Honda re-introduces an old flame
WE ALL know the feelings we get when we run into an old flame and the emotions that go with it. This was exactly the inner battle I experienced when meeting the ninth-generation Honda Civic.
When I was growing up all the popular kids drove Civics and there was this sense of magnetism towards the model. Maybe it was its curvaceous lines and naughty demeanour that lured us in. Whatever it was, all these feelings of desire returned when I saw her.
It’s definitely been a while, but the car’s kept its stylish profile and if anything, it’s become even more sculpted and more visually appealing than before, as if she’s matured over the years, reigniting the old love affair.
Now introduced to our market with an entry level 1.6-litre petrol powertrain, available exclusively in the Comfort derivative, the new Civic aims to capitalise on the fuel-conscious buyer with a budget.
Credited with 92kW of power and 151Nm of torque it’s a savvy competitor. In terms of consumption, it will sip a claimed 6.7 litres/100km and has a corresponding emissions rating of 160g/km for the five-speed manual, while the automatic version will consume around 6.8 litres/100km and 161 g/km. This car will only be available some time in February and we unfortunately didn’t get to drive it at launch. However, what we did test was the meatier 1.8-litre i-VTEC in both manual and auto guises.
Producing a 104kW of power combined with 174Nm of toque the Civic is propelled from 0-100km/h in a claimed 8.8 seconds (in the Comfort derivative), before reaching a top speed of roughly 200km/h. Similarly, the 1.8-litre motor in manual transmission has the same fuel consumption figures as its 1.6-litre sibling. However, in the five-speed automatic spec, this figure is lowered to approximately 6.6 litres/100km.
In recent years Honda has been accused of losing some of its sporty prowess and the new Civic aims to revive that through its fun-to-drive character. Driving her on the open road, I was haunted by the thrills of the Civics from years gone by. The motor is very smooth and free revving, while the newly designed body complemented her in the corners. And with the addition of the Cornering G-Shift Control, in the 1.8 Executive auto model, the car keeps its feisty attitude through the turns as it holds the gear, thus holding the power when exiting the curve.
After spending the day with the Civic reminiscing about old times I started developing feelings for her – again! But that’s when I realised we’ve both grown and I’ve seen bigger and better things in her C-segment. Despite trying not to, I start to notice flaws and little imperfections, which bugged me. The plastic used in the interior is something one would expect to find in the entry-level market, while the centre console looked aged and well…dated. Could it be? Has my Civic let herself go? It certainly seems this way. From a brand many associate with class, the Civic’s appearance seems to have slipped, while so many competitors have improved theirs drastically. I think I’m finally ready to move on, and so ends my Japanese love affair.
Prices include a five-year/90 000km Service Plan, and a three-year/100 000km Warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
PRICING
1.6 Comfort Manual R209 900
1.6 Comfort Automatic R221 900
1.8 Comfort Manual R229 900
1.8 Comfort Automatic R241 900
1.8 Elegance Manual R259 900
1.8 Elegance Automatic R271 900
1.8 Executive Manual R269 900
1.8 Executive Automatic R282 900
