Honda Civic Updated

Fine-tuning a winning formula

In today’s fast paced world no one can rest on their laurels. Competition is fierce, competing products are continuously refined and whoever is on top today, might find themselves surpassed tomorrow. Not even a company churning out quality products like Honda, can escape this truth.

So the time has come to update the Civic model range, but how do you improve something that’s already this good? Well, you make subtle changes that will redraw the attention to a car that should be on any new buyer’s radar.

The updated Honda Civic retains its striking styling approach, 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, three-dimensional bumper and new styling details, all designed to further emphasise the Civic’s unique fusion of sportiness and refinement. At the rear, Civic customers will notice new chrome detailing 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.

In profile, the wind-cheating shape remains as eye-catching as before, but new model-specific wheel designs have been introduced to add some extra eye candy. The Civic 1.8 Comfort features double-spoke16-inch alloys in Shark Grey, while the 1.8 Elegance and 1.5T Executive are fitted with 17-inch wheels featuring scythe-shaped spokes in Dark Grey. In line with its overtly dynamic character, the 1.5T Sport gains 17-inch alloys finished in Berlina Black, augmented by a dark coating.

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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. Low cabin noise and refined ride quality were hallmarks of the 10^th generation Civic from the outset, thanks to comprehensive sound proofing, including underbody coverings and a noise insulation door system.

The updated Civic takes these elements to new heights with further improvements to the noise insulation package. At the same time, the cabin finishes have been refined to reflect a contemporary, textured look that varies according to model. The high specification levels of the four Civic models have been carried over to the updated range, offering owners an extensive array of comfort, convenience and safety features.

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An extensive range of advanced technologies remains 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. The innovative system enables connection with numerous smartphone functions, including maps for ease of navigation operation. It’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Elegance, Sport and Executive models, making this the most convenient and connected Civic ever. The system is also compatible with various media formats, and can be operated by controls conveniently located on the multifunction steering wheel.

The touchscreen buttons have been replaced by hard buttons for improved ease of use, while a convenient volume control knob has also been incorporated. 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
• Lane watch with blind spot camera

The 2019 Honda Civic is still offered with a choice of two engines – a normally aspirated 1.8-litre unit, and an exciting 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine.

The 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo features Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams Technology’ and produces 127 kW of maximum power at 5 500 r/min, along with 220 Nm of maximum torque – the latter available in a broad range between 1 700 and 5 500 r/min to enhance all-round drivability. As before, the Civic is also available with a refined, naturally aspirated 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine. It produces 104 kW at 6 500 r/min, allied to a torque peak of 174 Nm at 4 300 r/min. In line with Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams Technology’, both engines are paired with latest generation CVT gearboxes. This ensures powerful and smooth performance, with the added benefit of maximum efficiency.

Safety is enhanced by means of the Vehicle Stability Control, which is standard on all models, incorporating Hill Start Assist, along with ABS anti-lock 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 pricing

The recommended retail pricing of the four-model Honda Civic line-up is a follows:

1.8 Comfort CVT – R364,500

1.8 Elegance CVT – R408,500

1.5T Sport CVT – R474,700

1.5T Executive CVT – R507,600

The recommended retail pricing includes a five-year/200 000 km warranty, a five-year/90 000 km service plan, as well as three years of AA Roadside Assistance. Services are at 15 000 km intervals for the 1.8 models, and 10 000 km for the 1.5T variants.

Article: Johann van Tonder