2016 is a game changing year, as with different priority in life, this blog will only be updated when time allows. As with the recent Honda's models, all are as game changing in their own segment, with simple purpose of hitting its competitors hard and gaining huge leap in market share. The Honda HRV is one, and now the all new Honda Civic is yet another one, going to hit Toyota big time, especially with the new turbocharged 1.5-litre engine. It is always good to know car manufacturer is willing to bring in newer technology engine to the local market, as the long time market champion, Toyota has been sticking to the old, trusted and reliable unit, but with no excitement to the demanding consumers.
The all new Honda Civic comes with three variants, one with the old trusted natural aspirated 1.8-litre engine (141hp/174Nm), which is now the cheapest Civic one can get, at RM114k. Going up is the new Earth Dream 1.5-litre turbocharged variants (173hp/220Nm) which are priced at RM128k and RM136k respectively. One would start to ask whether should top-up a little more for the Accord instead. Honda is a believer is CVT, thus it could be disappointing for those that favour the better torque converter gearbox.
The beauty of the Civic is in the eye of the beholder. Most love the front aggressive and futuristic look, especially the highest end unit which is equipped with LED headlight. The angle portray some "Transformer" look. The rear is controversial, either hate it or like it. The extension to the light cluster to the boot lid could be a hit or miss. It is always good to know the safety equipment of all variants are similar, all round airbag and traction control are standard. Parking brake is now electric, no more handle. For those that would love to modify their Civic for some handbrake drift action, forget about it, as it has grown to be more luxurious now.
Gone are the 2-tier meter cluster and the new Civic live on with a simpler dashboard. Quality of the interior is questionable, especially with the leather seat. Sit on it, feel it, one can immediately agreed on the questionable quality, which looks loosely stitch and too soft with some lousy leather. Locally sourced seats could be a concern!
The Civic again has adopted the hidden tier to house the 12V and USB input. Some love it as it hide the messy space, but it is totally not ergonomic for usage. A driver while seated, making the reach to the 12V socket difficult as it is far toward the passenger side. Even accessing the USB port which is nearer is difficult as the whole compartment is like hidden deep down the centre stack. Honda's engineer should relook into the design.
Love the Civic, and want to finally own a turbocharged Japanese car, then heads toward the showroom and test it. Do however note the engine is so new, and it could take time for local dealer to get familiar with how to service and repair the car. The engine has not proven itself yet in our ground of hot and humid weather, is it worth the rush to own one? I would personally wait till Honda resolve all issues (if any) before embarking on the new turbocharged unit. Maybe the 1.8-litre is the best choice for now!
