CIVIC SENSE

Loaded with futuristic features, padded with style, the new Honda Civic variant is a winner

If it8217;s not broken, why fix it? So goes an old aphorism. Honda, it seems, believes in the contrary8212;if it8217;s not broken, enhance it. So it has launched a Civic variant, 1.8V, to join the older 1.8S.

The snazzy Civic has always been one of the best looking sedans in India, but now Honda is pampering motorists with additional features like leather seats, front fog lamps and turn indicators integrated with the side-view mirrors. The new variant is more colourful too. It comes in two additional shades8212;Mystical Violet and Carbon Bronze Pearl.

Honda, known worldwide for its flawless auto engines, has retained the 1.8S engine for the new variant, which comes with the option of a five-speed manual gearbox or an automatic one.

With its futuristic interiors and stunning styling, the Civic8217;s design could be one of the most radical that Honda has come up with in recent years. The sporty sedan comes with 15-inch, five-spoke alloys which make the car look more like an Italian beauty than an efficient Japanese vehicle. Beauty with an undertone of aggression, if you consider the new fog lights.

The rear, somehow, doesn8217;t synchronise with the revolutionary design. It8217;s still too muscular and chunky. The car also has low ground clearance. So before zooming off at high speed, just watch out for the speed breaker.

One could spend hours admiring the car from outside, but the interiors are even more radical. Step into the Civic, and the first thing you notice is the cockpit-like digitised instrument panel. The car also has illumination control for the panel, a chrome switch panel, integrated 2 DIN music system with radio and a six-CD changer.

The 1.8V not only comes with leather upholstery but also has new black-beige interiors. It8217;s easy to get carried away by the overt sportiness of the Civic with its race car seating position, slick gearshift manual or automatic, the small, rally car-like three-spoke chrome steering wheel and the incredible engine that thrives on high revs.

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It also has loads of safety features, including the anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and twin airbags.

The five-speed manual Civic MT returns 9-10 kmpl, while the automatic AT gives 7-8 kpml, which is very good for its segment. The 1.8V MT comes for Rs 11.51 lakh ex-showroom, while the 1.8V AT costs Rs 12.21 lakh ex-showroom.

So if you drive your own car, the 1.8V is for you as its interior layout is focused on the driver.