| Jul 12, 2012
- Side airbags
- More precise Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering System.
- “Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)” screen on the dashboard.
- “Eco assists” to reduce fuel consumption both by coaching the driver and controlling the engine.
- Automatic high-beam lights that turn off when there’s oncoming traffic.
- Bluetooth and the ability to answer your phone from a button on the steering wheel.
- One push ignition system.
- First Honda to support E85 fuel.
- With a new rear suspension strut bar, the new Honda Civic feels steady even when going over 130 km/hr.
- The Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering System is precise and steady, making you feel like you’re driving a mid-sized European sedan.
- Even with the 16-valve SOHC engine, the new Civic is very fuel efficient, and thanks to its compatibility with the E85 fuel, its consumption is 11 km/l compared to the 15.2 km/l when using Benzene 91
- The newly-designed console and i-MID allows for easier access to the car’s functions.
- The material on the dashboard looks a bit cheap.
- Eco drive assist is not so convincing in its ability to make you a more fuel-efficient driver.
- The gear stick is too high making it uncomfortable when resting your arm on the armrest.
- A bit sluggish when it comes to acceleration (push the pedal, wait, car accelerates).
Verdict: The new Civic feels more like a family sedan than a sporty runabout. The newly added functions like i-MID and improved handling and suspension system make it interesting enough and noticeably different from the last model. But acceleration does keep you waiting a bit. If you’re a family man keen on saving fuel, though, the Civic makes for a solid option. From B773,000 up to B1.12 million. www.honda.co.th
