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It's what is inside that counts ; The diesel engine from Honda that modern drivers have been waiting for. That's Roy Woodcock's verdict after testing... [Hull Daily Mail (England)](Hull Daily Mail (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) It's what is inside that counts ; The diesel engine from Honda that modern drivers have been waiting for. That's Roy Woodcock's verdict after testing the new 1.6-litre i- DTEC version of the good-looking Civic ... The original Honda Civic in its current shape (that's 2006) made me go wow on looks alone and, as recently as last September, I was still raving about it in these columns. I said then that with its coupe styling and idiosyncratic touches, like the triangular exhaust pipes, I felt there were few betterlooking cars for the price on the road. It was even worth putting up with the visibility problems through the rear window caused by the prominent spoiler, I said. All of which remains just as true in 2013. But what's making me go wow with the current additions to the range is Honda's new 1.6- litre diesel engine. The first from their Earth Dreams Technology series to be launched in Europe and debuting in the Civic (it will also be available this year in the new Honda CR-V). What makes it so special Well, it pulls off the quite magical trick of balancing power (120 horsepower) and torque (221 lbs/ft at 2,000 rpm) with emissions of just 94 g/km of CO2, which means it qualifies for free road tax and congestion charge. Fuel economy is quoted as an impressive 78.5mpg and, in real world conditions, it was still high 50s mpg across more than 800 miles of all types of road. For many years, Honda appeared to ignore the diesel option in favour of its impressive Vtec (variable valve timing) petrol powerplants, but this Swindon-built engine could just be the one we were all waiting for. The trend for diesel engines has grown significantly in Europe and now represents 58 per cent of the C-segment market. In addition, engines emitting less than 120 g/km of CO2 now represent 45 per cent of the same market, so this new Civic 1.6-litre i-DTEC addresses (and hits the front) of both of these trends. The remit for the futuristically-named Earth Dreams Technology unit was, in Honda's words, to balance environmental efficiency with dynamic performance to create a eco-focused and efficient car that was still fun to drive. It has done all of that. Honda's Swindon factory can now turn out 500 of these engines a day and the philosophy behind it will now be applied to all new power trains of the future. The designers of this ninth-generation Civic wanted to keep the sporty and advanced elements of the car's character but tweak them to express a more dynamic feel. The car is 20mm lower and 10mm wider than its predecessor, giving it a squatter, more purposeful stance. This blended body features smarter aerodynamics, including a rear light cluster that works as an aerodynamic spoiler, managing air flow over the top and sides of the car. The interior is focused around the driver and, like the eighth generation car, features a split-level instrument binnacle. One area where clear strides could be made was in the perceived quality of the cabin. The old car featured quite a lot of scratchy hard plastics but this ninth generation model alters its approach to meet a far more demanding European customer base. Class-leading boot space and versatile seating boost its credentials for family buyers. Prices for this 1.6-litre diesel variant have been kept quite competitive, starting at just under Pounds 20,000 for the SE model (as tested), just over that figure for the plusher ES variant and a little more than Pounds 23,000 for the top-of-the- range EX. The specification for this trio of Civics is identical to the equivalent 2.2-litre i-DTEC cars, but with the addition of revised 16in alloy wheels. The range-topping EX has also been treated to a few more goodies in the shape of front and rear parking sensors, an autodimming rear view mirror and DAB digital radio. Standard equipment that's new to this generation Civic range includes Honda's Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) 5in dashboard screen which displays relevant driving details such as mpg, climate and audio settings. Other additions include a rear wiper, daytime running lights and a headlight-off timer that maintains illumination for 15 seconds after the car is locked. The entry-level SE trim also includes 16in alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning and USB connectivity for compatible MP3 audio devices. The ES specification adds cruise control with a speed limiter, rear view parking camera, keyfob-operated windows and door mirror folding, plus auto up/down electric rear windows. Additional kit on ES models includes dual-zone air-conditioning, Bluetooth hands-free telephone, front fog lamps, auto headlights and wipers, leather steering wheel and gear knob, ambient interior lighting and six- speaker audio system. The new Civic 1.6-litre i-DTEC retains the Civic's practicality, exceptional cabin space and unrivalled versatility. The Civic has the most spacious interior in the C-segment and classleading boot capacity of 401 litres, which can be increased by a further 76 litres by utilising the convenient under-floor compartment. The Civic offers 1,431mm of shoulder room between driver and front seat passenger and 795mm of tandem distance (between driver and rear seat passenger). Between the front seats there is storage for two one-litre bottles and two 350ml bottles. Power outlet, USB and aux-in ports are also included. Honda's unique Magic Seat system contributes to the Civic's unrivalled versatility. The Magic Seats enable a range of seating configurations for maximum versatility. The rear seats lift up, fold over and lock down in one easy movement and the 60:40 split folding design creates near-endless configurations for your ever changing requirements. In a simple motion, the rear seatbacks can be folded down completely to give a flat boot space that is 1,600mm long and 1,350mm wide. The resulting space is large enough to carry three mountain bikes (with the front wheels detached), three extra-large cases or three large golf bags, for example. The rear seat cushions can also be flipped up to reveal ample floor space for carrying tall objects. A 60:40 split in the seat base offers even more options for carrying both people and cargo. It also offers an alternative load area if access via the tailgate is limited. We've come a long way in a short space of time. Honda's 138PS 2.2- litre diesel in the last shape Civic managed 53.3mpg and emitted 140g/ km. This 1.6-litre unit isn't quite as powerful, at 120PS, but its economy and emissions figures are of a different realm. I really enjoyed my time with this car. When other manufacturers might have been considering a radical external redesign, Honda have come up with a magnificent engine addition that will keep this car current and desirable for a new generation of motorists. FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE ENGINE 1597cc, four-cylinder, diesel engine developing 120bhp at 4000rpm and 221lb/ ft of torque at 2000rpm. CO2 EMISSIONS 94g/km. TRANSMISSION Six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels. BRAKES Discs all round (ventilated at front), with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and vehicle stability assist. FUEL TANK 50 litres. INSURANCE GROUP 15. WARRANTY Three years/90,000 miles. PERFORMANCE Maximum speed: 129mph. 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds. ECONOMY In town, 70.6mpg; out of town, 85.6mpg; overall, 78.5mpg. PRICE Pounds 19,575 on the road. Range from Pounds 16,955. On your marks PERFORMANCE: 7 Styling: 8 Comfort: 8 Equipment: 8 Finish: 8 ECONOMY: 9 Overall score: 8 (c) 2013 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |