August 2001 Volume 82 Number 8 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

Smart design maximizes space

Honda has sold 13.3 million Civics to 140 countries since it first manufactured the car in the early 1970s. This year, Honda has launched a new, rationalized Civic range with only two body styles and specification levels.

A new five-door Civic Vi hatch and four-door Civic GLi sedan replace the previous two-door coupe, four-door sedan and three-door hatch.

To achieve maximum interior space from small exterior dimensions, Honda has used clever design characteristics. This is most evident on the hatch with its short bonnet, cab-forward design and longer wheelbase.

This longer wheelbase enhances stability, handling and ride characteristics by literally placing the wheels at the four corners of the body. A 53 per cent lift in torsional rigidity results from the stronger body, which Honda claims meets the highest international crash protection standards.

Two new 1.7-litre SOHC engines replace the previous 1.6-litre power plants. Their compact design makes them 7 per cent smaller and 11 per cent lighter. And, with extended maintenance intervals, they are cheaper to maintain.

Both engines offer increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions through Honda’s LEV (lower emissions vehicle) technology.

Civic hatch’s 1.7-litre engine features Variable Valve Timing and lift Electronic Control system (VTEC) for increased performance. It also produces 96kW of power and offers 155Nm of torque. While the sedan misses out on VTEC technology, it has 88kW on tap with 150Nm of torque available.

The Police Journal test-drove the well-equipped Vi hatch automatic, which showed Honda has once again delivered the goods. Comfort, a smart appearance and spaciousness were immediately apparent. From the driver’s seat, the hatch feels somewhat like Honda’s Odyssey people mover. Its short bonnet slopes toward the ground and its large windscreen provides a commanding view. The auto gear-selection lever is similarly placed, in the lower centre section of the dashboard.

Although the gear selector is uniquely different from what we have known, it is simple to operate and comfortable to use. It allows for a completely flat floor and prevents clutter between the seats. But the space created is wasted - the inclusion of an armrest and storage bin would have been beneficial.

The only other negative is restricted rear view from the interior mirror. This is due to a fairly small hatch window and large rear headrests. To compensate, the two door-mounted mirrors provide excellent rear vision and eliminate all blind spots.

Of the firm, supportive seats, the driver’s has height adjustment, while the back one features three lap-sash seatbelts and a 60/40 split-fold design. This allows flexible seating and storage arrangements. The rear cargo bay is generously spacious while the cabin boasts an array of storage compartments.

The engine’s smooth and quiet power delivery translates into good on-road performance. When pushed - particularly in lower gears - the engine will freely rev to redline (6,700rpm). Its variable valve timing provides that bit extra for spirited performance.

Compact new suspension systems include independent struts up front and independent double wishbones at the rear. The hatch has larger diameter wheels (15-inch), with wider and lower-profile tyres than those on the sedan.

Cornering performance is extremely good - the car remains flat and predictable on all surfaces. The hatch also has electric power steering (EPS), with steering assistance provided by a DC electric motor rather than a power-sapping pump.

Both sedan and hatch are available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $23,950 (for the manual sedan) and rise to $28,960 (for the auto hatch).

Standard on both models are:

• Remote central locking.
• Power windows.
• Four-speaker, single-CD audio system.
• Dual SRS airbags.
• Immobilizer.

In addition to more power and EPS, the hatch also has air conditioning as standard.

Cheaper small cars abound, but the Civic is a polished evergreen. It offers quality engineering and safety - and just keeps going.

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