Test Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC 120 CV 6M Executive 5 doors

El Civic that Honda what the Corolla y Golf a Toyota y Volkswagen. It is one of the longest-lived and most successful compacts in the world, and proof of this is that it is already in its tenth generation. However, despite being a very well-rounded product as a whole, its sales in Europe do not prove it. Perhaps it is because its image or price positions it in the market one step above its general rivals.

En Actualidad Motor We have been very lucky, because we know the Honda Civic state-of-the-art to perfection. First we tested the engine 1.0 VTEC 129 hp and later it was the turn of the radical Type R GT. On this occasion, we have chosen a mechanic that drinks gas oil and, unfortunately, is on everyone's lips. Yes, gentlemen, we have tried the Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC 120 hp and finished Executive.

Futuristic yet elegant and sporty design

Design Honda Civic It is one of its greatest hallmarks. From the first generation in 1973 to the sixth in 1996, its lines evolved following a constant. However, with the arrival of the seventh generation, in the year 2000, things changed. First, it was to differentiate the three and five-door bodies and from the eighth, until today, to masterfully combine a futuristic silhouette with lines facilities as well as elegant.

Being clear, the tenth generation of the Civic it is polarizing. Either you like his lines (like me) or you hate him. Honda designers, taking advantage of the aesthetics of the NSX, have evolved their design language. In this way, we find some LED optical groups (which work very well) joined by a black band with the "H" for Honda in the center. The bumper air intakes are generous, with the fog lights located at the ends.

On the side is where the dynamism takes center stage. The points that emphasize this feeling are the roof downline and C-pillar. Thanks to them, the Honda Civic acquires a coupé-like silhouette, where the generously sized alloy wheels put the icing on the cake. Finally, we must mention the good harmony that exists between the waist line and the glazed surface, allowing a well-lit cabin.

Por último, la back. If the ninth generation emphasized the split moon, the tenth softens this cut. The two spoilers are striking, one in the upper area and the other in the middle area. This joins the optical groups and splits the moon in two. In the lower area, we find a bumper generous with false air vents. All in all, visibility is not as bad as it might seem, although in certain maneuvers a "custom" rear would be appreciated.

Great interior, although the coupé silhouette penalizes

If we look at the outside size of the Honda Civic, we could think that its interior is very spacious. However, the 4,52 meters long, 1,8 meters wide, 1,43 meters long and 2,70 meter wheelbase They do not give you a great advantage over your rivals. Compared to the previous generation, it adds 15 extra centimeters, standing halfway between the segment of the compact and sedans stockings.

To talk about the interior of the Civic, we have to divide it in two. First of all, we have some front seats where we find, at all levels, plenty of space. The driving position is comfortable as well as sporty, as the seat and steering wheel have extensive adjustments. The gear lever It is close to the hand and you go with your legs stretched out. The heated leather seats, although very good, have not convinced me for lateral grip. Another important piece of information is access, because although it is a low model, it is not difficult to access or exit.

However, things change in the second row. The space for the legs is generous, but the height is conditioned by the roof line. The width, just like its rivals, is correct for two adults and one child, since the central square is small. As in the front seats, the rear seats are heated. However, we are missing some Air vents for climate. In addition, there is a small problem, and that is that the descending line of the roof penalizes the access and exit of the passenger compartment.

Finally, we must talk about trunk. We access it through a gate of generous size and weight. The capacity ranges from 478 liters y 1.267 liters, depending on whether or not we lower the seats. The shapes are regular and it has a mobile roller blind with which to cover the load. However, there is a small problem. The cargo floor it doesn't lie flat when we fold down the seats, leaving an annoying step. Finally, it does not have a spare wheel and it does have a puncture repair kit.

Well done interior, but sparse

The interior of Honda Civic follows the same guidelines as abroad: exoticism and sportsmanship. The eighth generation inaugurated the "spaceship" era and in the tenth it remains on a smaller scale. At first, it is striking instrument panel divided into three zones. The right shows the fuel level and the left the engine temperature. In the center is a digital screen showing the speedometer, lap counter and trip computer.

At steering wheel, we find the controls for the system Honda sensing, telephone, trip computer or voice control. The graphics are clear and its handling robust and intuitive. This assessment can be transferred to the controls for the climate. It is appreciated that Honda has not included them on the touch screen, as it facilitates handling when we are running.

