2016 Honda Civic Touring Review
Honda says that the creation of this new 10th generation Civic represents one of the most comprehensive and ambitious new-model developments they've ever undertaken. Now a lot of the time that kind of PR-speak is simply just that, but in this case - it's completely believable because this Civic just turned the compact class on its ear.
The previous gen Civic, which launched about 5 years ago, proved to be a rare misstep for Honda. Their beloved compact had completely lost its way. Then, just one model year later, they righted that wrong with a much more competitive model. But this 2016 Civic is so far and away better than any Civic before it that it’s a total game changer.
Honda has resuscitated the fun of driving. The mini Accord-like styling is engaging. And this new Touring trim offers a more premium Civic experience.
Longer, wider yet trimer, the biggest takeaway from my week with this car is how amazingly it drives. There’s an optional new turbo under the hood and it’s the piece de resistance of the Civic’s complete reengineering. Its 162 pound-feet of torque is completely lag-free while the motor’s 1.5-liters of displacement leave the car’s excellent fuel economy unadulterated. Though not selectable on the base LX trim and thus not offered with a manual transmission, the price premium for the turbo over the base 2.0-liter engine is $1,160. The power delivery is surprisingly quick and broad in its range, it runs with a burble of sportiness and the 174 horsepower output is achieved with regular unleaded to the tune of 31mpg city/42mpg highway. Zero-to-60mph happens in a faster than it seems 6.8-seconds. Honda’s unique CVT plus torque converter transmission works wonderfully here, delivering smooth and immediate takeoff in addition to the more desirable traditional automatic sounds and sensations. And it incorporates a Sport mode with delayed upshifts and greater engine braking.
The Civic's sporty new driving dynamics are such a huge leap forward that I swear if you were dropped into this seat blindfolded you'd think you were driving something from the luxury class. The new turbo is a perfect fit, the CVT never gets in the way and the steering is sensational. If the regular Civic is this good just imagine what's in store for higher performance variants.
Further contributing to the Civic’s newfound wow factor is the more serious handling – the culmination of a number of contributing factors, including but not limited to, a new multi-link rear suspension, lower center of gravity, and brake vectoring called Agile Handling Assist. To go with that, the brakes feel better suited for aggressive driving and the new Electric Power Steering system with variable gear ratios is quicker, light to the touch and offers darn near perfect feel. But this isn’t a suspension tuned for just sporty driving; this Touring trim and its fluid filled bushings all around absorb road anomalies with a deft, premium touch. It’s quiet with a very tight body free of harshness.
Inside the Touring, soft Ivory leather and a tri-setting heated driver’s seat with a power adjustable bottom provide a high comfort/excellent visibility helm. The gauges now live on one level and contain a multi-information display and a green ring that glows in accordance with your eco driving style. The tech is good too though the main conduit isn’t great…Honda’s touch-based controls are OK, can be used with gloves and present an uncluttered cabin, but a couple of knobs wouldn’t hurt. The new switchgear on the steering wheel appears a little flimsy but incorporates a touch slider for volume just like on the head unit. The features of the system themselves are excellent, incorporating the ease of Apple CarPlay, a feature I’ve quickly come to appreciate. The wire guides from the USB port to the device holding area are nifty, too. And then there’s this configurable center console with armrest, deep storage and sliding try and cup holders. Honda keeps the cabin free of unnecessary distractions, and here on the Touring, loaded with cool tech and an upgraded 10-speaker, 450-watt sound system. I’m not usually a big fan of lane keeping assist but welcome to semiautonomous driving Civic-style. Now I realize it’s not meant to be used in this manner but I couldn’t help but take my foot and hands off the wheel to watch Honda Sensing work its magic. It also includes such out-of-class features as adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, collision mitigation braking, and LaneWatch among others as radar and multi-cameras continue to revolutionize automotive safety.
The Civic is more spacious than before but it can no longer tout a flat floor for the kid in the middle.
