen.0 / Tested: 8.5 |
| RON Rating: | 91 | |
| Fuel Capacity (50): | 47 | |
| Body: | 4-doors, 5 seats | |
| Rubber: | 5-star ANCAP, ABS, VSA, TCS, EBD, EBA, ESS, HSA, Reversing Camera, Left-mitt side blind spot camera, Tyre pressure monitoring organisation, LED DRL VTi-LX simply: Adaptive Cruise Control, FCW, CMBS, LDW, LKAS, RDM | |
| Dimensions (50/W/H/Due west-B) mm: | iv,644 / i,799 / 1,416 / 2,700 | |
| Tare Mass (kg): | 1,261 – 1,331 | |
| Towing Capacity (kg): | Braked: 800 / Unbraked: 500 | |
| Entertainment: | 7-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth, DAB+ (VTi-L, RS and VTi-Sixty), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation (VTi-LX but), USB, HDMI | |
Competitors: Holden Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Cerato, Mazda3 Sedan, Nissan Pulsar, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Sedan, Volkswagen Jetta
2016 Honda Civic VTi-S
2016 Honda Civic RS
2016 Honda Civic VTi-Sixty
Source: https://www.forcegt.com/car-reviews/2016-honda-civic-sedan-review-vti-s-rs-and-vti-lx/