Civic vs Cruze - Probable Warriors at MIAS 2016

Update: All-new Civic has finally made its way to the Philippines auto market, check out the latest offering from Honda here.

MANILA: The Philippines compact car segment will soon experience a strong shuffle. With Manila International Auto Show just around the corner, this particular segment is expecting some strong contenders to debut at this 4-day massive auto event. Two such cars that we are expecting to grace the Philippines land are Honda Civic (undoubtedly one can count on this one) and Chevrolet Cruze (with a 50:50 chances of arrival).

How are we so sure about Civic's arrival is because of Honda Philippines February-dated Press release that clearly mentioned a soon Civic launch, plus the company has started Civic's reservation process. As for Chevrolet Philippines, it is currently housing the previous generation Cruze, while the rest of the world is enjoying the all-new 2016 Cruze. Thus, raising our expectations of an MIAS centered Cruze launch.

Both these cars from the very beginning have battled each other, with Civic scoring the maximum marks each time. But seeing the revised 2016 Cruze, there is a strong possibility of change this time around.

Exterior - Which holds greater attention?

It's a fight between Japanese and American design language. On one hand, where Cruze looks more molded and soft, Civic is rather edgy and sharper in looks. However, on the sculpting and tech front both hold an aerodynamic body stuffed with features like LED daytime running lights, alloy wheels, body colored door handles and LED taillights.

So, it's more of a personal choice.

Interior - Comfort and luxury

Though, Honda Philippines didn't speak much about the all-new Civic interior, but as per its recent Thai launch, 2016 Civic will come accompanied with features like multi-functional steering wheel, remote engine start, 8-way powered driver's seat and 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and SIRI Eyes Free. All-new Chevrolet Cruze offers all the above-mentioned features with some high-end additions like wireless charging, Bose speakers, OnStart 4G LTE Wi-Fi and OnStar RemoteLink.

Thus, with the given information, Cruze 2016 is the champ on the cabin amenities front.

Engine - Performance and Efficiency

All-new Honda Civic will come powered by a 1.8L turbo engine with performance figures reading as 172 PS and 220 Nm. Holding its hand will be a Continuous Variable Transmission developed under Honda's Earth Dreams Technology. On the other hand, Cruze 2016 is powered by a smaller 1.4L turbo mill mated with new HydraMatic GT35 6-speed AT that efficiently produce 155 PS and 240 Nm.

Both Civic and Cruze offers a turbo mill giving out great power and torque figures. But it’s Civic that generates greater power amongst the two (power figure matters more in non offroaders), so here it comes out as a clear winner.

Safety - Care and Protection

New Civic safety kit includes features like dual airbag, ABS with EBD & BA, Hill Start Assist, side & curtain airbags (RS version), Honda Lanewatch and seatbelt reminder.
Cruze 2016 on the same front is equipped with safety features like rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, forward collision alert, 10 standard airbags, high-strength steel safety cage, automatic crash response and OnStar advisor.

Thus, for time now making new Cruze safer vehicle over Civic.

Verdict

But if we look in the overall terms, both the cars are quite capable in their own way. Americans and Japanese have again shown their remarkable car building skills in the form of these two cars and the consumer will have to get over the wheels to know their perfect pick.