HONDA CIVIC FRESHENS UP
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Honda Motor Southern Africa has announced a series of improvements and upgrades to its advanced and dynamic Honda Civic range. The midlife update builds on the successful formula that has underpinned the Civic’s aspirational status by introducing a series of subtle enhancements to the exterior and interior of all four models in the line-up.
The choice of drivetrains remains unchanged, with a choice between two proven four-cylinder engines: a refined, normally aspirated 1.8l unit, and a sporty 1.5l turbo petrol.
The Civic line-up also continues to encompass four models: the 1.8 Comfort and 1.8 Elegance, and the 1.5T Sport and 1.5T Executive. A smooth and efficient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is standard across the range.
“This update emphasises Honda’s commitment to ongoing product improvement and enhanced customer satisfaction,” says Hiroyuki Tazawa, newly appointed President of Honda Motor Southern Africa.
Exterior
The updated Honda Civic retains its striking styling, reflecting a silhouette that’s revolutionary for a four-door sedan, and creates the overall impression of a sleek sports coupé.
For 2019 the front end receives a redesigned front grille, a bolder, threedimensional bumper and new styling details, all designed to further emphasise the Civic’s unique fusion of sportiness and refinement.
At the rear, new chrome detailing is designed to highlight the wide, low stance of the Honda, while chrome garnish has been added to the front of the 1.8 Comfort, as well as around the fog lamps of the 1.8 Elegance and 1.5T Executive models.
Interior
The Civic’s interior combines high-quality materials with an ergonomically intuitive centre console and a sporty yet comfortable driving position.
As before, the uncluttered interior design features extensive use of attractive soft-touch and accent materials that heighten the sense of premium quality. On an ergonomic level, it offers refined, user-friendly access to the various controls. This includes the striking high-deck centre console encompassing key features such as the electric parking brake and brake hold function.
Technology
Advanced technologies remain an integral part of the latest Civic in order to make driving safe and convenient, while also benefiting driver and passenger comfort.
One of the most popular features is the high-resolution, seven-inch LCD display that forms the centrepiece of the digital audio system.
Several other Civic firsts have also been carried over, including the Walk Away Auto Lock feature operated by the smart key system, which is standard on the Sport and Executive models.
The range-topping Civic Executive derivative continues to reinforce its premium status with a raft of additional safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Following, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Watch with Blind Spot Camera.
Drivetrains and performance
The 1.5l VTEC Turbo features Honda’s “Earth Dreams Technology” and produces 127kW of maximum power at 5,500rpm, along with 220Nm of maximum torque — the latter available in a broad range between 1,700 and 5,500rpm to enhance all-round driveability.
As before, the Civic is also available with a refined, naturally aspirated 1.8l SOHC i-VTEC engine. It produces 104kW at 6,500rpm, allied to a torque peak of 174 Nm at 4,300rpm. Both engines are paired with latest generation CVT gearboxes.
Chassis and safety
Safety is enhanced by means of the Vehicle Stability Control, which is standard on all models, incorporating Hill Start Assist, along with ABS antilock brakes and electronic brake force distribution (EBD).
All models are equipped with dual front, side and curtain airbags, complemented with a reverse camera and rear parking sensors on all but the base model.
Model range and prices
1.8 Comfort CVT – R364,500; 1.8 Elegance CVT – R408,500; 1.5T Sport CVT – R474,700; 1.5T Executive CVT – R507,600
Prices include a five-year/200,000km warranty, a five-year/90,000km service plan, as well as three years AA Roadside Assistance.