For now it's all about how enjoyable the conventional Civic is to drive, whether coursing through a serpentine stretch of open highway or
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| I cruised a variety of rural neighborhoods during the afternoon, an never found the Civic's fully-independent suspension overwhelmed by pavement irregularities. (Photo: Honda) |
trundling through town on less than ideal stretches of badly worn pavement. Both scenarios played out in and around Chicago, making it a perfect location for the new model's introduction. I cruised a variety of rural neighborhoods during the afternoon, an never found the Civic's fully-independent suspension overwhelmed by pavement irregularities, like grooves, ridges, bumps, potholes, etc. It just settled right in, maintained total stability as it tracked rutted highways, to the point where I had to pay close attention so that I wasn't caught eclipsing posted speeds. And when engaging corners the Civic was thoroughly entertaining, a lot more agile than the previous version, again, without sacrificing ride quality.
Why so much better? The torsional rigidity of its body has increased by 35 percent from the outgoing model, which allows for softer spring settings despite improved cornering stability. Its high-caster/high trail McPherson strut front suspension is completely new, as is its completely updated rear
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| All trim levels come with an impressive array of standard features, including a 160-watt, four-speaker, single-CD audio system. (Photo: Honda) |
suspension. Its quick-ratio power steering system adds to the car's nimble characteristics.
All trim levels come with an impressive array of standard features, including power windows, a 160-watt, four-speaker, single-CD audio system, dual stage, dual threshold front driver and passenger airbags, front occupant side airbags, plus side curtain airbags for front and rear outside passengers. In case you weren't counting, that's eight, count them, eight standard airbags. Dual seatbelt pretensioners and active front head restraints are also standard, as is Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, all combining to assist the new Civic in attaining top marks in the NHTSA NCAP crash safety tests.
