Oftentimes when we see a car’s base model variant, we’re prepared to see some unsightly features like steel wheels with caps, 2-DIN audio unit, halogen headlights, lack of foglights, or a manual transmission. That’s fine and all for some models but there are names you just can’t do that on. Case in point, the Honda Civic.
It’s a 30-year-old nameplate that’s already synonymous with the brand itself. Honda knew better than committing sacrilege and removing its toys just to offer something more affordable. Sure, the Brio and Jazz both offer bare bones base models, but you can’t do that to your star player.
With that in mind, this Civic S is Honda’s attempt at walking the fine line for a new base model standard. They needed something that would reduce costs but at the same time, retain the core of the Civic and they achieved it by stripping away its vanity.
For starters, they removed all the modern features of the headlights and made it a simple projector-type halogen while retaining the foglights and the LED assembly at the back. There is still some body color on the side mirrors, and the side turn signals moved to the side of the front bumper. The door handles are now similar to the body color, unlike the chrome of the E but personally I like this more. The wheels are the two-tone alloys that were formerly used by the pre-facelift E trim, and it lends itself well in making this base model look more than what it is.
The changes are more subtle inside. The gauge cluster was simplified, the rear camera was retained without the dynamic guide lines, 2 less speakers, no more power folding side mirrors, no remote control start for the engine, no cruise control, and no smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android. What you’re left with is a spacious interior clad in fabric and durable plastic that can pretty much take the beating of your everyday drive. I admit I miss the posh wrapping on the door armrest and by the center console, but those are easy fixes in the aftermarket.
Removing all these vanity pieces made the Civic S focus on what made the nameplate iconic which are the space, feel, and driving dynamics—all of which are present here. It has the same 1.5L i-VTEC engine that puts out 139hp and 174Nm of torque, disc brakes all around, same set of suspension front and back, Earth Dreams CVT; it’s basically a lady who took off her makeup and jewelry and is still confident in a plain Uniqlo outfit.
This results in a Civic that drives and behaves like a clone of the E, but you are getting it at P73,000 less—the responsiveness of the throttle, the firmness (or lightness, depending on your perspective) of the steering wheel, the ride comfort, even the fuel economy is the same, averaging 7.3 km/l in traffic, 10.3 km/l when things are smooth, and about 14.6 km/l on a Sunday. The only thing I don’t like is the rear camera that’s darker than the usual camera Honda uses. It’s hard to see especially in daylight and if there’s glare on the screen itself. I’d still take it over not having it though.
What’s more is Honda didn’t take anything away in terms of safety. It has almost the same set of features as the Civic E, save for the auto-lock when you walk away. The airbags, Hill Start Assist, Stability Assist, and more are all here.
Of course, there will be those who’ll say “it would’ve been perfect if it had manual transmission.” You have to accept the fact that even though many of you say it, not many of you buy it whenever it’s available. How many Brio MT do you see on the road? Exactly.
For P1,155,000, the Civic S is only P73,000 cheaper than the E variant, which is negligible especially if you buy it via instalments. That’s the beauty of it though, you have options. Either you go straight to the E or get this S and do some of your own touches inside and out.
Anyway you look at it, it’s a successful attempt at making a well-rounded base model especially for a car as iconic as the Civic. Taking away its vanity pieces and retaining core essentials resulted in a sports sedan that doesn’t look and feel dragged down by cost-efficiency. Minimalism is in, but who knew it would be apt for the Civic?
