Is this the best Honda Civic ever? by Auto Asia, Malaysia

There are a few cars in Malaysia that is perceived as having a cult status. Such recognition is attained mostly from the cars having demonstrated impressive overall performance which translates to high sales figures and a solid second hand value.

The Honda Civic has achieved cult status through years of evolution, and has grown in terms of size and stature through Honda's unwavering product development at a rate unmatched by its Japanese rivals. The birth of every new Civic is a highly anticipated event, something car owners here look forward to because it is accepted that the name speaks of a well-rounded family car, and for enthusiasts it is also one that leans towards sporty driving, and this has attracted many buyers to come back to the Civic brand.

The previous Civic offers plenty in terms of sophistication that one wonders whether the eighth generation Civic would ever be that much different or better. Honda has really come up with the best this time. There are two models launched as always, this time a 1.8S and 2.0S, in four-door saloon form but never like anyone has imagined it before. This is because the Civic has grown in size at every corner, that even from the early photos we can see that the new Civic is a much bigger car than ever before.

This time we drive the 1.8S, a car which has recently been blessed with a much lower price than one introduced at the launch. At RM113k, it can be regarded as a bargain, even before its merits are discussed here.

New powerplant
Of the two models, the 1.8S feature an all-new 1799cc i-VTEC engine. The four-cylinder 16-valve unit SOHC is typical of an i-VTEC engine which promises high performance but fuel efficiency that is comparable to a smaller engine. Compared to the previous generation 1.7-litre engine, the new engine boasts a 10pS increase to 140pS, a 7.7 per cent improvement. Torque meanwhile jumps from 155Nm at 4800rpm previously to 174Nm at 4300rpm, representing a 12.2 per cent increase.

According to Honda, the smaller, lighter engine, combined with the improved performance enables the 1.8S to perform as good as a typical 2.0-litre saloon but with a fuel economy of a 1.5-litre car. The 1.8S uses a 5-speed auto transmission with new electronic software. While the 2.0-litre has a 'paddle shift' feature, the cheaper 1.8S settles with a more conventional auto shifter.

In operation, the auto 'box is smooth during up and downshifts. Even at kick down it displays none of the harshness that is typical in most auto cars. Shifting times could be better still but this is only apparent out on the highway. In town, the Civic manners are calm and composed, helped by the smooth engine and remarkable sound insulation for a car in its class. Typical of Honda, the engine is quiet at most times and even when the revs are stretched, the rise in engine noise is not an unpleasant one. We measured a 0-100km/h of 12.3 seconds, so while it does not exactly have the kind of punch you expect to pull the car out of corners but it is not slow either. It's all down to the gearbox programme that is shaped to give a more relaxed acceleration.

The 1.8S conventional hydraulic power steering is well-weighted and although it is still vague off centre, the weight is well-judged to provide a good balance on low and high speed driving. In any case the steering wheel design is not only attractive but also is of the right size. Adjustable for reach and rake, the top of the wheel is flat, to clear the way for the digital speedometer mounted at the top of the dash.

Futuristic dash
If there's anything that you can single out as a striking feature of the new Civic then it has to be the science fiction dashboard. We've never seen anything like it; a bit outlandish when seen in photos but when you are actually sitting in the car, it all made good sense. The multi-tier arrangement is not only more pleasant to look at (of course helped by the wash of deep blue colours) it is also easier to manage the information with your eye. With a digital speedo and analogue rev counter, you soon realize that you are in a car that isn't pretentious like other car makers' attempts to make a car look futuristic for futuristic sake, just a car that is way ahead of its time in terms of design alone.

But the cabin itself isn't as revolutionary. Although you sense more space at the front, the rear can feel tight for taller occupants. It's all down to the shape of the seats: The rear seat cushion has little lumbar support, while the front gives an abnormally good support especially around the upper body. In simple terms, the rear occupants will feel a tired on long drives before the front occupant does.

Handling
As before, the Civic uses a MacPherson strut/double wishbone set-up for its suspension. But with the new Civic having a far stiffer body-shell, the ride is very close to the more expensive Accord. Very pliant on undulating surfaces, if a little jiggly on some roads with small bumps. But it is one that masks speed very well, just as in a small European luxury make.

As said, the steering may be vague but it has the right amount of weight to allow you to point the nose with confidence around corners. The low rate of roll is also impressive. The wide track and long wheelbase certainly paid dividends in the Civic's handling. It is a far more stable car than ever before. Even at highway cruising speeds, the car remains planted and calm.

And for the first time, the Civic features a traction control system called Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). Sensors on each wheel determine tyre rotating speeds and determines when a tyre loses some grip. Yaw sensors and also a steering position sensor determine the relative direction of the car and when it detects that the car is either under steering or over steering, it reduces engine power and applies the brakes to the slipping tyre to stabilise the car. Apart from the four-wheel disc brakes, it also features ABS, EBD and as mentioned BA (Brake Assist).

It may not have leather upholstery, but the level of equipment is of high quality. The CD audio system is excellent and features not only a remote control but also an ability to be connected to an external MP3 player like an iPod.

Conclusion
It's hard to pick faults with the new Civic. It is not only the most attractive four-door car in its class on sale right now; it is also among the lowest in price, thanks to local production and the NAP. The level of refinement is almost to Accord levels that you won't miss much if you can't afford to buy an Accord. It also displays a fine balance in corners, giving you confidence and therefore a safe drive. It is by far the best family car on sale. It is the best Civic.

Honda Civic

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