More power
To quell the criticisms, the 1.7-liter engine is replaced by a new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder unit that develops 140 horsepower. It's still less than what's offered in the Mazda3 (148 or 156, depending on trim level), the Civic's natural enemy. But it's more than enough to accomplish the daily duties we ask of an economic compact sedan.
However, the Civic might be more powerful, but it uses slightly more fuel in city driving than the previous-generation model (2001-2005). What's unfortunate is that for all the effort spent in making cars more powerful, fuel economy isn't being improved in the same proportion. It's our own fault, because as consumers we're asking for more and more power instead of lower fuel consumption.
The 5-speed automatic performs well, and on the highway it allows the engine to spin between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm, which is quieter. Other compact sedans are noisier on the highway than the Civic.
What really pleases me with the Civic is the suspension tuning. The sedan has a smooth ride, but when we feel like picking up the pace, the car sticks to curves and handles admirably. Compared to the Mazda3, which is sportier, I prefer the interesting compromise of the Civic.
A few shortcomings, however
The car isn't perfect. The A-pillar is fat and hampers visibility; the more a front pillar is angled horizontally, as is the case here, the more it's difficult to see some small but important details. On the highway, for example, when a car is ahead of us in the lane to our left, you might not see its turn signal warning us of the driver's intention of changing lanes.
Manufacturers seem to like designing back seats that are great for two people, but not for three. Look at the back seat of the Civic, and you'll notice without even sitting there that the middle occupant will be unhappy if the drive lasts more than 15 minutes. At least the Civic benefits from a completely flat floor for rear passengers.
To quell the criticisms, the 1.7-liter engine is replaced by a new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder unit that develops 140 horsepower. It's still less than what's offered in the Mazda3 (148 or 156, depending on trim level), the Civic's natural enemy. But it's more than enough to accomplish the daily duties we ask of an economic compact sedan.
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| This new engine works in harmony with the 5-speed autobox. |
However, the Civic might be more powerful, but it uses slightly more fuel in city driving than the previous-generation model (2001-2005). What's unfortunate is that for all the effort spent in making cars more powerful, fuel economy isn't being improved in the same proportion. It's our own fault, because as consumers we're asking for more and more power instead of lower fuel consumption.
The 5-speed automatic performs well, and on the highway it allows the engine to spin between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm, which is quieter. Other compact sedans are noisier on the highway than the Civic.
What really pleases me with the Civic is the suspension tuning. The sedan has a smooth ride, but when we feel like picking up the pace, the car sticks to curves and handles admirably. Compared to the Mazda3, which is sportier, I prefer the interesting compromise of the Civic.
A few shortcomings, however
The car isn't perfect. The A-pillar is fat and hampers visibility; the more a front pillar is angled horizontally, as is the case here, the more it's difficult to see some small but important details. On the highway, for example, when a car is ahead of us in the lane to our left, you might not see its turn signal warning us of the driver's intention of changing lanes.
Manufacturers seem to like designing back seats that are great for two people, but not for three. Look at the back seat of the Civic, and you'll notice without even sitting there that the middle occupant will be unhappy if the drive lasts more than 15 minutes. At least the Civic benefits from a completely flat floor for rear passengers.
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| The Civic, like every car in the category, has gain some weight over the years. |