Review: 2012 Honda Civic

Introduction

The Honda Civic has always been one of the highly recommended cars in its segment. The first generation of the reliable, efficient, and spacious Civics made their appearance way back in 1973 and the eighth gen of the Honda’s star sedan began retailing in 2006. Now, Honda is all set to present the ninth generation of the coupe that made its debut as a concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

2012 Honda Civic

What makes the halo around this new generation Civic’s visage even more magnificent is the HF (high fuel economy) version that the lineup would offer in addition to the hybrid version. With an estimated economy of 40 mpg on its two most fuel efficient models, the 2012 Honda Civic will also be available in the traditional gas engine-run as well as natural gas/alternative fuel-based models, with the coupe, the sedan and the performance-based SI versions being offered in the new launch.

What does it offer?

The 2012 Honda Civic tries to get a foot in ahead of the competition. It has several features like future-inspired intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) fitted with a new five-inch color LCD display screen that can provide users will all kinds of info right on the dash including family photos, navigation instructions, current fuel economy, an audio readout of the text on your maps. It can even help the drivers with making and receiving phone calls. Add to that, a secondary tier of instruments including a big tachometer on a higher-set panel and a digital readout capability on the speedometer and the instrument panel, makes it look even better. We would have loved to have voice-activation on the lovely system making it truly Bond-worthy, but for now, the system is controlled by buttons on the steering wheel.

The Beast

The 2012 Honda Civic is offered in the standard, hybrid and SI versions with the base HF, coupe, and sedan models being given a four-cylinder 1.8L i-VTEC powerhouse that consists of a five-speed automatic trans delivering 140 horses and a fuel efficiency of 39 mpg in highway conditions (41 mpg for the HF). Honda’s ECO Assist technology will be available on both the models.

The hybrid runs on a 4-cylinder i-VTEC 1.5 L gas motor mated to an electric engine outputting 110 hp combined. A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) on the hybrid gives an estimated combined fuel economy 45 mpg in both city as well as highway conditions.

The SI model is run by a 2.4 L engine that gives an estimated highway fuel economy to the tune of 31 mpg delivering a 170 ft-lb of torque and outputting 200 horses.

The Thrill

Intuitive controls on the three-spoke steering wheel, optional leather upholstery sourced from Bolivian Rubber cows, top notch assembly, a felt-touch dash and soft touch plastic interiors, make the 2012 Honda Civic a heady mix of the familiar older model mated with a few fresh offerings. The spacious rear cargo area does not get a trunk lid liner on the base models while the Eco button on the hybrid makes the performance feel adequate for its segment.

Interiors and Exteriors

Honda retains the outside proportions from its previous lineup with the SI models getting body kits and spoilers and the coupe and the sedan getting minor face-lifts. The reworked paint schemes on offer include blue and red in addition to Honda’s classic beige and grey shades. The dash from the outgoing model gets toned down a bit with new, more supportive seats offering more shoulder space. Flat floorboards and a wider rear seat make the Civic feel roomier inside.

Price and availability

The pricing of the new 2012 Honda Civic has not been revised by much with electronic stability control-fitted base model (in both sedan and coupe variants) going for $16,555. The LX with A/C and a stereo is priced at $18,605, and EX with automatic transmission, Bluetooth, sunroof and alloy wheels is set to retail at $21,255.

Picture Gallery

2012 Honda Civic

2012 Honda Civic a true sporting vehicle