Check out Honda Civic’s strengths, weaknesses

While the current Honda Civic has become larger and more upmarket compared to its age-old predecessors, it remains a top contender in the local sedan market. For one thing, many like the way it looks, being that it has grown more “mature” compared to the previous FC version sold locally. 

With a pricetag ranging from P1.583 million-P1.99 million, however, it is quite pricey, at least compared to many of its rivals. So, does the Honda Civic, particularly the top-spec RS e:hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), have notable strengths to justify its asking price? Also, does it have any weaknesses that buyers should be aware of? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Efficient yet peppy

The Honda Civic RS e:HEV comes with a 2.0-liter full-hybrid inline-4 gasoline engine that is relatively peppy for its size. The result is better driving engagement, and at the same time, optimized fuel efficiency. 

Per Zigwheels Philippines’ first drive review of the top-spec variant, the Honda-made sedan managed to return 19-22 kilometers per liter. The aforementioned was taken with four adults on board through a healthy mix of in-city and highway driving. 

For its output figures, the Honda-made hybrid sedan can produce up to 184 horsepower (hp) and 315 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. With the said output, the model is expected to perform overtaking maneuvers and take on winding roads in a breeze. 

Stability and ride comfort for the Philippine-spec Honda Civic are provided by a MacPherson strut for the front and a multi-link suspension system for the rear. Braking power is handled by front and rear discs, and the model also has a drive-by-wire system and an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT). 

Similar to the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV, the top-spec Civic has a drive mode selector to further take advantage of its electrified drivetrain. It has Economy mode, Normal mode, and Sport mode. 

Loads of safety gear, amenities

All Philippine-spec trims of the Honda Civic come standard with a comprehensive safety kit and the brand’s proprietary suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). So, for sedan buyers who are particularly concerned about safety, the Civic has got you covered. 

To be more exact, its standard collection of safety gear consists of six airbags, anti-lock braking, vehicle stability assist, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a reverse camera, a 360-degree view camera, and the Honda LaneWatch blindspot video monitoring system. 

The aforementioned are supported by the Honda Sensing ADAS suite, which consists of: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Low-speed follow
• Collision mitigation braking
• Lane keep assist
• Road departure mitigation
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic high beams
• Lead car departure notification

For onboard comfort, the top-spec Civic provides a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system with rear vents, leather upholstery, and a 60:40 split-folding rear seat. It also has an eight-way power-adjustable seat and loads of driver-oriented features such as: 

• Push-to-start button
• Keyless entry
• 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Sport pedals 

Handling navigation and entertainment for the Honda Civic is a nine-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said screen is linked to a 12-piece Bose speaker set, and it also has built-in Google Maps. 

Topping up devices inside the Honda sedan is done easily thanks to USB ports, a 12-volt accessory outlet, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Sporty design

While it looks a tad more elegant compared to previous iterations, the current version of the Honda Civic, especially the RS e:HEV, retains a sporty feel. The aforementioned is made apparent by its long hood, black-colored parts, and its sharp-looking set of LED lighting fixtures. 

Complementing the slick-looking body of the Civic RS e:HEV is a set of 18-inch wheels. Plus, it also has rain-sensing wipes, power-folding side mirrors, and automatic headlamp functionality. 

Cons

Ingress, egress issues

If the Honda Civic has one weakness, it has got to be its ride height. Sure, the vehicle is well proportioned and its ground clearance is sufficient, but going in and out of the car could be difficult for people with mobility issues. 

The said problem isn’t exclusive to the Honda Civic, however. In fact, it is also a common problem amongst many low-slung sedans and most sports cars on the market. 

Honda Civic RS e:HEV: specifications

Model	Civic RS e:HEV
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,681x1,802x1,415
Wheelbase	2,735
Ground clearance	134
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Rain-sensing wipers Folding rear seat armrest Electronic parking brake Rear cabin air-conditioning vents USB ports Keyless entry Push-to-start button Dual-zone automatic climate control Rear air-conditioning vents Wireless smartphone charging USB ports (type C) Bose 12-piece speaker system Google Map integration
Instrument cluster	10.2-inch digital gauge cluster
Infotainment system	9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	5
Powertrain
Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
Fuel type	Gasoline hybrid
Transmission	E-CVT
Horsepower	184
Torque	315 Nm
Brakes	Front and rear discs
Technology
ADAS	Automatic high beams Lead car departure notification Road departure mitigation Low-speed follow Adaptive cruise control Object detection Collision mitigation braking system Lane departure warning Lead car departure notification
Safety	Dual front airbags Side airbags Side curtain airbags Stability control Hill-start assist ISOFIX child seat anchors Reverse camera Honda LaneWatch Speed-sensing door locks
Security	Security alarm Engine immobilizer
Price	P1.99 million

Final thoughts

To sum it all up, the Honda Civic, especially the top-spec RS e:HEV is an attractive model for people on the hunt for a well-rounded sedan. It has loads of creature comforts, a comprehensive safety kit, and a competent powertrain that strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. 

But while good on paper, people who are eyeing the Honda Civic should give it a test drive first. Sure, reading specs on the internet is a good start, but getting some seat time with the car you want to buy will make for a better buying experience in the end. 

Also read: 

Here’s Why Honda Civic is a Must-Have for Car Enthusiasts

Honda e:HEV technology explained

Honda Cars PH sells over 500 CR-V RS e:HEV units since launch

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