The Honda Civic has long been an icon of the local automotive industry, consistently setting the standard for compact sedans. The 11th-generation Civic, introduced in 2021, carries this legacy with a blend of performance, style, and innovation.
A facelifted version has already made its debut in Thailand, featuring a hybrid powertrain and a few design tweaks. But before you rush to wait for the new model, there’s an argument to be made for the current Civic available in showrooms. This is especially true as Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is offering attractive discounts on the existing model.
I recently had the opportunity to test drive the V Turbo variant of the current Civic, and it reminded me of why this car remains a strong contender in the compact sedan segment.
Conservative Yet Modern Design
The 11th-generation Civic stands as a significant shift from the styling of its predecessor. This generation presents a more conservative design language, departing from the 10th-generation model’s aggressive aesthetic that was intended to command attention. Personally, I appreciate this conservative approach, as it presents a balanced mix of elegance and sportiness.
The Civic V Turbo variant, which I had the pleasure of driving, embodies this design ethos perfectly. Its exterior design is classy and sophisticated, while also exhibiting a sporty undertone. The current Civic doesn’t scream for attention but subtly catches the eye with its sleek lines and refined details. Its 17-inch alloy wheels, exclusive to the V Turbo variant, complement the car’s overall design. They’re proportionate to the body, and their design adds to the Civic’s appeal without overwhelming the visual simplicity of the car.
While the facelifted model in Thailand offers some design updates, such as a restyled front bumper, a larger front grille with a honeycomb-style lower intake, smoked LED taillights, and new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the changes are subtle. If you’re considering the current version, you won’t miss out on much. The existing model still offers a timeless look that holds up well against newer models.
More-Than-Satisfactory Interior
The current Honda Civic’s interior continues to impress with its thoughtful design and quality materials. Even though the facelifted version includes some modern amenities such as a wireless charging pad, a new 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C charging ports, and Honda Connect, these features are not deal-breakers.
The cabin of the Civic V Turbo is spacious and offers a comfortable ride, a crucial aspect for those who frequently drive long distances. The seats provide excellent support, ensuring comfort on both short and long journeys. A highlight of the interior is the honeycomb detail on the dashboard, which not only adds a touch of elegance but also houses the climate control vents in a sleek, integrated manner.
Despite the Civic V Turbo I drove being nearly 20,000 km old, the air conditioning remained impressively cold. Additionally, the Civic offers generous cargo space, capable of accommodating two weeks’ worth of groceries, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike. The rear cabin’s legroom and headroom are more than adequate, ensuring that even taller passengers can sit comfortably.
Absolute Hoot to Drive
Driving the Honda Civic V Turbo is a joy, thanks to its 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo gasoline engine. Producing 178 hp and 240 Nm of torque, the Civic is lively and responsive, providing a fun and engaging driving experience. The engine delivers power smoothly, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is well-tuned, allowing for quick acceleration when needed.
The Civic handles exceptionally well, with precise steering that makes it easy to maneuver through city traffic or navigate winding roads. The suspension setup strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness, absorbing road imperfections without any concerning thuds or jolts. This makes the Civic a great companion for both daily commutes and weekend getaways.
Despite its spirited performance, the Civic remains fuel-efficient. During my test drive, which included a mix of city and highway driving, I achieved an impressive fuel economy of 13 km/L. This level of efficiency makes the Civic an economical choice for those looking to save on fuel costs.
One of the main differences between the facelifted model and the current version is the availability of a hybrid powertrain, which has been introduced in the Thai market. However, it’s not guaranteed that this option will be available in the Philippines when the facelifted model arrives. Regardless, the current Civic’s performance and fuel efficiency make it a solid choice in its segment.
One of the Safest Sedans Out There
Safety is a top priority for Honda, and the current Civic is no exception. Even without the facelifted model arriving, the Civic is already one of the safest sedans you can buy, thanks to the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance features.
Honda Sensing includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Auto High Beam (AHB), and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). These features not only enhance the safety of the vehicle but also provide peace of mind for the driver and passengers.
The Civic’s 5-star ASEAN-NCAP safety rating is a testament to its robust safety features and impact-absorbing body structure. Honda’s adaptive cruise control is particularly noteworthy, as it is among the most refined systems available, especially when compared to those offered by Chinese automakers.
Honda Cars PH Dropping Clues
While Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) hasn’t formally announced the arrival of the facelifted Civic this year, there are some clues that suggest it’s on the horizon. First, it has been nearly three years since the current version was launched, which is just the right time for a refreshed model. Second, HCPI is offering a substantial P200,000 discount on the Civic V based on its latest promos, effectively bringing down its price to P1,383,000. This discount makes the Civic an even more attractive proposition for potential buyers.
We have yet to see whether the facelifted model will indeed arrive soon. But in the meantime, if you’re in the market for one, now could be the best time to sign your name on the dotted line.
