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Source: Honda India
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At one time this car was
one of the most popular cars out there in the market, because of its looks and
interior design. And now, it is back after a long time on Indian roads. To some
extent the new design can be made to look a bit similar to the old one, it's
coupe body shape but not that similar. Yes, we are talking about Honda’s one of
the beauties here, the Honda Civic.
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Source: Honda India
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History
Civic has been there since long.
It was introduced in 1972 as a 2 door model car and then turned into a 3 door
hatchback. It was introduced as a
subcompact car and it has gone through several changes since then.
It was later lifted up to the
sedan range but still as a compact car, to be precise it falls in between Honda
Fit and Accord. In the beginning, it attracted customers as it was known as the
most fuel-efficient car. Not just fuel-efficient, it was reliable and
environment-friendly. Its sporty looks and performance were also some of the
reasons for its success.
Many in Japan shifted to Honda
Fit as they preferred compact cars and minivans, the production of non-hybrid
Civic was stopped in 2010. They later launched the 10th generation model in
2017.
Civic has grabbed attention
worldwide and is going strong for decades. Now, let’s see how the latest Civic
performs in the new world of cut-throat competition.
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Source: Honda India
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Looks
& Design
This 2019 model is way sportier
and sharp looking than the old one, and for me, this new design is what I
prefer. The new headlamp looks sharp and aggressive with the front shape, and
the back looks like it has been taken straight from the type R fits perfectly,
and the body shape and line going from front to back with wheel muscular wheel
arches add to the sport sharp look.
At inside, the old one when
coming for the 1st time looked way ahead of its time, seating in that car was
special and especially when compared to others. It was like a mini cockpit of a
spaceship. I am not saying the new civic Interior is bad. The build quality is
really good with the fit and finish. But it's not as mad as it was before.
When we talk about space for front drive and
passenger and driver both leg and headroom is really good as you are sitting
really low, and at the rear even if 2 tall people are at the front you will get a good
leg room at back, but because of coupe shape there can be some issues for tall
people at back only for the headroom will be there.
But the seating position is
really good and the support given by these seats are really supportive
especially in the front.
And at back the width and space
is good enough to get 3 adults comfortable.
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Source: Honda India
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Specifications
Petrol
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Diesel
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Type
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4 Cylinder, SOHC i-VTEC
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4 Cylinder, DOHC i-DTEC
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Displacement(CC)
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1799
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1597
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No. of Valves
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16
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16
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Power (kW [PS] @ rpm)
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104 [141] @ 6500
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88 [120] @ 4000
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Torque (NM @ rpm)
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174 @ 4300
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300 @ 2000
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Fuel Efficiency (km/l)*
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16.5
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26.8
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TRANSMISSION
Petrol
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Diesel
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Manual
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-
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6 Forward & 1 Reverse
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Automatic
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CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
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SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Petrol
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Diesel
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Front
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MacPherson Strut, Coil Spring
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Rear
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Multilink, Coil Spring
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Source: Honda India
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Performance
When it comes to performance,
compared to its rivals it is underpowered. But it's not just the power that
matters but also how it handles, and it handles corner like a champ.
Yes for Indian roads the civic ride
height has been raised, but Honda has not just raised the ride height, by the
way, it handles you can say they have done a good job civic gives confidence
while going around corners and the weight of the wheel is gradual and proper,
but the feedback is something else which I was expecting to be a bit better.
The power delivery is linear and
gradual not as punchy as its rivals. You can say that the only thing it lacks
most compared to its rivals is power, which is not by much margin but the looks
and the way it corners can handle a bit more power with ease.
Safety Features
We really need to talk about the safety features Honda has installed in this beautiful Civic.
As they say in their website, "When it’s about safety, limits are set, pushed, and broken. And then, they’re set again. There are no compromises. So, you drive with total confidence."
Let's get to the first safety feature.
-LANE-WATCH (1ST IN SEGMENT#)
When signalling signal left, a small camera set on the mirror will bring the video feed to the central screen showing nearly 4 times more than the passenger-side mirror you see. This keeps you aware of your surroundings and kills the blind spots while you are on the road.
-6 AIRBAGS
Dual front i-SRS airbags, side airbags & side curtain airbags promises complete protection for each & every passenger.
-5-STAR ASEAN NCAP RATING
Honda believes in safety for everyone. Civic got ASEAN NCAP 5-star rating through enhanced collision safety performance in internal testing.
-ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE (EPB) with AUTO BRAKE HOLD (ABH) (1ST IN SEGMENT#)
The Electric Parking Brake takes the place of a traditional style brake to keep your car stationary with the push of a button.
