Honda Civic VTi-L 2016 Review

Honda Civic sedan VTi-L
Australian Launch Review
Wodonga, Victoria

Has Honda's new-generation Civic – its 10th since the Japanese car-maker's oldest nameplate first arrived Down Under in 1973 -- finally found a return to form? The Civic lost its way over the past couple of generations as buyers turned to Toyota, Mazda and Hyundai. But the new small sedan -- on sale from June 1 priced from $22,390 -- flaunts a newfound confidence thanks to a bold exterior design and improved levels of tech and refinement. If first impressions are anything to go by, the roomier, smarter, sportier new Civic has regained a bounce in its step.

Take a quick stroll around the new Honda Civic, which comes standard with an automatic transmission, and it's clear that the company is attempting something different. Something fresh.

The exterior design may not be to everyone's taste but it's certainly bold and brave and the first clue that the attitude within Honda is changing.

Step inside and your eyebrows will remain raised at the sight of the airy, stylish and contemporary cabin that seemingly fathoms more space than the Hubble telescope.

Honda Australia had significant input into the design of the vehicle, which commenced four years ago, and interior room and technology were key targets. Front occupants get loads of room, as do rear-seat passengers, thanks to improved packaging and a 45mm wider body.

Fair dinkum, sitting in the back seat feels more like being plonked in a medium car, not a small car. Even with the front seats accommodating a six-foot individual there's decent room for an adult seated behind.

And the boot? Utterly massive. How does a class-leading 519 litres sound? If that number is meaningless, the Civic's gargantuan boot is 25 per cent larger than the Mazda3's, 24 litres larger than the Holden Commodore's and almost big enough to host a book launch or crowd-funding BBQ, such is its depth.

There's loads of incidental storage too, such as deep door pockets, large cup holders and even a twin-level shelf under the large 7.0-inch infotainment touch-screen. Because it adopts an NVidia graphics processor which speeds up touch response and menu loading, the multimedia system is a huge improvement over previous ones too.

The dashboard has a contemporary appeal with a tasteful layering effect and perceived quality is impressive. Honda says it benchmarked the Audi A3 interior and, like that vehicle, there's a simple elegance to the layout and all controls.

Standard on all models, the digital instrument panel gives the car a futuristic look and delivers clear, concise (and customisable) information. The trip computer is detailed and the graphics move at a high frame rate, giving the display a smooth, high-end effect.
Oh, and it means the polarising two-tier instrument panel of its predecessor is no more.

The new Civic had to be a much better car on several levels, not only to bring customers back to the fold but because it's more expensive than its predecessor.

The $22,390 starting price is up considerably from $18,490, but to its credit the Civic gets more equipment too – useful stuff you'll actually want and use regularly.

Like an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) which is one of the better units available today. Like for like, it makes the Civic cheaper than its most direct small sedan auto rivals: Mazda3 (from $22,490), Toyota Corolla (from $22,990) and Hyundai Elantra (from $23,790).

Also standard across the range are well integrated and welcome technologies that make life easier and more enjoyable, like the 7.0-inch infotainment touch-screen comprising eight-speaker audio with USB and HDMI inputs, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay with Siri Eyes Free and Android Auto with Google Voice.

There are twin USB ports, one of them with faster device charging, plus a push-button electric park brake, LED daytime running lights, climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, driver’s seat height adjustment, trip computer, multi-function steering wheel, black fabric interior trim, power windows/mirrors, remote central locking and AC.

All models also come standard with a reversing camera, six (twin front, side and curtain) airbags, stability control (VSA), traction control (TCS), anti-skid brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), emergency stop signal (ESS), tyre pressure monitoring (DWS).

Although it rides on 16-inch steel wheels with 215/55 tyres and fairly presentable hub caps, the entry-level model is one of the best-equipped cars in the small car class.

All models come with a CVT auto – there's no manual gearbox option – and two engines are offered. There's a carryover 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine (104kW/174Nm) on entry-level models and a new, more interesting 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four (127kW/220Nm) that's easily the pick of the two.

The only problem is you'll pay more to get the more powerful and efficient turbo engine. The entry-level Civic VTi ($22,390) and VTi-S ($24,490) get the older 1.8-litre engine, but to Honda's credit the cars are smooth and quiet at low speeds.

