Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC ES
What is it?
It’s a Honda Civic fitted with the super-efficient 1.6 i-DTEC engine, which allows for emissions of just 94g/km. This review also represents the first time we’ve tried the updated 2014 Civic, which gets tweaks to the steering, suspension, interior and exterior.
Everything is geared towards making the Civic feel a bit more sporty and look a little more premium. Place your order in the beginning of 2014 and chances are you’ll receive one of these subtly updated Civics.
What’s hot?
- Those styling tweaks, in case you missed them, are gloss black inserts in the grille and on the tailgate, and a contrasting rear diffuser. It is subtle, but with the desired premium look achieved.
- In the cabin there’s some more piano gloss black trim on the steering wheel and dash, while the seats have new stitching.
- As for the way it drives, we had a go back-to-back with a pre-facelift Civic and could only then tell the difference. There’s a fraction more consistency from the steering and the body rolls a mite less in the corners.
- You’ll be impressed by the motorway refinement, which is almost as good as that in Volkswagen’s latest Golf.
- The 1.6 i-DTEC engine is unchanged but that’s no bad thing. With 118bhp it provides plenty of punch and feels far quicker than its 10.5 second 0-62mph time suggests.
- At its cleanest the i-DTEC emits just 94g/km, which means it’s not only great for company car drivers thanks to a 13% BIK rating but it also makes sense for companies because it qualifies for 100% FYA for accelerated cash flow.
- Honda has also introduced a new safety pack (it’ll cost around £800) which includes things like lane departure warning and blind spot detection.
What’s not?
- The cabin can be a little confusing when you first step in, with Honda yet to realise that simple is the way to go. Try looking out the rear window and you’ll just see a load of rear spoiler, rather than a nice, clear view.
- While we like the punch of this engine, it does sound a little rough. It’s fine cruising on the motorway but accelerating at low speeds reveals a bit of a rattly note.
- We found that headroom can be a little tight in any of the seats so it might be worth checking it’ll suit you.
