Honda Civic CXi Car Review

Honda's reputation for producing high quality cars has resulted in the Civic being a popular choice of small car in Australia for more than 25 years. The sixth and current generation Civic which went on sale in October 1995 is offered in a wider range of body styles and marks the debut of Honda's first continuously variable transmission, the Multi Matic.

The Civic CXi evaluated for this test was the base or entry level model of the Civic range. It is available only as a three door hatchback and replaces the Civic Breeze. The hatchback is also available as a GLi and a sporty VTi-R. The sedan is offered in GLi and VTi specification levels. Completing the Civic range is a VTi two door Coupe.

The 1996 model Civics are characterised by sharper exterior lines, larger style headlights and increased external dimensions. The three door hatchback is 110mm longer than the superseded model and provides the occupants with greater head and leg room.

A driver's side airbag is a welcome inclusion to the standard equipment items found in the Civic CXi. Additionally, power assisted rack and pinion steering, a four speaker security coded radio cassette, tilt adjustable steering column, engine immobiliser, rear wiper washer, split fold rear seat, body coloured bumpers and front seat belt webbing clamps are all standard features.

The Civic CXi is powered by an all aluminium 1.6 litre engine which offers a substantial power increase of 21 kW over the 1.5 litre engine found in the former entry level Civic Breeze. Honda's programmed fuel injection is now fitted to all Civic models.

Honda has been working hard in recent times to maintain the competitiveness and value for money of its models against the burgeoning number of cheaper vehicles appearing in the Australian market. An improved currency exchange rate saw Honda slash $3000 from the Civic CXi earlier this year to bring the starting price for a manual Civic down to $19,950 plus dealer and on road costs. Buyers are the real winners with Civic ownership becoming more affordable without the loss of equipment or features often associated with reduced pricing.

Honda has made excellent use of the interior space to provide above average head and leg room for both front and rear seat passengers. Annoyingly, however, the front seats fail to slide forward when the tilt backrest is released. Access to the rear seats can only be easily gained after disengaging a separate lever underneath the front seat cushions to allow sufficient space to climb into or out of the rear seating positions. As a whole the seats are well shaped, offered good lateral support and an acceptable level of comfort.

In typical Honda fashion the interior ergonomics are spot on. The instrument cluster is uncluttered and clearly legible, as are the centrally dashboard mounted fan, air conditioning and radio controls. A four spoke steering wheel houses the driver's side airbag unit. The interior fittings look modern and appear to be of good quality.

The Civic is an enjoyable and easy vehicle to drive due in part to the light, yet positive operation of the clutch, brake pedal, steering and gearshift action. A good range of seat and steering column adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable driving position and the large glass areas provide ample all round vision.

The new engine delivers lively performance, which is a real treat for an entry level small car. The engine revs freely right up to its redline yet pulls surprisingly well in higher gears from minimal revs. Despite the constant use of the air conditioning system during both the city and highway running because of hot weather, the Civic CXi returned a very respectable average fuel consumption figure of 7.8 litres per 100 km.