By JASON K. ANG
n each carmaker’s lineup, there’s a core product that strongly defines the company philosophy and demonstrates its technological abilities. Sometimes, that core product enjoys so much success that it reaches iconic status. If Porsche has its 911 and Mercedes-Benz its E-Class, Honda’s core is the Civic.
Each generation of Civic has stood for technological advancement in a practical, affordable compact car. Previous generations have introduced the compact car buyer to the CVCC combustion chamber, fuel injection, independent rear suspension, and variable-valve timing: some of which are not even standard in all vehicles in its class.
Lately though, the Civic’s lead has been encroached upon by other cars that offer more luxury, technology, and sportiness.
The 8th-generation Civic seeks to redress all that, by once again promising sharp handling, good looks, and of course great engines. In this case, two engines: a 1.8 liter that delivers an impressive 140 hp, and a 2.0 that’s good for 155 hp. The 1.8, with an SOHC i-VTEC system, promises the acceleration of a 2-liter engine combined with the fuel economy of a 1.5-liter.
The big news in this class is the availability of a 5-speed manual with the 2-liter. Those choosing the automatic will also have the option to choose gears via racing-style fingertip controls on both sides of the steering wheel. The funky three-spoke oval wheel is adjustable for tilt and reach.
The instrumentation features a futuristic two-tier design, with speedometer and other frequently read gauges at the top for easy viewing; the tachometer and other gauges are mounted on the lower tier.
Safety is better than on any previous Civic, with features that are the most complete in its class. The Civic comes with Vehicle Stability Assist and four airbags for the 2.0 liter model, and ABS-EBD standard except on the base 1.8V. The Civic features four-wheel independent suspension, with Honda’s trademark double wishbone setup in the rear, with disc brakes on all four corners.
Pricing and equipment level are quite competitive.
The new eighth generation Civic are priced at - P767,000 for the 1.8-liter SOHC IVTEC; P802,000 for the 1.8 V automatic; P824,000 for the 1.8 S manual; and P859,000 for the 1.8 S automatic.
Prices for the 2.0-liter variants are: P932,000 for the 2.0 S manual; P1,102,000 for the 2.0 S-L automatic; and P1,117,000 for the Pearl White Mica 2.0 S automatic.
The 2.0 comes with HID headlamps, chrome door handles, hydrophilic side view mirrors with turn signal repeater, and dual exhaust pipe with finisher.
All the ingredients are in place for a great return to form for the former king of the compact class. The all-new Civic will be the centerpiece of the Honda display at Manila International Auto Show, April 6-9, 10 am to 10 pm, at World Trade Center. Honda will also have no less than 10 units of the Civic available for public test drives.
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