2017 Honda Civic Long Term Review Week 4
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2017 Honda Civic 1.6-liter DX Plus Review
Hello, and welcome to the last review of our long-termer 2017 Honda Civic 1.6-liter DX Plus. After going through the hands of my colleagues Zaran, Anas, and Sana – it finally got into my garage for me to review it. While the Civic nameplate harks back to 1972, we have here with us the latest 10th generation avatar of what is unarguably one of the most important models in Honda’s lineup.
You might also be interested in: Honda CR V 2017 Review
Overview of the Compact Sedan Market
The Honda Civic slots in the compact sedan category, which is currently one of the most challenging categories for every carmaker due to two significant reasons:
- The recent encroachment of well-equipped Chinese cars that often compromise on quality for a lower price.
- The rising consumer preference for compact SUVs or crossovers over sedans, often with negligible price differences.
Despite these challenges, the new 2017 Honda Civic was the winner of the “Best Compact Sedan” category in the 2017 Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards. Let us explore why that’s the case.
Exterior Design
Exterior Features of the 2017 Honda Civic
The new 2017 Honda Civic competes against established rivals like the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla. Despite a smaller market share, it stands out with superior exterior design. The Civic's styling is modern, aggressive, and dynamic, driven by the well-defined muscular lines between the hood and front bumper.
At the rear, the Civic showcases a design that challenges typical sedan expectations. While many sedans feature a protruding trunk, the Honda Civic manages to create a more streamlined silhouette.
Interior Comfort and Features
Interior Overview
Inside, the 2017 Honda Civic's interior initially confused me. Although the car has a competitive price of approximately AED 67,000, I expected more from the interior. The leather-covered steering wheel feels premium, but noticeable hard plastic elements remind me of its price point. Nevertheless, the interior is well-constructed, free from unwanted squeaks or rattles.
The seats, while initially firm, require some adjustment. My main issue lies with the infotainment system, which feels outdated. It offers Bluetooth connectivity but suffers from a small display and low resolution, making visibility challenging in bright sunlight.
Driving Experience
Performance of the 2017 Honda Civic
Driving the 2017 Honda Civic has been a pleasant experience. It outshines its predecessor and many competitors. Although I found the CVT transmission uninspiring, it serves well for daily driving and highway cruising.
The Civic's ride quality is smooth, with above-average cabin isolation. The handling is impressive, making urban driving and parking effortless. The steering setup is particularly commendable, offering a go-kart-like experience in a 4.6-meter long sedan.
Final Verdict
While the 2017 Honda Civic is at the higher end of its segment, I recommend considering it if you’re looking for a car under AED 70,000 (approximately AED 1,000 monthly installment for a 5-year loan). In summary, the new Honda Civic stands out for its reliability, enjoyable driving experience, attractive exterior, and good fuel economy.
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