2012 Honda Civic review
2012 Honda Civic
By Ian Lynas, 02nd February 2012
One of the most popular models in the Honda range is the Civic and proof of this comes when you look at the sales figures for the UK; since 1973, some 650,000 have found their way onto our roads.
February will see the ninth generation arriving and I have been fortunate to test the new car at the international launch which was staged in Southern Spain.
New 2012 Honda Civic interior
The wraps were taken off the new model at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the Swindon-built Civic features a number of subtle exterior design elements; the real difference being under the skin and in the cabin layout.
Thanks to the co-operation of the ex-F1 Honda engineers, the handling and ride of this latest model is taken to a much higher level and as a consequence, it has a more premium feel. The driver's area was apparently inspired by the cockpit of a jet fighter and you should feel completely in control of the car when you get behind the 'wheel; instrumentation and layout are great. Boot space is a generous 477 litres but flip the rear seats and you have 1,378 litres available.
New Civic
I had one major hang up with the outgoing model: the poor rearward vision; Honda has taken note and this time round, there is a vast improvement.
This new Civic offers high levels of comfort and wind noise is reduced thanks aerodynamics being given priority. This is also an important factor when it comes to fuel saving.
When I approached the new Civic for the first time I thought it was a three door version but found that the rear doors have concealed handles. This is great design and lends this five door car a coupe appearance.
New 2012 Civic
Honda has every right to be proud - the company can be listed among the finest engine builders in the world and one of the pleasures of driving their cars has been the power plant that rests beneath the bonnet.
The new Civic comes a choice of both petrol and diesel engines with more to follow. On the launch I was able to try 1.8 litre petrol and a 2.2 litre diesel.
The petrol is from the VTEC family and the one tested was a 1.8 litre with 142PS and a CO2 rating of 137g/km. Like other VTECs I have sampled in the past, to get the best you need to use revs and the gearbox. There is also a 1.4 litre version with 100PS and a CO2 rating of 129g/km.
The 2.2 DTEC with 150PS and a CO2 rating of just 110g/km was my choice. With lots of torque this engine is used in other Honda models including the Accord but it has been further refined for the Civic.
New Honda Civic 2012
During 2012, a 1.6 litre diesel engine will provide even more choice for the buyer and a new Type-R will be coming our way in 2013. Rumour has it that later next year a Mugen-inspired Civic will also be launched.
Eco Assist optimises fuel efficiency by minimising the differences in fuel consumption caused by varying driving styles. There is also the ECON button which you can select on the dashboard; this simply activates a gentler throttle map and there is also Idle Stop, this is Honda‘s version of start/stop which has become a popular feature with many car manufacturers.
With high level technology and a ore comprehensive safety package the latest Civic is without doubt, the best to date.
