This Civic’s for Real

The long wait is finally over. When members of the Philippine motoring media arrived from the Tokyo Motor Show late last year, those among us who were with the Honda contingent were ceaselessly bugged by questions from very curious consumers regarding our impressions of perhaps the most awaited car in recent memory — the 8th generation Honda Civic. As of yesterday, people apart from the fortunate few to have seen and driven the car in Tokyo have already been making their own impressions. The 8th generation Honda Civic, you see, is now in showrooms around the Philippines.

What’s there to see? A car with a bold, one-motion form design that is powered by Honda’s revolutionary i-VTEC engine. The Civic’s newly developed 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine reportedly combines off-the-line acceleration equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine and achieves fuel economy similar with that of a 1.5-liter engine. Half of that claim from Honda we can attest to. When we drove the Civic in Honda’s Tochigi Testing grounds last year in twisting roads, an oval course and a straight course, the sleek beauty proved willing and able in the acceleration department. Unfortunately, due to lack of time and instrumentation, we were not able to substantiate the fuel economy claims made then. Once the test drive units in the Philippines come marching our way, however, we’ll make sure Philippine STAR readers get the lowdown.

In the meantime, many (this writer included) were pleasantly surprised by the decision of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. to bring in a second variant of the 8th generation Civic. While initial reports suggested that the 1.8-liter variant would be followed by a 2.0-liter variant only after several months, the recent media/public launch at Greenbelt 3 in Makati featured both the 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC and 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC variants. As such, sport-minded Civic fans need not wait that long to figure out which among the two suits their preferences more.

This much we’ll say, either way, we believe that this iteration of Honda’s biggest selling car is the best version ever — this from a former Civic owner. Apart from the sprightlier engines, you see, come lots of otherwise unexpected goodies. The 5AT variant, for example, lets the driver select "S" shifting with racing-style fingertip controls on the left and right sides of the steering wheel — very Formula 1. Another welcome feature is the pair of wipers moving in opposite directions, in turn covering more windshield space — very European chic. Also, a hydrophilic power door mirror with demister for the 2.0-liter variant prevents water droplets from forming — very convenient.

Interior appointments are particularly well thought of as well. As the Civic follows the principle, "Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum", a more spacious interior is immediately evident. The large front windshield thrusts forward at an accentuated angle which when combined with the angling of the glass area creates a spacious visual feel for the driver. There’s also minimum movement of eyesight as the speedometer and other frequently checked displays are placed on the upper tier of the dashboard near the driver’s line of sight while the tachometer and other gauges are placed on the lower tier.

The Civic is stacked in the safety department as well. VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) for the 2.0L model and ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) work in synergy to avoid driving hazards. Sophisticated passive safety systems — including dual SRS airbags and pretensioner-equipped seatbelts — come standard as well.

"Considered by many as a breakthrough car, the Civic fused intelligence and excitement setting a global benchmark with each new generation. To date, we are celebrating eight generations of innovation, advanced technology and unparalleled style — possibly making the Civic the only industry benchmark of the era," said Takashi Sekiguchi, HCPI’s amiable president and general manager. We tend to agree. What we saw and drove in Tokyo raised the bar where our expectations of compact sedans are concerned. And it’s the same impressive animal that many car-hunters will see and drive soon.