Honda Civic

Overview:

Honda Civic is perhaps the most desirable luxury sedan in the car bazaar, thanks to its aerodynamic body styling and astonishing interior design. The manufacturer is offering this sedan in several trim levels with two different petrol engine options. Its entry level variants are fitted with a 1.6-litre engine, while the other trims are blessed with 1.8-litre motor. Both these i-VTEC power plants are based on SOHC valve configuration, which enhances its performance and fuel efficiency. This vehicle has a compelling body structure that is elegantly decorated with signature radiator grille, sleek headlight cluster and a set of multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. It also has an extremely spacious internal cabin that is furnished with well cushioned seats. All the variants in this model series are blessed with a proficient 1-DIN music system featuring a multi-information display and a few connectivity ports. At the same time, they also have aspects like automatic AC unit, keyless entry system and power windows, which provides a fatigue free driving experience. The manufacturer has built this vehicle with AC body structure, which makes it capable of dealing with all the jolts and thereby it safeguards all the occupants inside. This luxury sedan is competing with the likes of Toyota Camry and Mitsubishi Lancer in the Sri Lankan automobile market.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

Both the i-VTEC petrol engines are incorporated with a critically acclaimed programmed fuel injection system, which further enhances its fuel economy. Its 1.6-litre engine has the ability to deliver a mileage in the range of 14 to 16 kmpl. On the other hand, its 1.8-litre mill can return a maximum mileage of approximately 15 Kmpl. Power:Its 1.6-litre engine has 4-cylinders, which displaces 1598cc. This engine can produce a maximum power of 92kW in combination with a hammering torque of 151kg-m. On the other hand, its 1798cc engine can produce a peak power of 104kW that results in a pounding torque of 174kg-m.Acceleration and Pickup:The manufacturer is offering both the petrol engines with 5-speed manual and automatic transmission option. The variants, which are powered by a 1.5-litre engine can break the 100 Kmph speed mark in 12 to 13 seconds and can go up to a maximum speed of 170 Kmph. On the other hand, its 1.8-litre mill enables the vehicle to zoom towards a top speed of 180 kmph. Meanwhile, it can can breach the 100 Kmph mark from a standstill in just 10 seconds.

Exteriors:

This sedan has an aerodynamic body structure that is skilfully decorated with eye-catching exterior cosmetics. It has a modernistic front facade thanks to its signature radiator grille featuring a thick chrome strip, which is embedded with company's logo. Furthermore, it also has a pair of high-gloss black slats, which gives it a distinct look. It is surrounded by a sleek headlight cluster that houses discharge headlamps and turn indicators. The front bumper has a rugged design featuring a perforated air intake section and a pair of fog lamp consoles. Furthermore, they have chrome treatment, which gives a majestic look to the frontage. Coming to the sides, it has sleek window frame, whose surround gets a high-gloss black treatment. It also has body colored ORVMs along with door handles, wherein the wing mirrors also have turn indicators. Surprisingly, all the variants are blessed with a set of aluminum alloy wheels that are embedded with company's logo. This Honda City has a stylish rear profile featuring radiator taillight cluster that has powerful brake lights and turn indicators. Its boot lid has an integrated spoiler and is skilfully decorated with company's logo.

Exterior Measurements:

This luxury sedan has a total length of 4525mm and a long wheelbase of 2670mm. It has a decent height of 1435mm and a minimum ground clearance of 150mm. Its overall width measures at 1755mm, which provides better shoulder space inside.

Interior:

It has an elegant dual tone color scheme that is amplified by brushed metallic inserts. Its cockpit has a sleek dashboard that has an unusual design and yet it gives a majestic look to the cabin. It has an attractive instrument cluster along with a large 5-inch LCD screen that displays audio track, outside temperature and odometer. It also has an intelligent multi-information screen that displays critical information and a few warning lights. The seats are well cushioned, wide and have adjustable head restraints, which provides excellent support to the body. All these seats are covered with premium fabric upholstery that gives a pleasant look to the cabin. Its steering wheel has a three spoke steering wheel, which is decorated with metallic inserts and a chrome plated company's logo. Furthermore, it is mounted with illuminated control switches, which enhances the convenience.Interior Comfort:At present, this vehicle is available in numerous trim levels for the buyers to choose from. Its entry level variants have aspects like power assisted steering, a keyless entry function and power windows. It also has an automatic air conditioning system, which helps to keep the ambiance pleasant irrespective of temperature outside. On the other hand, the top end variants of Honda Civic have aspects like paddle shifter, cruise control, rain sensing wipers and smart keyless entry function, which eventually provides a fatigue free driving experience.

Interior Measurements:

This luxury sedan looks compact from outside but has ample leg and shoulder space inside. It also has a decent luggage storage space, whose capacity can be increased further by folding the second row seat.

Engine and Performance:

At present, the manufacturer is offering this sedan with two petrol engine options. Its entry level variants are equipped with a 1.6-litre i-VTEC engine that has a displacement capacity of 1598cc. It comprises of 4-cylinders and 16-valves, but it is based on a SOHC valve configuration. It can produce a maximum power of 92kW at 6500rpm and results in a hammering torque of 151kg-m at 4300rpm. On the other hand, its top end variants are fitted with a 1.8-litre engine that has a programmed fuel injection technology. It can produce a maximum power of 104kW at 6500rpm and results in a pounding torque of 174kg-m at 4300rpm. Both these engines are available with five speed manual and automatic transmission gearbox option, which delivers torque output to the front wheels.

Stereo and Accessories:

The manufacturer has incorporated all the variants with a proficient music system including a CD player that has an intelligent multi-information display. It also has a few control connectivity ports for USB and AUX-In socket. Furthermore, the control switches are mounted on steering wheel, which enhances the convenience. On the other hand, buyers can incorporate a touchscreen infotainment system including a navigation function and a video player. In addition to these, they can incorporate a surround sound system that delivers high definition sound output.

Wheels:

The car maker is offering all the variants with a set of 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels as standard. These rims are covered with terrain capable tubeless radial tyres of size 205/55 R16, which provides excellent grip on roads.

Braking and Handling:

The automaker has fitted its front wheels with a set of high performance ventilated brake discs and the paired its rear ones with conventional disc brakes. These are assisted by anti-lock braking system that helps to minimize the skidding and improves the agility of this sedan. It is also integrated with a rack and pinion based electric power assisted steering system, which provides excellent response and makes handling quite simpler.

Safety and Security:

The automaker has blessed all the variants in this Honda Civic series with important protective aspects like anti lock braking system, dual front SRS airbags, vehicle stability assist, security alarm and engine immobilizer. They are also integrated with a rear view camera and back sonar, which makes it quite simple to park the vehicle.

Pros:

1. Breathtaking external appearance is its big plus point.
2. Safety standards are at par with other contenders.
3. Performance and fuel efficiency is quite good.

Cons:

1. There is still scope to upgrade its interior design.
2. More comfort features can be added.
3. Lack of touchscreen infotainment system is a disadvantage.