If we go to infotainment system (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) things change. The 7-inch screen has a good resolution and its graphics are clear, if somewhat dated. However, two buts should be noted. The first are their touch controls, being uncomfortable when handling them on the go. The second is the number of Menus and submenus that you have to go through to manage certain functions.

Finally, it's time to talk about the quality global and capacity of object holder holes. In the first case, the materials that cover the dashboard are of good quality, such as the upper padding. However, there are medium and hidden areas that make use of less expensive materials. Second, the center glove box and front are generous. On the negative side, there is the hole located under the center console, which despite being small and narrow, allows you to leave the smartphone or any small item.

Effective and little intrusive technology

Serial, the Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC of the test was equipped with the system Honda sensing. It includes the following safety elements: impact prevention and mitigation system, involuntary lane change warning system, Road Stay Assist System, Lane Keeping System, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Intelligent Speed ​​Limiter, Smart adaptive cruise control and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed ​​Follow function.

This vast army of "Guardian Angels" They work perfectly, making the Civic safer to drive. In fact, it is one of the best that I have been able to try, because it is aware of everything that happens around us without interfere abruptly. Only, the traffic sign recognition system got "stuck" when several speed limit signs followed one another.

Agile and precise dynamics, although not sporty

The tenth generation of Civic is developed on the new Global Platform de Honda. Now, it weighs up to 16 kilos less than the previous one, resulting in lower consumption and better driving dynamics. The set-up of the set is almost perfect. It has a address fast and precise, because with 2,2 turns between locks, it goes where your eyes and hands want, without being nervous or hesitant.

The binomial suspension y brakes is deserving of praise. In the first case, it has a firm setting, which is not dry, which allows to control parasitic movements of the body. In addition, the tested version had a adaptive suspension, which increases the grip of the set on twisty roads. In the case of brakes, allows the Civic to stop safely and effectively, holding up really well to continued efforts.

However, despite the good overall result, two nuances must be highlighted. First of all, the suspension It does not get along very well with expansion joints or speed reducer bands. The reason is simple, the rear axle returns the rebound to the passengers, disturbing comfort. Second, the first section of the brake pedal It could have a greater bite, because it gives the feeling that we will not brake in time before an obstacle.

However, we can say that the dynamics of the Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC it is agile and precise, although not sporty. If we compare him with his rivals, she is in the leading group, along with the all-powerful Volkswagen Golf or its Seat cousin, the Leon. In any case, for power we will never put the chassis in trouble, which as the version demonstrates Type R GT, it's a delight.

The 1.6 i-DTEC diesel block is forceful and economical

Yes gentlemen, although hearing about diesel weighs on many and causes hives, we cannot eradicate it from the face of the earth. The Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC 120 hp It is one of the best that exists in the market in its displacement and power. If in the ninth generation, this block stood out for progressiveness y refinement, in the tenth it has improved both aspects while reducing consumption and transmission of vibrations even more.

It has a torque of 300 Nm that are felt from 2.000 rpm although from 1.200 he is already willing. From that point, we can stretch the gears without fear, since the cutoff is at 4.500 rpm. The manual gearbox, with six relations, is very well adjusted and has short trips. However, it is silent and hardly vibrates, showing only its diesel nature in strong acceleration and cold.

One of the technical advantages of this block, with respect to its competition, is that it does not use the AdBlue. To control emissions from NOx, the catalyst for Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC knows at each moment how many particles are stored. Thus, when it is necessary to destroy it, it injects the necessary extra fuel, proceeding in this way to its ignition.

Consumption

One of the great virtues of Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC is the low consumption. The brand approves 3,5 liters per 100 kilometers, but we have obtained 5,4 liters. To do this, we have traveled a total of 1.400 kilometers between urban and interurban areas and highways. The most unfavorable environment is the first marking 5,7 liters and the most benevolent the last, consuming between 5 and 5,1 liters.

In any case, we have to mention a small flaw. The fuel tank capacity it's hardly 46 liters, so autonomy, despite low consumption, is limited. With the approved average consumption it reaches theoretical 1.300 kilometers, however, in actual use, it reaches 800 kilometers. In any case, it is not a major problem, because even so, great distances can be covered.

