The day had come and it was an emotional moment as the team and I headed to Honda’s Middle East office in JAFZA to pick up our very first long termer. A milestone of sorts, it wasn’t set with just any car, but a brand spanking new 1.6-liter fully-loaded Civic with just twenty-two kilometers on the clock.
Exterior
Unlike anything in its segment, the 2017 Honda Civic redefines the norm for contenders in the compact car class. Brave with a bold display of chrome and prominent contours, the Japanese sedan is a head-turner from all angles, bar the hunkering rear. Its maroon hue is also refreshingly different and aids it in standing out on the monochrome streets of the UAE.
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Interior
Flaunting the unfaltering quality that the brand is renowned for, the cabin of the Honda Civic is minimalistic in terms of design, but is complimented by an aura of sportiness. The eye-catching digital speedometer is accompanied by a low seating position and faux carbon fiber that is distinct without being ostentatious.
Safety & Tech
Packing a fair amount of tech at AED 65,900, the Honda Civic 1.6-liter is armed with Bluetooth telephony, cruise control, push button ignition, a remote engine starter, and a tire pressure monitoring system that isn’t the simplest to use. The low-res multimedia screen is further let down by the lack of a rear-view camera, something the Civic’s Korean rivals would generously offer at this price point.
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Drive
Producing 123 horsepower and 151 Nm of torque, the 1.6-liter variant doesn’t feel particularly underpowered. While acceleration is accompanied by the droning CVT transmission, an Eco drive mode ensures impressive fuel economy at 10.3-liters for every 100 kilometers. The only surprise being a shuddering brake pedal that vibrates vigorously when coming to a halt from 100 km/h.
Verdict
A strong contender in the compact car class, the Honda Civic is a popular sight on the roads of the UAE and for a very good reason. Although there’s room for improvement, the Civic is bound to attract those who are on the lookout for a practical and economical family sedan.
Pros:
- Eye-catching maroon hue
- Fuel efficient around town
- Stunning coupe-like silhouette
Cons:
- Annoying CVT drone
- Shuddering brake pedal
- On the pricier side of the segment
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