AutoExpress: Euro Honda Civic 2014 review

Updates to the Honda Civic boost appeal, but is it enough to worry the best hatchbacks?

by Luke Madden of www.autexpress.co.uk

 

This updated Honda Civic is certainly better than the outgoing model, but the margins here are quite small – a back-to-back drive is necessary to feel the differences. But Honda should be applauded for its cycle of improvements to address customer complaints about the interior and handling because after all, those are the people who matter most.

 

The refresh to the Honda Civic for 2014 is subtle, and Auto Express has driven the new model ahead of the order books opening early next year.

It’s not quite a full-blown facelift, just a series of minor tweaks aimed at lifting quality, improving handling and boosting high-speed stability.

Styling updates are limited to the gloss black grille and wheelarch surrounds – rather than dark grey – a gloss black strip below the rear windscreen and a contrasting black diffuser, rather than a body-coloured one.

There are changes inside, too, like new piano black detailing on the dashboard and steering wheel. We tried an updated Civic back- to-back with a current model, and the changes do improve the way it drives – albeit subtly.

Tweaks to the suspension have meant that through bumpy corners the Civic now feels a lot more tied down to the road.

There’s a fraction less roll, too. Changes to the steering have ensured it now feels quicker to react to driver inputs, but it’s still not as crisp as the set-up in the Focus. The 1.6-litre i-DTEC is unchanged, so it’s as punchy and efficient as ever, if rough-sounding.

The starting price will remain at £16,995, but trim levels are likely to change. A new feature offered for the first time in a Honda is a safety package including active city braking and lane departure warning, which will cost around £800.

Key specs

• Car tested: Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC
• Price: Range from £16,995
• Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
• Power: 118bhp
• Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
• 0-62mph: 10.5 seconds

• Top speed: 129mph
• Economy: 78.5mpg
• Economy: 94g/km
• Equipment: DAB radio, 17-inch alloys
• On sale: 2014

Source;

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/civic/76744/honda-civic-2014-review

2014 Honda Civic hatchback launched with mechanical and cosmetic tweaks

With update electronic power steering

Honda has introduced the 2014 Civic hatchback in Europe which brings an assortment of mechanical and visual changes.

The Civic lineup was updated in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the introduction of the more practical Tourer version and now Honda has prepared some changes for its hatchback sibling. The most important modification is in the electric power steering system which has been retuned to provide a more secure control during higher speeds.

In addition, the front and rear dampers were revised for improving body control, while the toe and camber of the rear suspension were realigned to improve the hatchback's handling. All these changes are a response to the feedback provided by Honda clients at the firm's dealerships and were conducted at its Swindon, UK base.

Visual tweaks are limited to the privacy glass on the lower rear window along with piano black touches on the number plate surround, tailgate and lower bumper. Before this minor revision, these areas used to be painted in the same color as the body. A piano black look has also been applied on the front bumper which previously had an anthracite finish. Honda has installed fresh new alloys and made the wheel arch garnishes a bit darker.

Step inside the cabin and you will find white stitching on the seats, steering wheel and knee pad, along with aluminum inserts around the cup holder together with a few glossy black inserts. In the UK there will be an optional 500 GBP Advanced Driving Assist System package available on the Tourer as well bringing blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and active city braking.

The 2014 Honda Civic hatchback is programmed to go on sale in January. Pricing details have not been disclosed but chances are there will be a minor increase justified by these upgrades.

Source: Honda

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113111366009/2014-honda-civic-hatchback-launched-with-mechanical-and

Diesel Honda Civic Review

Finally some evidence Honda is not sitting on its technological hands with the appearance of a new turbo-diesel Civic. It's from Honda�s �Earth Dreams� program much like Mazda's SkyActiv and numerous other �green� technology programs used increasingly by just about every manufacturer.

They've had diesel Civics in the UK (where it's made) and Europe for yonks but the local Honda arm didn't think it would sell here. We'll see.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
At $26,990, it's a better proposition than many of the European diesels and every bit as good as the Koreans though with a six-speed manual only, broader appeal might elude it.

They've fitted plenty of kit too with dual zone climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio, multiple info display, reverse camera, auto wipers and headlights and a noise cancelling system inside to reduce engine and road noise (works a treat).

 

ENGINE
The Honda kicks out impressive power and torque for a 1.6-litre turbodiesel achieving 88kW/300Nm with fuel economy on the combined cycle rated at 4.0-litres/100km. It's a new all-alloy engine employing a new generation Garret turbo with variable nozzle control pressurising incoming air at 1.5bar.

That partly explains why the Civic DTi-S has so much get-go. Once underway, acceleration is not a problem though it�s a little tardy off the mark. The six-speed manual is sweet enough but not in the same league as the Honda CR-Z we just had.
TECHNOLOGY
The Civic DTi-S has plenty of systems to optimise performance and fuel economy while minimising emissions. The six-speed manual transmission is purpose-built for efficiency under the Earth Dreams program. Civic DTi-S has auto stop/start, fuel economy driver �coaching� systems and economy calibrations for the engine and other mechanical functions on the car.
DRIVING
We will have this car for three months and drive it about 6000km so the; assist driver coaching system will be an interesting experience. We are already engaged with the car's astonishing fuel economy and continually try to better it having already seen 4.0 easily. Why you'd buy the Civic Hybrid is beyond us.

We like the looks outside (secret rear door handles and all) as well as inside which seems a cut above other Civics though similar in design. It's a practical thing too with Honda's clever �Magic Seat� system in the back offering one touch access to numerous seat layouts.

It seems this car will sip ridiculously small amounts of fuel and goes really well while having the capacity for five adults in its five door hatchback body. Perhaps we should challenge ourselves and see how much fuel we don't put in this car...
VERDICT
Once the word gets out about the car's economy, performance and price we predict it will do well.

Honda Civic DTi-S Price: from $26,990
Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder diesel, 88kW/300Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, FWD
Thirst: 4.0L/100Km, 105g/km CO2

 

By Peter Barnwell | Carsguide