Introduction
Yes, the Honda Civic is back in the Indian market. In its 10th generation, the Civic is undoubtedly larger and sportier-looking than the earlier one. And this time around, it gets both petrol and diesel engines.
The question is, though, will Honda’s new Civic give its competitors, the Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Altis and the Hyundai Elantra sleepless nights? Well, to answer that question, we list out four things that work for the Civic, and two that don’t.
Positives
Exterior Looks
Well, we don’t usually talk about looks, but we’d just have to admit that the Civic is quite a looker, I mean look at those curves! That brutal swooping roofline is complemented by a low-slung profile with edgy body-lines, and aggressively etched headlamps and tail lamps. And if that weren’t enough, the minimal overhangs and that wide stance just nails it. I’ve got goose-bumps already!
Diesel Engine-Gearbox Combo
The new Honda Civic gets two engine options. A 1.8-litre petrol with a CVT gearbox, and a 1.6-litre diesel engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, like we have here. Performance in the diesel is more than adequate and there’s a strong tug when you get on the move, which is then followed by a fairly linear power delivery.
The icing on the cake, though, is the slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission with closely-stacked gates, and a short gear lever. It’s just a joy to use on the go! But what’s surprising is the refinement of this diesel engine, which, when combined with the superior cabin insulation, makes for a rather calm and serene drive.
Ride
The Civic just shines when it comes to ride quality. It remains plush over most broken surfaces at all speeds, and it doesn’t get harsh even at the damping limit. Besides that, there’s hardly any suspension noise, and importantly, unlike the earlier car, it’s got adequate ground clearance too.
Handling
On the handling front, the tight road manners are courtesy of the great chassis balance which uses a superior suspension setup. Also, the light and quick steering offer an accurate response, which is further aided by very few turns from lock-to-lock, and this makes it easy to manoeuvre within city limits.
Negatives
Rear Seat Best for Two
The rear bench in the Civic is definitely comfy, but space is optimum for two passengers. So accommodating a third passenger will push the others to the corners where the sloping roofline will constantly brush their heads.
Petrol Engine-Gearbox Combo
Sure, the 1.8-litre petrol engine is smooth and refined like any other Honda motor, and it gets off the line with more than enough grunt, which is okay for commuting within city limits. But it is the CVT gearbox’s prominent rubber-band effect that spoils the show as the revs take too long to build, especially when you mash the throttle for an overtake. And sadly, even the paddle-shifts can’t really help speed things up as you’d imagine.
Conclusion
The new Honda Civic has a lot going for it. The engines are refined, it is dynamically sorted, and the cabin is not only comfy but silent too. All the right ingredients, you’d say, for being both the proficient city commuter and an accomplished mile-muncher. Quite the all-rounder!
