2016 Honda Civic Gen-Ten Review by Larry Nutson +VIDEO
2016 Honda Civic
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
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Certainly, yes, there is more to it than just that. The award represents the majority view of a collective of skilled and knowledgeable automotive journalists. The award is intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicle of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. But, each to his own, as the saying goes.
The Civic is a second-timer for this award, having won for the 2006 Civic a decade ago. And, the all-new 2016 Civic has gotten other accolades too from various rating agencies and auto publications.
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The 5-passenger 4-door 2016 Civic features a new vehicle architecture; new interior and exterior styling; a more spacious and high-quality cabin; two advanced new engines; and many new available premium features and technologies, including the first application of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a compact car sold anywhere in the world (so says Honda).
The front-wheel drive Civic is offered in five trims with prices starting at $18,640 and topping out at $26,500.
Like many all-new cars today, it’s longer, lower and wider. The body structure is more rigid for improved driving dynamics and there’s more use of high-strength steel. Aerodynamics are improved and there’s more noise reduction measures.
LX and EX trims are powered by a 158HP 2.0-L engine. The LX can be had with a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. The EX is offered only with the CVT. EX-T, EX-L and Touring trims are equipped with a 174HP 1.5-L turbo engine mated to a CVT automatic. It’s the first turbo in a Civic.
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Both engines in the new Civic are certified as low emission vehicles. This is noteworthy not only from the “green” perspective, but also beneficial in that there may be specific closer-in parking for you at your workplace if you work in a LEED certified facility.
I drove the EX trim with the 2.0-L engine. Power was adequate with acceptable acceleration, merging and passing with just me on board. I’m not a lover of CVTs especially with low output 4-cylinder engines. The Civic’s engine had to work hard and therefore engine noise was more than I would have liked. If I were buying I would go for one of the up-trim models to get the 1.5-L turbo engine.
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The cabin has been redone too. It’s pleasing to the eye with
quality materials and somewhat elegant. The push button start is easy to
locate with its bright red coloring. There’s a touch screen for audio
control but no knobs for tuning or volume.
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As Honda does, ride is a bit firm…and I like that, but with a more upscale feel. Sweeping interstate on-ramps are taken with ease and there isn’t much body roll. Steering has a good feel and feedback, being direct and responsive. Around the streets of Chicago winter potholes and road heaves weren’t too jarring.
A complete redesign opens the door for new technology and Honda has loaded up the Civic. The optional Honda Sensing safety system offers a number of driver-assistive technologies that can further reduce the potential for a collision and mitigate the consequences. They alert the driver and can take emergency action when a collision is determined to be imminent.
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This new safety technology that has become available on more and more new vehicles really is proving beneficial to help reduce even minor collisions. If I had a young teenage new driver in my family I would want them driving a car like the Honda Sensing equipped Civic.
The new Civic is in dealer showrooms now. More info and specs can be found at http://automobiles.honda.com. You can shop the Civic and compare to other compact cars right here at the.autochannel.com.
The all-new 2016 Honda Civic has received the highest available rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies.
© 2016 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy
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