2016 Honda Civic – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

Possibly the Best Civic Ever Built

We’re now entering the 10th generation Civic, and this one’s probably the best of them all. I say this from the first-hand experience of fun driving, sharp looks, and good fuel efficiency over the course of a week’s time spent. But that statement is rightfully backed by harnessing Honda’s prowess in engineering and R&D efforts at a global scale.

Compared to the last, this year’s Civic comes with a full suite of new features including refreshed styling, upgraded cabin quality, an introduction of two advanced new engines models, and of course, Honda’s first attempt to introduce Turbo available on EX-T trims and above.

Refined Looks Inside Out

Perhaps one of the best looking in the C segment bunch mostly because the Civic is all about agile looks. Its outer shell is well sculpted with deep contours to keep up with modern trends. Even some of its angles and standard day-time running LED head lights might as well fool you into mistaking the Civic for a luxury. With that said, it’s quite a departure of old Civic looks. This one’s much more refined, offering refreshed and graceful styling. Its shorter wheelbase coupe offers an even greater sex appeal with a more sportier stance.

Interior is pretty much what you’d expect for a Civic, but still a step up from the last. Clothe quality in our tester is somewhat mediocre, but that can be better fixed with leather stitching. Firing up the engine quickly reveals an extravagant digital boot-up symphony with its LCD cluster and infotainment screen.

Strictly speaking of the infotainment system, Honda’s got a lot of work to do. User interface is sluggish, menus are not very intuitive and voice navigation is ultimately clumsy. The absence of a simple volume knob drags our tech impression of the Civic slightly lower. Nevertheless, bucket seating is comfortable and arranged low to the ground for sportier ergonomics.  Cushioning is also abundant with good lateral support.

Road Dancing

Having driven many iterations of the Civic legacy, this one is perhaps one of the best handling of the bunch. Steering is surprisingly sharp, nimble and responsive, and suspension performance is enthusiastic for good grades when thrown around corners, but too much reveals its body roll limits.

In terms of power, our EX tester gets a a standard 2.0L i-VTEC engine producing a mere 158 horsepower. It’s not a lot, and the CVT transmission numbs out a bit of the fun, but overall, its athletic design intent does show through thanks to its ultra light chassis and quick steering. With the benefit of road gymnastic abilities, driving comfort is a a bit compromised and road noise isn’t very well insulated.

Power is a bit attenuated with the 2 liter – that’s where excitement of the 1.5L comes into play by boosting horsepower up to 174 in the EX-T trim and above. Bigger horsepower also means a heavier price tag. Opting for the basic EX trim without Honda Sensing safety tech will set you back $22,755 while the EX-T equipped with a 1.5L turbo jumps up to $25,155 and the top Civic Touring model equipped with navigation, leather seating, and heated front and rear seats for $27,155.

I’m a bit disappointed by the lack of manual transmission options available with the 1.5L turbo. Only the lowest LX and DX trims come with that option, and that also hints that it’s not going to be very good. I wouldn’t say it’s a complete lost cause though. Even with the CVT, the driving behavior is transparent and predictable, and that’s what makes the Civic so fun to drive regardless of how its gears are shifted.

Final Thoughts

Our tester comes priced in at $22,755. It’s definitely not bad for its price, but that also stacks head to head with the Hyundai Elantra 2.0L that is rock solid inside out minus the Civic’s dance skills. Regardless, give both a chance of residence in your garage, and the choice will emerge quite easily based on whether driving enthusiasm, or build quality is more valued.

Specifications

 

• Vehicle : 2016 Honda Civic
• Model : Civic EX
• Vehicle Type : Compact Sedan
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Engine : 2.0 i-VTEC V4
• Transmission :  CVT
• Price: $22,755

 

 

 

Pros

• Refresh and modern looks
• Fun driving characteristics
• Respectable price tag

 

Cons

• Cheaper feel in cabin space
• Absence of a 6-speed manual transmission for upper tier models and 1.5L engine trims.
• Lack of road noise insulation
• Lack of road comfort due to stiffer tuned suspension.