They're not particularly zippy vehicles when you nail the go pedal, but the new CVT is good at using the meagre power available. Rev out the engine, however, and it gets raspy and noisy.

At least the VTi-S adds 16-inch alloys, keyless entry and start, mirror-integrated indicators, leather-clad steering wheel, front/rear parking sensors and LaneWatch.

The newer 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit on the other hand has more potent propulsion, is quieter and more efficient too, using 6.0L/100km compared to 6.5L/100km of its cheaper sibling.

There's a persuasive turbo rush from the 1.5-litre power pump that feels far more muscular than 220Nm of torque. This gives it a long stride, perfect for overtaking. But it comes at a cost: $27,790 for the VTi-L.

The mid-range VTi-L also brings 17-inch alloys, steering wheel gearshift paddles, dual-zone climate control, auto headlights, digital radio, illuminated vanity mirror, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding mirrors, sharkfin antenna and auto up/down for all four windows.

The sport Civic RS ($31,790) and luxury VTi-LX ($33,590) also get the charming turbocharged engine. Again they aren't cheap but they both bring plenty of extras.

In the case of the new RS that means a sports body kit with black grille, LED headlights, LED foglights, 17-inch alloys, black leather-appointed trim, 10-speaker 452-Watt audio, heated front seats, leather gearshifter, sunroof, dark-chrome door-handles, tailgate spoiler, sunroof and eight-way power driver’s seat adjustment.

Only the top-shelf VTi-LX comes with standard advanced driver aids like forward collision warning (FCW), collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keeping assist system (LKAS), road departure mitigation system (RDM), adaptive cruise control (ACC) with low-speed follow (LSF).

As efficient as it is, it's a shame the CVT auto has the personality of a malnourished newt, because the all-new chassis Honda has developed for the new Civic is remarkably capable in a dynamic sense.

The soft-ish tune of the suspension allows some body roll as you guide the front-end into tightening corners, but Honda's claim that the new Civic is a sporty proposition is not without merit.

Fitted with new MacPherson struts at the front and a fully independent rear-end, it holds a clean line through a corner, has scads of grip and even the electric power steering set-up has a touch of feedback.

The result is comfort and fun in an affordable car. Honda has coined term Otokomae, which translates to something like 'grace, elegance, and inner beauty'.

Sadly, the CVT saps the car of involvement when attacking corners and languid step-off deceleration doesn't help either – it seems to want to keep revving after the fact.

These were pre-production vehicles we tested and although mightily impressive in terms of fit and finish, I'm hoping the powertrains gets a little tweak before customer cars arrive from Thailand.

That said, the powertrain quibbles are merely that – minor annoyances – and won't be deal-breakers because in general both Civic powertrains motivate in a refined, predictable manner.

Cruising along wide-open country roads is a relaxed affair thanks to the car's impressively quiet cabin. The attention to aerodynamic details, sound deadening materials and extensive rubber sealing around the doors, boot and bonnet result in what could one of the quietest cabins in this class.

Low speed comfort levels are very good too, thanks to the shrewdly-tuned suspension which at higher speeds is smoother than Michael Buble too, as pot holes, cracks and divots in the road make barely any noise or physical impact, imparting a premium car feel.

In recent years Honda has struggled to capture the imagination of customers, with lacklustre models, the global financial crisis of 2008 and a catastrophic natural disaster of 2011 crippling the company and its short-sighted senior management.

But with the HR-V proving a shining light for the brand and the new Civic bringing a similar level of spunk to the table, it's clear Honda – the company once known as the BMW of Japan -- wants to be taken seriously again.

And with several exciting hero models on the way this year and next – NSX or Civic Type-R, anyone? -- the Japanese company appears determined to stage a revival to the days when the Civic was one of the best small cars available.

Honda's fresh-faced small car is a delight to drive, it's hugely practical, surprisingly refined and comes with a long list of standard features and clever technology.

After our first drive, it's clear Honda's new Civic well and truly represents a return to form for one of the world's best-selling nameplates.

Should the Corolla, Mazda3 and Elantra be worried? I reckon so.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan VTi-L pricing and specifications:
Price: $27,790 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 127kW/220Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable (seven-speed stepped)
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 140g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: TBC

Also consider:
>> Hyundai Elantra (from $23,790)
>> Mazda3 sedan (from $22,490)
>> Toyota Corolla sedan (from $22,990)

Images: VTi-L and VTi-LX model