-ACETM BODY STRUCTURE
It is Honda’s fully patented safety technology they developed that absorbs impact and diffuses G-forces generated during a collision for minimising the injury to passengers.
-EMERGENCY STOP SIGNAL (ESS)
In the event of sudden stops or brakes are applied suddenly, the hazard lights automatically flash to alert other drivers. Isn't it cool!
-POP-UP HOOD (DIESEL ONLY)
It helps to reduce the possible head injuries of pedestrians, in case they experience a frontal impact with the vehicle.
-VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
It prevents the loss of control around tight corners, the VSA system will stabilise the car by reducing understeer or oversteer.
-AGILE HANDLING ASSIST (AHA) (1ST IN SEGMENT#)
Applies brake pressure to individual wheels, enhancing cornering ability and decreasing the need for corrective steering.
-HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
Prevents the Civic from rolling backwards when you put leg from your brakes on a hill or an inclined plane. We have seen this facility in many SUVs and offroading cars.
-REAR SEAT ISO-FIX
It secures your child’s car seat to inbuilt ISO Fixpoints in the back seat and ensures maximum safety for them.
-ABS with EBD and BRAKE ASSIST
This feature prevents the car from the skidding even when you brake really hard.
-MULTI-ANGLE REARVIEW CAMERA
A choice of 3 views gives you a full picture of objects behind you as you reverse your Civic in cramped parking spaces. Well, this one is a good feature.
The safety features provided by Honda deserves appreciation, and we look forward to updations on the safety features. Honda here clearly balanced the lack of new design and inspiring style with new and amazing features.
Price: 17.70 - 22.30 lakhs
We really need to talk about the safety features Honda has installed in this beautiful Civic.
As they say in their website, "When it’s about safety, limits are set, pushed, and broken. And then, they’re set again. There are no compromises. So, you drive with total confidence."
Let's get to the first safety feature.
-LANE-WATCH (1ST IN SEGMENT#)
When signalling signal left, a small camera set on the mirror will bring the video feed to the central screen showing nearly 4 times more than the passenger-side mirror you see. This keeps you aware of your surroundings and kills the blind spots while you are on the road.
-6 AIRBAGS
Dual front i-SRS airbags, side airbags & side curtain airbags promises complete protection for each & every passenger.
-5-STAR ASEAN NCAP RATING
Honda believes in safety for everyone. Civic got ASEAN NCAP 5-star rating through enhanced collision safety performance in internal testing.
-ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE (EPB) with AUTO BRAKE HOLD (ABH) (1ST IN SEGMENT#)
The Electric Parking Brake takes the place of a traditional style brake to keep your car stationary with the push of a button.
-ACETM BODY STRUCTURE
It is Honda’s fully patented safety technology they developed that absorbs impact and diffuses G-forces generated during a collision for minimising the injury to passengers.
-EMERGENCY STOP SIGNAL (ESS)
In the event of sudden stops or brakes are applied suddenly, the hazard lights automatically flash to alert other drivers. Isn't it cool!
-POP-UP HOOD (DIESEL ONLY)
It helps to reduce the possible head injuries of pedestrians, in case they experience a frontal impact with the vehicle.
-VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA)
It prevents the loss of control around tight corners, the VSA system will stabilise the car by reducing understeer or oversteer.
-AGILE HANDLING ASSIST (AHA) (1ST IN SEGMENT#)
Applies brake pressure to individual wheels, enhancing cornering ability and decreasing the need for corrective steering.
-HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
Prevents the Civic from rolling backwards when you put leg from your brakes on a hill or an inclined plane. We have seen this facility in many SUVs and offroading cars.
-REAR SEAT ISO-FIX
It secures your child’s car seat to inbuilt ISO Fixpoints in the back seat and ensures maximum safety for them.
-ABS with EBD and BRAKE ASSIST
This feature prevents the car from the skidding even when you brake really hard.
-MULTI-ANGLE REARVIEW CAMERA
A choice of 3 views gives you a full picture of objects behind you as you reverse your Civic in cramped parking spaces. Well, this one is a good feature.
The safety features provided by Honda deserves appreciation, and we look forward to updations on the safety features. Honda here clearly balanced the lack of new design and inspiring style with new and amazing features.
Price: 17.70 - 22.30 lakhs
 |
| Source: Honda India |
Final
verdict:
Looks and design: 9/10
Specs & features: 8/10
Dynamics & performance: 7/10
Safety & quality: 8/10
If you're looking for a sporty
looking car, which is comfortable and good city and highways go for civic. it is a great car to be in and to look at and gives great confidence, but if power is in your 1st priority then civic is not for you.
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