Honda says that the creation of this new 10th generation Civic represents one of the most comprehensive and ambitious new-model developments they’ve ever undertaken. Now a lot of the time that kind of PR-speak is simply just that, but in this case – it’s completely believable because this Civic just turned the compact class on its ear.
The previous gen Civic, which launched about 5 years ago, proved to be a rare misstep for Honda. Their beloved compact had completely lost its way. Then, just one model year later, they righted that wrong with a much more competitive model. But this 2016 Civic is so far and away better than any Civic before it that it’s a total game changer.
Honda has resuscitated the fun of driving. The mini Accord-like styling is engaging. And this new Touring trim offers a more premium Civic experience.
Longer, wider yet trimer, the biggest takeaway from my week with this car is how amazingly it drives. There’s an optional new turbo under the hood and it’s the piece de resistance of the Civic’s complete reengineering. Its 162 pound-feet of torque is completely lag-free while the motor’s 1.5-liters of displacement leave the car’s excellent fuel economy unadulterated. Though not selectable on the base LX trim and thus not offered with a manual transmission, the price premium for the turbo over the base 2.0-liter engine is $1,160. The power delivery is surprisingly quick and broad in its range, it runs with a burble of sportiness and the 174 horsepower output is achieved with regular unleaded to the tune of 31mpg city/42mpg highway. Zero-to-60mph happens in a faster than it seems 6.8-seconds. Honda’s unique CVT plus torque converter transmission works wonderfully here, delivering smooth and immediate takeoff in addition to the more desirable traditional automatic sounds and sensations. And it incorporates a Sport mode with delayed upshifts and greater engine braking.
By TestDriveNow for SouthFloridaReporter.com, Feb. 20, 2016
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