Honda has launched the upgraded version of Civic. I visited the Honda Showroom to have a look at the New Civic and check out what has been added. I was welcomed by a customer friendly manager who explained about the changes in New Civic. Here is a summary of the key features and data of the New Civic.

There have not been many changes in specifications and the dimensions remain the same. One of the additional features is a chrome grill to boost the appearance a bit. The interior has been improved with leather seatings and many more.

The 1.8 Liter I-vtech Engine delivers a power output of 132 PS and torque of 18Kgm @ 4200 rpm. The Civic has a great combination of technology and style.

The car comes in three versions, CIVIC 1.8 S MT, CIVIC 1.8 VMT and AT. All have refined features which can be summarized as below.

CIVIC 1.8 S MT

This variant comes with ABS with EBD, Dual SRS Air bag, Smokey headlights, Metallic front grille, new fabric upholstery, multiplex meter with eco meter. driver seat with height adjuster, rear octagonal combinational light, rear seat with arm-rest audio controls, and Integrated audio 1CD+MP3+USB+AUX in.

CIVIC 1.8 V MT and AT

The features include Leather Interiors, Dual SRS air bag, Front Fog lamp, Chrome door trim, New Design Alloys, Metallic front grille, Smokey head light, multiplex meter with eco meter, rear octagonal combination light. The AT comes with Cruise control.

Apart from extra features Civic has many technological advantages like that of Paddle shift in AT versions with which the forward and backward gears can be selected with feather touch movement of paddle shift provided below the steering wheel. One can easily select suitable gear with up shift on right side and downshift on left side of steering wheel. The cruise control helps to maintain constant speeds over 40KMPH with which the fatigue of pressing accelerator pedal is reduced little bit. It will be much of delight while driving in free highways. Here driver has to be careful about the road conditions so as to control the vehicle movement.

Price

Civic comes with different ranges like that of Elegance and Inspire. The price varies according to choice of features. 1.8S MT comes with on road price of 14.46 lacs, that of Elegance at 14.96 lac, Inspire at 15.31.

Similarly 1.8 V MT comes with price of 15.54 lac, Elegance at 15.88 lac, Inspire at 16.23 lacs.

The price of New AT is placed at 16.43 lac, Elegance 16.77 lac, Inspire 17.12 lac.

All prices are on road at Bangalore.

Comparision with other Cars

The main competition for Civic comes from Toyota Altis and Skoda Laura. Here is a brief comparison made on key parameters. Do note that ex-showroom price may vary according to particular model and features.

Honda Civic has 1.8 liter engine with 132 BHP power output and 180 NM torque, 185 mm ground clearance and 556 liter boot space.

Toyota Altis has a 1.8 Liter 132 BHP engine with 170NM torque, boot space of 475 liters, ground clearance of 176mm. The advantages are the great features and excellent ride quality. The ex-showroom price ranges from 12 lac onwards.

Skoda Laura has an 1.8 Liter engine with power output of 162 BHP and torque of 250NM. Ground clearance is 158mm and the boot space 528Liter. The ex-showroom price ranges from app 13.5 lacs onwards.

Though all the three have almost similar capacity engines, the Skoda has the edge over in performance but price is marginally higher. Honda civic has the advantage of fairly better range of models according to price ranges.

Conclusion

Though not much of changes have been made in specifications, there is cosmetic lift in appearance and in features aiming at boosting the sales in festive season. That too with the new WIN A CAR contest Honda has certainly geared up for hike in sales of Civic and other models.

 What do you think of the New Civic? Do share your comments below!