Tete-a-Tete with the All-New Honda Civic
The new Civic takes a step back in the right direction with much-improved refinement, sophisticated new look, and impressive set of features, and continues to woo the die-hard Honda fans.
What’s New?
While the current model has done well in terms of sales figures, it has been a bit of disappointment for small-car shoppers as the market shifted towards more sophistication, refinement, and features. Hence, like every other company, Honda decided to take on upgraded materials, improved the refinement, and incorporated better technology, taking a dramatic turn for the new 2013 Civic.
Although this is more of a mid-cycle refresh, it is one of the most substantial upgrades that you’d have ever seen on the Civic so far, making the look-and-feel of the car totally different. Well, some extra stuffing on the dashboard, rear deck, and floor and soft materials, improved upholstery, and shiny silver trim have brought the cabin closer to what passes for snuff these days.
In and Out
From the outside, the exterior looks have been heavily influenced by Accord, especially the front-end look. Other appealing features include black honeycomb mesh grille, horizontal chrome accent, lower bumper, new clear-lens cornering lamps, and upper trims that give it a really sophisticated look from the outside.
When you step inside, it has not really received abig makeover, but the funky contours, and the revamped instrument panel, along with soft-touch dash materials give it a great feel.Overall, new steering, suspension, restyled rear and front end, improved performance, and redesigned interiors certainly add up to its beauty.
The new Civic comes in coupe as well as sedan versions.
Performance
It is one area where Civic 2013 is mostly unchanged, though some contemporary suspension changes, like quieter bushing, stiffer anti-roll bar, quicker steering ratio, and firmer springs go long way toward making this compact car feel a little perkier again.
Buyers can choose between 140hp 1.8-L I4 and 110hp 1.8-L I4 natural gas version and the powerful 201hp 2.4-L I4 gasoline engine. Most of the models in the new lineup get the 140hp 1.8-L engine, paired to either a 5-speed automatic or manual gearbox.
The new Civic hybrid gets IMA mild-hybrid system, with EPA ratings of 44mpg in highway and city driving. It underwent similar changes to the body style and its 90hp 1.5L I4 works in conjunction with electric engine, delivering more power when required, like at coasting or low speeds.
Plenty of Choices for 2013
All 2012 trim levels carry over to 2013; the entry level LX, followed by EX, EX-L, Si, and hybrid. But, one can find more standard equipment than last year for all trims, including exterior temperature gauge, Bluetooth connectivity, backup camera, and sliding center-console armrest. Despite the extent of 2013 updates, the brand kept a year-over-year price increase in check. The starting price of the LX coupe is $18,755, while that of sedan is $18,955. The top sporty Si model now costs about $23,000 and fuel-frugal hybrid costs approximately $25,000.
In a Nutshell
When the 2012 model was introduced, it received mixed responses from many critics who felt that it was not that much improvised than the ongoing model, despite its rivals moving the bar forward in many areas.But surprisingly, this year,it cuts a few corners in design and development of the vehicle in the form of mid-cycle refresh. The redefined 2013 Honda Civic addresses the drawbacks identified by many reviewers when 9th generation model was introduced a year back.
For those who love to modify their cars, it’s a great pick too, because the car looks amazing in its original form, and a modified Honda Civic 2013 edition will certainly get all the eye-balls rolling.
About Author – Aidan Austin is an experienced automotive blogger with 10+ years of experience and he enjoys customizing his cars a lot. He has got a 2007 Modified Honda Civic, repainted totally in matte black finish, and equipped with funky accessories.
