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generation hatchback. I’ve always liked the quirky looks of the previous Civic although appreciate that rear vision was compromised by the huge spoiler and the interior always felt a little claustrophobic. While still called a hatchback, the new design is
more conservative, more coupe looking and looks larger, because it is. The new Civic was built on an all new platform and is 30mm wider, 20mm lower and 130mm longer than the previous generation five door. This means class-leading boot space in terms of volume at 478 litres and 95mm more rear leg room. Honda has also relocated the fuel tank so the floor is lower than that of the outgoing model, so more spacious in the cabin. The exterior has new larger and wider wheels and tyres. In the quality interior there is a choice of four
grades, S, Comfort, Elegance and Executive with the 1 litre engine and three grades, Sport, Sport Plus and Prestige with the 1.5 litre engine, but the latter loses some of the boot space to accommodate a central double exhaust. The very large boot has a rather innovative tonneau
cover, which is a definite plus when I think of the times I have struggled to remove this contraption to enable me to fill the boot. This one pulls across from the side, like unrolling a blind and easily pops out to remove it completely. There is a host of other innovative features in this new
Civic. Honda Connect has optional Garmin sat nav with free map updates for five years.
Honda Civic, reimagined I
REVIEW:HONDA CIVIC BY SUE COOKE
reviewed the Honda Civic for Insight just over a year ago and it was interesting to compare that review with the recently launched tenth
The driver’s display can switch between a variety of
infotainment screens and there are thumb pad controls on the steering wheel, one of which operates the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. There are advanced safety and driver assistance technologies ensuring the car is among the safest in its class. This is the largest single model development
programme in the company’s history and Honda says the objective is to regain the essence of the Civic as a car with a distinctive sporty driving character. In comparison to its predecessor, I felt as if I was driving a completely different car. There is a choice of a 1 litre three cylinder petrol -
which Honda expects to take 70% of the sales - and a 1.5 litre four cylinder. As in many of the new 1 litre engines which manufacturers are now introducing, the VTEC Turbo has impressive acceleration and instant power producing 129PS. Yet, offering CO2 emissions of 106g/km and combined fuel consumption figures of 55.4mpg. Both engines are available with either a newly
designed six speed manual transmission which will account for 60% of sales or a CVT automatic. I much prefer the manual. Hard press on the accelerator while driving the automatic and it sounds as if you are high revving. Honda promises a diesel engine next year, but the company is probably waiting to see how the diesel market fares, which many manufacturers sensibly are. While Honda expects that 83% of sales will be retail,
company car drivers who buy the new Civic will be buying a car that is British and made in Swindon. This new Civic is being exported all over the world and its new design, impressive technology and practical engines will make it a best seller.
MODEL: Honda Civic Executive Manual
PRICE : £23,200 otr ENGINE: 1.0 VTEC Turbo
PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds
CO2 EMISSIONS: 117 g/km
COMBINED FUEL CONSUMPTION: 55.4 mpg
You can follow Sue Cooke on twitter @cookecars
JULY/AUGUST 2017 insight 33
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