TEST DRIVE: Honda Civic 1.8 EXi

MANILA, Philippines - It’s been some time since I last got behind the wheel of a new Honda Civic. I actually miss the experience, Civics usually being a spirited driver’s car—not to mention a highly accomplished all-around compact sedan. The latest Civic bows with advanced fuel efficiency measures and an even more futuristic cockpit to go with further enhancements to its ride, chassis rigidity, and noise insulation. I tested the fully loaded 141-hp, 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine-powered 1.8 EXi variant (there is also a new 2.0 flagship model) which, like all the new Civics, use Eco Assist technology to achieve impressive fuel efficiency.

Engaging “ECON” mode adjusts the engine, drive-by-wire throttle, transmission, and air conditioner for optimized fuel economy. An “Eco” coaching ambient meter further guides the driver by measuring throttle input and displaying color-coded cues on the instrument panel: a blue light illuminates when driving aggressively; green indicates fuel-efficient driving.

The all-new exterior is highlighted by a sharp, wedge-like front end (which looks a tad too close to the City’s) and prominent rear taillamps inspired by the Honda Accord (but perhaps even more so by the current Mercedes-Benz C-class). The rear door’s quarter window has a BMW-like dogleg that’s becoming a bit too common among Japanese cars. Nonetheless the Civic exudes an overall look that, even if not terribly original, is still sleek, contemporary, and upscale.

Inside the well-crafted and spacious cabin, the dashboard features a 5-inch color LCD multi-information display for audio, onboard computer, and vehicle light settings as well as the two-tiered instrument panel first seen in the previous-gen Civic.

The i-VTEC engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain is still a paragon of smoothness and refinement. The engine may not be as racy as those in Hondas of the 90’s, but it still manages to retain its impressively silky demeanor that has characterized just about every Honda. And as mentioned, the ECON mode goes a long way in helping the car—and its driver—achieve heretofore higher levels of fuel economy than in any previous Civic.

Ride quality is superb, the car smothering the worst bumps and potholes with ease. The more recent Civics have become more skewed towards luxury than sport compared to their predecessors of a decade and a half ago, but they still handle very responsively.

The 1.8 EXi’s numerous standard goodies include projector-type headlights, foglamps, rear reverse camera (which projects images of the rear of the car to the dash-mounted LCD when reverse gear is engaged), side mirror-mounted signal lights, 6-speaker stereo, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone function, headlamp leveling, 16-inch alloy wheels, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats. Standard safety features include dual SRS airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist, and G-CON collision safety technology.

The highs

• high build quality/overall refinement

• very low levels of NVH

• flat rear floor (and the extra legroom it gives) will never grow old

• sleek overall styling

• lots and lots of features

The lows

• front looks a bit too similar to the City’s

• a tad pricey

The verdict

Many have equaled what was once the ultimate compact sedan, but the Civic is still easily one of the best cars in its class