Auto-biographies New Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE 5dr
NEW feature by Tim Barnes-Clay Motoring Writer at
www.carwriteups.co.uk
WITH THE exception of the high performance Type R model, the Honda Civic used to have a rather run-of-the-mill image. But the 2005 incarnation was radical and sexy enough to change that perception.
Now the car has gone ‘under the knife’ again to achieve an even tighter, sharper appearance. The result is an aesthetically pleasing, sporty motor that drives almost as brilliantly as it looks.
Inside, the fresh Civic has a more athletic cockpit layout, a redesigned small and chunky steering wheel, as well as cool, blue door lining illumination. The car’s lightweight six speed manual gearbox is slicker than ever, and the gear ratios have been optimised to give higher speed refi nement and a more satisfying action. In fact, Honda’s 2012 Civic has moved general driving pleasure up a whole notch. The steering is more direct, thanks to a retuned electric power steering system, and cornering is more precise because of stiff er suspension. This hasn’t aff ected comfort though. Far from it; the car has improved refi nement and a good, stable ride – especially at motorway speeds.
Fuel economy is seriously impressive with the 1.6 diesel powered Civic. It returns an average of 78.5 mpg and emits just 94 g/km of CO2. For maximum effi ciency you can choose to press the green ECON switch on the dashboard. This clever device ensures a very smooth increase in torque (turning power) for a more relaxing drive and less fuel consumption. But of course an engine is at its cleanest when it’s not running at all - that’s why idle stop technology is also fi tted. Honda makes cash-saving driving fun too - the Civic’s speedometer illumination changes, depending on how hard your right foot is down, or how long you hang on to the
20
gears. The lighting is blue when the car is idle and stays blue during sudden acceleration and deceleration. It turns to green if you drive it in an economical manner but, in between, blue-green lighting shows during gentle blips of the throttle.
The Civic is generally aimed at the family market so, as you would imagine, space is no issue - especially with Honda’s ‘Magic Seat’ system. Flip up, fold down or recline - you can transform the cabin at the lift of a lever or the push of a button. For example, the rear seats can be folded down completely to give a fl at load space which is large enough to carry three mountain bikes, three large cases or three big golf bags. This is possible even with the front seats in their rearmost position.
In SE trim the Civic is a very pleasurable place to be ensconced. Equipment includes electric windows and mirrors, as well as climate control.
The up-to-the-minute Civic is indeed a top motor. Made by a company with a legendary reputation
for bullet-proof reliability and
comfort, the hatchback, although not the quickest in its class, is one of the best looking. And, on top of that, the car is built in Britain alongside its popular siblings, the CR-V and Jazz. You’ll just have to fi nd nearly £20,000 to pay for it – or wait for the new Civic to come on to the used market.
FAST FACTS:
• Max speed: 129mph, 0-62 mph: 10.5secs • Combined mpg: 78.5 •
• Max. power (bhp): 120 at 4000 rpm • Max. torque (Ib/ft): 221 at 2000 rpm • CO2: 94 g/km
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
Engine: 1597 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel
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