Other goodies on the Touring trim include heated rear seats, rain sensing wipers, LED headlights though not matching fogs, chrome door handles, a power passenger seat, though one that sits too low and lacks height control, and embedded Garmin navigation. Remote start is welcome, too. This Burgundy Night Pearl example stickers for $27,335 giving Civic shoppers a new range-topping choice. A base LX model starts at under $20,000.
Fresh off its much deserved win as North American Car of the Year, it’s nice to see that the Civic is back and better than ever.
The previous gen Civic, which launched about 5 years ago, proved to be a rare misstep for Honda. Their beloved compact had completely lost its way. Then, just one model year later, they righted that wrong with a much more competitive model. But this 2016 Civic is so far and away better than any Civic before it that it’s a total game changer.
Honda has resuscitated the fun of driving. The mini Accord-like styling is engaging. And this new Touring trim offers a more premium Civic experience.
Longer, wider yet trimer, the biggest takeaway from my week with this car is how amazingly it drives. There’s an optional new turbo under the hood and it’s the piece de resistance of the Civic’s complete reengineering. Its 162 pound-feet of torque is completely lag-free while the motor’s 1.5-liters of displacement leave the car’s excellent fuel economy unadulterated. Though not selectable on the base LX trim and thus not offered with a manual transmission, the price premium for the turbo over the base 2.0-liter engine is $1,160. The power delivery is surprisingly quick and broad in its range, it runs with a burble of sportiness and the 174 horsepower output is achieved with regular unleaded to the tune of 31mpg city/42mpg highway. Zero-to-60mph happens in a faster than it seems 6.8-seconds. Honda’s unique CVT plus torque converter transmission works wonderfully here, delivering smooth and immediate takeoff in addition to the more desirable traditional automatic sounds and sensations. And it incorporates a Sport mode with delayed upshifts and greater engine braking.
The Civic's sporty new driving dynamics are such a huge leap forward that I swear if you were dropped into this seat blindfolded you'd think you were driving something from the luxury class. The new turbo is a perfect fit, the CVT never gets in the way and the steering is sensational. If the regular Civic is this good just imagine what's in store for higher performance variants.
Further contributing to the Civic’s newfound wow factor is the more serious handling – the culmination of a number of contributing factors, including but not limited to, a new multi-link rear suspension, lower center of gravity, and brake vectoring called Agile Handling Assist. To go with that, the brakes feel better suited for aggressive driving and the new Electric Power Steering system with variable gear ratios is quicker, light to the touch and offers darn near perfect feel. But this isn’t a suspension tuned for just sporty driving; this Touring trim and its fluid filled bushings all around absorb road anomalies with a deft, premium touch. It’s quiet with a very tight body free of harshness.
Inside the Touring, soft Ivory leather and a tri-setting heated driver’s seat with a power adjustable bottom provide a high comfort/excellent visibility helm. The gauges now live on one level and contain a multi-information display and a green ring that glows in accordance with your eco driving style. The tech is good too though the main conduit isn’t great…Honda’s touch-based controls are OK, can be used with gloves and present an uncluttered cabin, but a couple of knobs wouldn’t hurt. The new switchgear on the steering wheel appears a little flimsy but incorporates a touch slider for volume just like on the head unit. The features of the system themselves are excellent, incorporating the ease of Apple CarPlay, a feature I’ve quickly come to appreciate. The wire guides from the USB port to the device holding area are nifty, too. And then there’s this configurable center console with armrest, deep storage and sliding try and cup holders. Honda keeps the cabin free of unnecessary distractions, and here on the Touring, loaded with cool tech and an upgraded 10-speaker, 450-watt sound system. I’m not usually a big fan of lane keeping assist but welcome to semiautonomous driving Civic-style. Now I realize it’s not meant to be used in this manner but I couldn’t help but take my foot and hands off the wheel to watch Honda Sensing work its magic. It also includes such out-of-class features as adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, collision mitigation braking, and LaneWatch among others as radar and multi-cameras continue to revolutionize automotive safety.
The Civic is more spacious than before but it can no longer tout a flat floor for the kid in the middle.
