Honda Civic VTi Car Review

The Honda Civic VTi has won the 2007 Australia's Best Mid-size Car category

"Consistency across judging criteria keeps the ever-accessible Honda Civic at the top of its class for the second year running.

Buyers looking for a mid-size car under $28,000 have never had it so good, with such a wide range of excellent vehicles to choose from. Any one of the top half-dozen or so cars in this class could have been a winner, " says the Australia's Best Cars judges.

Now in its eighth generation, Honda's new Civic has finally cast off its conservative shell, morphing into a rakish sedan. There's increased interior space thanks to a longer (+70mm), wider (+35mm) body and lengthened (+80mm) wheelbase. Under the bonnet a new series of engines provide more power. 1.8 litre versions are up 15kW, while the 2.0 litre Sport's 114kW is only 4kW less than the iconic VTi-R hot-hatch of the 90's. Even environmentally conscious Hybrid buyers gain a healthy 16kW.

Value for money

Pricing

The four model range consists of the 1.8 litre VTi - $20,990, VTi-L - $24,990, 2.0 litre Sport - $29,990, (add $2,000 to each for the five speed automatic), and finally the Hybrid - $31,990, available only in CVT auto form. Our test VTi auto was priced at $22,990 plus on road costs.

Standard features

For their money VTi buyers receive air conditioning, cruise control, power windows (auto-up on driver's door), remote central locking, tilt-reach adjustable steering wheel and single CD/MP3 player.

Design & function

Space & practicality

The larger bodyshell provides noticeably more hip and shoulder room, and despite its low slung look, there is ample front and rear headroom. Luggage space is generous, and easily accessible, but the single fold rear seat can compromise useability.

There are good sized front door pockets and a roomy centre console bin in front. But the glovebox is filled by the owner's manual, and the rear door pockets are small.

Comfort

Up front the seats are supportive and comfortable, with especially good under thigh padding, (a real plus over long distances). Even though the handbrake is conveniently located near the gearlever, it's easily bumped by the driver's knee.

The rear seat is definitely for two, and its short cushion is a compromise, allowing good legroom, but minimal support.

Ergonomics

At first glance you might think the dash is all style and no substance, but this isn't the case. The "Multiplex" layout makes good sense. A large LCD digital speedo, flanked by temperature and fuel gauges, sits near the base of the windscreen. It's easy to read, even in your peripheral vision. Below this, in a separate binnacle, is traditional looking tachometer and warning lights. The central dash is angled towards the driver, making ventilation and audio selection easy. With all of this hi-tech style, Honda hasn't included wheel mounted audio switches on the VTi. If other manufacturers offer it on their cheapest hatch, why can't Honda do it for $22,990?

The small three spoked steering wheel is adjustable for tilt and reach.

Safety

Incorporating Honda's GCON technology, frontal impact forces are distributed over a wider area than on the previous model; increasing occupant protection, and the Civic's "compatibility" against larger vehicles. Driver's and passenger's front airbags with dual stage operation are standard on the VTi. Higher spec models have side front airbags, with the Sport and Hybrid fitted with curtain airbags. ABS brakes with EBD are standard. At the time of testing the Civic hasn't received an ANCAP safety rating.

Build quality & finish

There is no discernible difference in quality between the Thai built Vti and the Japanese produced Hybrid. Although, its untrimmed bootlid looks cheap and no doubt lets in some road noise.

Security

Scoring 61.5/120 under the NRMA Insurance rating system the Civic's security is on a par with Holden's Astra (61) but well down against the VW Golf (78). 

On the road

Fuel

Comparing ADR81/01 figures against similar opposition, the Honda offers better economy. Returning an average of 7.2l/100km on standard ULP, the 1.8 Honda is thriftier than the Ford Focus auto (8.0) and premium drinking VW Golf auto (8.6). Our own figures certainly verify the Honda's economy. Observant owners will also notice an E10 sticker on the fuel flap, confirming the Civic can run on a 10% ethanol-petrol mix.

Performance

Like any Honda engine the i-VTEC likes to rev, and above 4000rpm it takes on a new persona, delivering strong performance right to the redline. The five speed auto does a good job, shifting smoothly between gears. Unfortunately for those who'd like to have bit more input, or fun, there is no sequential mode.

Ride

The Vti's firm suspension doesn't provide a plush ride. There's enough compliance to stop it from getting harsh, but you can certainly feel any bumps through the seat of your pants.

Handling & steering

Benchmarked against the impressive dynamics of the Ford Focus, the Civic doesn't miss out by much. Like the Focus it uses a front strut, multi-link rear suspension system. It's responsive, balanced and grippy. The only downside is an inconsistent feel to the steering just off centre, as opposed to the Ford's linear character.

Braking

There's lots of bite from the four wheel disc brakes, with good pedal feel. But the system is very sensitive, so smooth stops can require practice.

Smoothness & quietness

Mating the free spinning four cylinder to a smooth shifting auto makes for vibration free progress. But the ever present tyre noise is a disappointment. And it's not confined to coarse road surfaces. By contrast the engine is almost imperceptible at freeway speeds.