Kicking it up a notch
Sportier version of iconic car makes its return, but still no stick shift – yet
VANCOUVER— The Sea to Sky Highway stretches from Vancouver to Whistler, the site of 2010 Olympic events. Over its120 kilometre length, you’ll see it all — scenic ocean vistas, waterfalls, breathtaking snowcapped mountains and enough curves, twists and turns to keep anyone entertained. Not a bad location to check out the new 2016 Honda Civic Coupe. Hot on the heels of the recently introduced sedan, the coupe rolls on the same wheelbase as the four door model. Front legroom is the same, but you get a little less headroom. Rear legroom is tight and six footers incarcerated in the back should be yoga instructors, as ingress would seem to require a full routine of sun salutes and downward facing dogs.
The coupe kicks design up a notch with multiple creases, aggressively wide rear fenders, curved rear glass and less overhang front and rear.
It looks planted and assertive even while standing still, especially from the back where the signature LED tail light bar dominates the view.
The seating position has been lowered (it’s actually level with an Audi TT) and had no issues fitting my six-foot-three inch frame comfortably into the driver’s seat.
The LX has a 2.0-L,158 horsepower inline four while the EX and Touring get 1.5-L, 174 horsepower turbo fours. I only drove the turbo and it’s a wonderful free-revving little mill with good low-end performance. Sadly, turbo buyers are currently stuck with a CVT, although a six-speed manual will be offered on all turbocharged Civics next year. Manual shift aficionados can still get the six speed with the 2.0 L.
CVTs are getting better and the Honda unit is one of the best I’ve tried. It’s quick to spool up and Canadian customers get something not available in the U.S. — paddle shifters. They allow a welcome level of driver involvement for a sporty compact like the Civic Coupe.
Another Canada-only feature is wireless charging, for those who break into night sweats at the possibility of a discharged phone battery. The drive It’s very responsive while riding the bow wave of downtown Vancouver’s cut-and-thrust traffic. CVT seems directly connected to the engine and throttle input is instantly translated into forward thrust.
Once clear of the city and onto the wonderful, sweeping curves of the Sea to Sky, the coupe really shines.
The chassis has been given a bit of a tweak with springs, roll bars and dampers slightly more sporty over the sedan’s configuration. Turn in is very light, the steering responsive without being twitchy and there is even reasonable feel and feedback from the electric assist through the leather-wrapped wheel.
On fast sweepers, there is some body roll but the Coupe feels stable and planted, even when encountering the few bumps and heaves on the route.
The cockpit has a decidedly upscale feel about it.
Hit a bump and there’s no creaking, groaning or shuddering as you’ll find in previous generations. Some road noise can be heard but wind noise is virtually absent, even with the sunroof opened to let the spring sunshine in.
Halfway to Whistler is the town of Squamish, a popular tourist destination that’s one of North America’s premier rock climbing landmarks with the imposing Stawamus Chief, a huge granite monolith rising 700 metres above the shimmering blue waters of Howe Sound.
The safety nannies are a bit abrupt in their operation but thankfully, they’re easily turned off. And please repeat after me: “Knobs and switches are best, knobs and switches are best.”
The radio volume adjustment specifically is an annoying swipe bar that requires one hand off the wheel and eyes off the road.
So the coupe has a wonderful engine, comfortable ergonomics and excellent road manners. Throw in outstanding looks and Honda’s traditional quality, fit and finish and the 10th generation Civic is a winner.