Other goodies on the Touring trim include heated rear seats, rain sensing wipers, LED headlights though not matching fogs, chrome door handles, a power passenger seat, though one that sits too low and lacks height control, and embedded Garmin navigation. Remote start is welcome, too. This Burgundy Night Pearl example stickers for $27,335 giving Civic shoppers a new range-topping choice. A base LX model starts at under $20,000.
Fresh off its much deserved win as North American Car of the Year, it’s nice to see that the Civic is back and better than ever.
2016 Honda Civic Coupe Touring Review
When the all-new 2016 Civic hit the street earlier this year, it sent a clear message to the rest of the affordable compact segment that it was back with a vengeance and looking up to no one. And now for those who prefer excellence in a 2-door bodystyle, the Civic Coupe has arrived.
While the redesigned, 10th generation Civic has been stockpiling awards, it not only continues to lead sales at Honda, but it even briefly stole the crown from the Camry as the best-selling car in America. And that was just based on sedan sales. Now that the 2-door has arrived, the Civic may very well grab back that title.
Because a 5-door Civic hatchback and high-performance Si and Type-R variants are all waiting in the wings, the Coupe basically is the sedan with 2 less doors and a touch of distinctive styling. It’s offered with a base 2.0-liter engine on LX and LX-P trims and a 1.5-liter turbo on EX-T trims and higher, culminating with this range-topping Touring model. Stick shift lovers will have to wait until this fall when all turbocharged Civic models will be available with a 6-speed manual. For now, a continuously variable transmission is it but its new generation of computer-controlled shift logic gives this torque converter CVT a more natural driving feel than you’re accustomed. Plus, a Sport mode delays upshifting and provides greater engine braking helping derive more fun from the 174-horsepower turbo. A 0-to-60mph time in the high 6s is a testament to just how well this single-scroll turbo, drive-by-wire throttle system and advanced CVT work in concert. It also runs on 87-octane to the tune of 35mpg in combined driving – a phenomenal number to which I can attest is real. At 2,888 pounds, it weighs a little less than the 4-door and rides on the same wheelbase.
Honda took a bold step with the body design to create a shape that matches the car’s fun-to-drive nature, fitted with distinctive 17” wheels and premium Continental ProContact TX grand touring all-season tires.
Driving the Coupe is much like driving the sedan, with class above handling and ride comfort, connected steering, a very willing turbo, and a CVT you won't hate. But wouldn't it have been nice if Honda given coupe buyers a little something extra?
Even a few horsepower would’ve been nice. Still, this Civic’s blend of up level sportiness and occupant comfort, including a quiet cabin, is heads and shoulders above the rest.
The Coupe life obviously eats into rear seat headroom and trunk space but this isn’t the adult torture chamber we’re used to seeing – it’s fine as long as you’re 6’ and shorter. Just remember to enter from the passenger side. And the rear seats drop from the trunk to extend hauling capability.
The Touring trim is chock full of impressive features such as Honda Sensing with adaptive cruise control and even semi-autonomous steering in the form of lane keeping assist. Plus the new Honda Link touchscreen is immeasurably better, with cutting edge infotainment features and easy to use controls.
Fun, quality-driven and modern, the Touring trim is bargain priced at $26,960 considering the completeness of the offerings. Thumbs up for Apple CarPlay, clever wire management and touch controls which aren’t annoying to use. The gauge cluster looks impressive and includes driver selectable setups. A back-up cam, Lane Watch and a Collision Mitigation system feed the safety front. For $375 less than the Touring sedan, the Coupe performs its Civic duty with aplomb.
While the redesigned, 10th generation Civic has been stockpiling awards, it not only continues to lead sales at Honda, but it even briefly stole the crown from the Camry as the best-selling car in America. And that was just based on sedan sales. Now that the 2-door has arrived, the Civic may very well grab back that title.
