- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.8i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
103kW, 174Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 6.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Honda Civic VTi
Frugal Civic a Thai takeaway
Australia's car industry continues to operate in a parallel universe, producing big, thirsty six- and eight-cylinder sedans for a world where a litre of petrol still costs 70-80 cents. The Japanese and Europeans, long accustomed to high fuel prices, have been steadily improving fuel efficiency, performance and refinement in their small and mid-size four-cylinder cars.
Take Honda's new Civic VTi sedan, for example. It uses a 103kW, 1.8-litre, four-cylinder powerplant, engineered for usable, refined performance, a frugal thirst and compliance with the tough Euro4 emission standard.
Our five-speed automatic averaged 6.6 litres/100km on the highway and less than 9 litres/100km in town, making the Civic the most economical car in this class.
It also runs on 91 octane regular unleaded, so at the pump you're immediately five to 10 cents a litre better off than drivers who have to reach for the premium filler nozzle.
As the base model in the new Civic range, the VTi costs $20,990 with a five-speed manual, or $22,990 with the five-speed adaptive automatic transmission. Australia's free trade agreement with Thailand, where the Civic is built, saves Honda Australia 10 per cent on the cost of the car. So it's able to include power windows and mirrors, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning, remote central locking and front airbags.
The VTi-L, at $24,490, adds a six-stacker CD player, front side airbags, 15-inch alloy wheels and automatic air-conditioning. The 114kW, 2.0-litre Sport costs $29,990; the Civic Hybrid, which we'll look at in the near future, is $31,990.
The base model 1.8-litre engine's efficiency is achieved with lightweight, low-friction components, sophisticated electronics and some clever engineering, including the variable inlet valve system (i-VTEC) which in this application is able to make the 1.8-litre return the fuel consumption numbers of a 1.6-litre. Yet you pay no performance penalty for this loaves and fishes economy. The engine has a wide, flexible delivery and is exceptionally smooth.
The five-speed automatic gives the Civic telling performance and economy advantages over its 1.8-2.0-litre, four-speed auto rivals. Closely spaced lower gear ratios give the VTi snappy performance off the line and strong acceleration, yet at 100kmh on the highway it also has the legs to pull fifth gear at only 2000rpm, a remarkably relaxed workrate for an engine of this capacity.
Adaptive programming minimises hunting when climbing hills and selects a lower gear to exploit engine braking on descents. Gear changes are smooth and crisp, though there is no facility to manually shift between fourth and fifth, which would be useful at times.
The VTi's dynamics aren't as sporty as the Ford Focus or Mazda3 but it is free of bad habits and nasty surprises.
MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension is tuned primarily to deliver a supple, smooth ride, so the Civic is an enthusiastic understeerer in tight bends but it maintains reasonable control over body movement and roadholding is generally good.
Steering is sharp and accurate, if rather remote in feel. The brakes have plenty of power and are easily modulated once you get used to the light, sensitive pedal.
The all new body takes the Civic up a size on the previous model. Interior space is comparable with medium-sized sedans such as Subaru's Liberty and VW's Jetta.
Only the four-door is offered for the time being. A five-door hatch is available in Europe but it won't be here for a couple of years.
The Civic's cabin feels like $30,000 worth. It provides ample space for four adults. Its light, open ambience is accentuated by large expanses of glass and low window sills. Minimal engine and road noise intrusion is commensurate with a premium priced mid-size car. Fit and finish quality, however, was inconsistent on the two Civics we drove.
The flowing, people mover-style dash has a deep cowl, so initially you feel like you're sitting in a much bigger vehicle, with the front wheels a long way towards the horizon. You have no idea where the front end is but vision is otherwise clear around the car.
A split-level instrument panel is brightly lit in blue and white. On top of the dash, straight ahead of you and just under your line of sight, is a big digital speedo that you're able to read with barely a glance. In the usual position, behind the wheel, is the tachometer.
Other controls are efficiently arranged and easy to use. The air-conditioning and audio head units are placed high and clearly marked. Cruise control buttons are on the small diameter, lightweight wheel, which has an effortless, almost toylike feel in the hands.
There's no shortage of conveniently placed storage, including three covered bins on the centre console.
The driving position is relaxed and comfortable for all physiques. You sit high, even when the seat is set at its lowest position. The wheel is height- and reach-adjustable. Tall drivers will use all the seat travel.
The driver's seat is shaped for larger sized bodies, an unusual characteristic in a Japanese mid-sized car. The long, wide, supportive cushion and firm, properly contoured backrest are comfortable on a long drive, though the backrest angle would benefit from stepless increments for precise adjustment.
The back seat also has a comfortable cushion but the backrest may be too steeply angled and unsupportive for some.
There's no boot release handle, or button on the remote, so if you're returning to the car with the shopping you have to use the key, which is annoying. On one example we drove, the boot lid was occasionally reluctant to close as well.
The shallow, wide boot can be extended by folding the rear seat back forward, which is useless if you have kids in restraints. The VTi-L has a more practical split seat back. A full-sized spare is under the floor.
If you're looking for a spacious, comfortable, economical mid-sized sedan under $25,000 and you prefer the convenience of an automatic, the Civic VTi has the contest run and won - every time you remove the fuel cap.
Prices and details correct at publication