Conclusions

The main conclusion that we can draw from the proof of the Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC is the next. We do not understand why the Spanish (and European) public does not put their eyes on him. It is true that he has virtues and defects, but if he has been in production 45 years, is that its solidity is bomb-proof. In any case, to improve their numbers we would have to go into issues that do not concern us now.

Among the list of virtues that make the Civic a model to be taken into account, we could list its design, habitability, trunk capacity or dynamic behavior. In addition, we must point out that its diesel mechanics, yes, diesel, is one of the best in the segment, making it a "sweet pear" for anyone looking for a compact for "everything".

All in all, if you still don't want to hear about diesel, we have the block 1.0 VTEC Turbo 129 hp. This engine offers a remarkable compromise between performance and efficiency, showing itself again as a very valid alternative. Therefore, if you are looking for a car that is different from the rest as well as reliable, do not think about it, because the Honda Civic It is a suggestive and very attractive option.

Equipment of the Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC

Comfort

• 16″ alloy wheels
• black grill
• LED daytime running lights
• Halogen headlights
• automatic road lights
• Indicator illumination in blue
• headlights with timer
• Heated exterior mirrors with electrical adjustment
• Fabric upholstery
• Height and depth adjustable steering wheel
• electric parking brake
• Heated front seats
• Automatic climate control
• Audio controls on the steering wheel
• Bluetooth – hands-free (HFT)
• 8 Speakers
• USB
• Audio monitor 5″ (AM/FM)
• ECO mode
• Central locking with 2 keys
• Automatic idle stop system – Start/Stop
• Motion Adaptive EPS Electric Steering
• Honda Sensing suite of active safety technologies

Optional for 1.6 i-DTEC:

• Honda CONNECT with GARMIN Navigation (7″ touchscreen, AM/FM, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, integrated Aha app, internet)

Elegance

• 17″ alloy wheels
• Privacy crystals
• black grill
• Parking Sensors (Front and Rear)
• Rear view camera parking function and guide lines
• LED daytime running lights
• Halogen headlights
• Indicator illumination in blue
• Front windshield with rain sensor
• Fabric upholstery
• Leather gear knob (manual)
• Electric Gear Shift (No Shift Lever) (1.6 i-DTEC Automatic CVT)
• Leather multifunction steering wheel
• Paddle shifters on the steering wheel (Automatic CVT)
• Metallic sports pedals
• Electric driver's seat lumbar adjustment
• Heated front seats
• dual automatic climate control
• Audio controls on the steering wheel
• Bluetooth – hands-free (HFT)
• 8 Speakers
• 2xUSB/HDMI
• Honda CONNECT with GARMIN Navigation (7″ touch screen, AM/FM/DAB, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, integrated Aha app, internet)
• ECO mode
• Central locking with 2 keys
• Motion Adaptive EPS Electric Steering
• Low speed follow function (Auto CVT)
• Honda Sensing suite of active safety technologies

Executive

• 17″ alloy wheels
• Openable glass sunroof
• Privacy crystals
• black grill
• Parking Sensors (Front and Rear)
• Rear view camera parking function and guide lines
• LED daytime running lights and dipped beam
• automatic road lights
• Indicator illumination in blue
• Front windshield with rain sensor
• Heated exterior mirrors with electrical adjustment
• Fabric upholstery
• Exterior mirrors with remote electric folding (via key control)
• Leather gear knob (manual)
• Electric Gear Shift (No Shift Lever) (1.6 i-DTEC Automatic CVT)
• Leather multifunction steering wheel
• Paddle shifters on the steering wheel (Automatic CVT)
• electric parking brake
• Metallic sports pedals
• Heated front seats
• dual automatic climate control
• Audio controls on the steering wheel
• Bluetooth – hands-free (HFT)
• Premium audio, 11 speakers
• 2xUSB/HDMI
• Honda CONNECT with GARMIN Navigation (7″ touch screen, AM/FM/DAB, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, integrated Aha app, internet)
• ECO mode
• Automatic idle stop system – Start/Stop
• Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert System
• Honda Sensing suite of active safety technologies

Optional Premium Package:

• Upholstery with leather / imitation leather finish
• Heated rear seats
• Wireless charger (compatible devices)

Prices Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC

Editor's opinion

Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC Image Gallery