Because a 5-door Civic hatchback and high-performance Si and Type-R variants are all waiting in the wings, the Coupe basically is the sedan with 2 less doors and a touch of distinctive styling. It’s offered with a base 2.0-liter engine on LX and LX-P trims and a 1.5-liter turbo on EX-T trims and higher, culminating with this range-topping Touring model. Stick shift lovers will have to wait until this fall when all turbocharged Civic models will be available with a 6-speed manual. For now, a continuously variable transmission is it but its new generation of computer-controlled shift logic gives this torque converter CVT a more natural driving feel than you’re accustomed. Plus, a Sport mode delays upshifting and provides greater engine braking helping derive more fun from the 174-horsepower turbo. A 0-to-60mph time in the high 6s is a testament to just how well this single-scroll turbo, drive-by-wire throttle system and advanced CVT work in concert. It also runs on 87-octane to the tune of 35mpg in combined driving – a phenomenal number to which I can attest is real. At 2,888 pounds, it weighs a little less than the 4-door and rides on the same wheelbase.
Honda took a bold step with the body design to create a shape that matches the car’s fun-to-drive nature, fitted with distinctive 17” wheels and premium Continental ProContact TX grand touring all-season tires.
Driving the Coupe is much like driving the sedan, with class above handling and ride comfort, connected steering, a very willing turbo, and a CVT you won't hate. But wouldn't it have been nice if Honda given coupe buyers a little something extra?
Even a few horsepower would’ve been nice. Still, this Civic’s blend of up level sportiness and occupant comfort, including a quiet cabin, is heads and shoulders above the rest.
The Coupe life obviously eats into rear seat headroom and trunk space but this isn’t the adult torture chamber we’re used to seeing – it’s fine as long as you’re 6’ and shorter. Just remember to enter from the passenger side. And the rear seats drop from the trunk to extend hauling capability.
The Touring trim is chock full of impressive features such as Honda Sensing with adaptive cruise control and even semi-autonomous steering in the form of lane keeping assist. Plus the new Honda Link touchscreen is immeasurably better, with cutting edge infotainment features and easy to use controls.
Fun, quality-driven and modern, the Touring trim is bargain priced at $26,960 considering the completeness of the offerings. Thumbs up for Apple CarPlay, clever wire management and touch controls which aren’t annoying to use. The gauge cluster looks impressive and includes driver selectable setups. A back-up cam, Lane Watch and a Collision Mitigation system feed the safety front. For $375 less than the Touring sedan, the Coupe performs its Civic duty with aplomb.
2016 Honda Civic Sedan Review
In Honda’s words, “The creation of this new 10th-generation Civic represents one of the most comprehensive and ambitious new-model developments ever undertaken by the company.” So this 2016 Civic is a pretty big deal. Seeking to realize a “dynamic rejuvenation” of the brand’s beloved compact, Honda employed an all-new vehicle architecture, sportier and more sophisticated styling, an even more spacious cabin and 2 new engines. A 1.5-liter direct-injected turbo-4 debuts in higher trim levels, turning out 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The standard motor is 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder sans turbo, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. If you want a 6-speed manual, this is the only way to get it. A CVT is optional with the 2.0 and standard on the turbo. Gas mileage is similar for both, rated at 35mpg combined on regular. Underpinning the new powertrains is an entirely new body construction – lighter yet significantly stronger. The new multi-link rear suspension, larger stabilizer bars and brake-based torque vectoring aim to infuse the Civic with a new level of dynamic performance built to challenge the steering feel, handling precision and ride quality of luxury compacts. More passenger and cargo volume are the foray into a more comfortable, convenient and connected Civic adding new features such as remote engine start, dual zone automatic climate control, heated front seat backs, heated rear seat cushions and rain sensing wipers. In EX trims and above, a new 7” touchscreen integrates Apple Car Play and Android Auto for seamless access to your smartphone’s features and functions. Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies are here too, using radar and camera sensors to help avoid possible collisions and mitigate their damage. Available in LX and EX trims with the 2.0-liter engine and in EX-T, EX-L and Touring trims with the turbo, pricing start at $19,475 and tops out at $27,335.