HONDA’S NATURAL ASPIRATION
It hasn’t got a turbo, but the entry-level Civic still manages to be a core seller
What’s new?
After testing Honda’s all-new Civic in range-topping 1.5-litre turbo form last week, it’s now time to get behind the wheel of the 1.8-litre non-turbo variant.
The entry-level Civic runs the same E85-compatible (the turbo engine takes only E20 at the most) four-cylinder of its predecessor (see graphics for more details). New in the drivetrain department, however, is the CVT automatic replacing the older five-speed regular auto.
Some differences between the two Civics are easier to spot. The 1.8 has chromed grille instead of black variation in the 1.5 and the 16-inch wheels are an inch smaller as well.
Differentiation continues inside where the most basic E model, as tested here and priced at 869,000 baht, comes with a smaller multi-function display, conventional functions and white-coloured cloth upholstery.
Without going into lengthy detail, the EL variant gets many more items that can be found in the 1.5. But the EL will set you back nearly 100,000 baht, at 959,000 baht.
Due to their lower price points, Honda expects both 1.8s to take up 80% of total Civic sales in Thailand.
What’s cool?
Despite the absence of forced induction, the 1.8 rarely feels sluggish. And like in the 1.5, the new CVT gearbox responds quite well to the driver’s desires. You really don’t feel shortchanged for the absence of the 1.5’s seven-speed manual shift mode in the 1.8.
While the suspension set-up in the 1.5 may feel a little underdamped to match the car’s sporty image, it feels just about right in the 1.8. The ride is generally absorbent and there is easy and direct steering, plus sufficient grip on the highway.
What’s not?
Nothing much, if talking about the driving bit. Sure, the 1.8 is less economical on fuel than the more technically advanced 1.5, but a possible 15kpl-plus rating can’t really be considered bad at all.
Buy or bye?
Choosing between the 1.5 turbo and 1.8 shouldn’t be hard. If you like punchy performance, racy exterior details and gadget-filled interior, spoil yourself with 1 million baht.
But if you can’t afford the 1.5 — and you can really tell yourself that it’s rather unnecessary — the 1.8 will still do for it has ample performance. It’s really going to boil down to which trim you’d choose. Simple again: if you can live without convenience features, then it’s E time.
The only sticking point for price-conscious buyers is the major competition. When equipped with a 1.8-litre engine, the Toyota Corolla Altis costs a lower 858,000 baht, not to mention the even cheaper 1.6-litre variant.
Even so, the Civic 1.8 largely makes up in areas like styling and overall driving performance. And the good thing — for many Thais — is that it doesn’t look like that ubiquitous Bangkok taxi.