Now in its mid-life phase, the Honda Civic has been given an extensive refresh that sees changes both inside and out across the range.

The choice of drivetrains remains unchanged, with a normally aspirated 1,8-litre unit and a sporty 1,5-litre turbo petrol on offer.

The Civic line-up also continues to encompass four models: the 1.8 Comfort and 1.8 Elegance, and the 1.5T Sport and 1.5T Executive.

“This update emphasises Honda’s commitment to ongoing product improvement and enhanced customer satisfaction,” says Hiroyuki Tazawa, newly appointed President of Honda Motor Southern Africa.

“The 10th generation Honda Civic set high standards in terms of dynamic appeal, interior packaging, advanced technology and driver engagement when it was introduced here in 2016.”

For 2019, the front end receives a redesigned front grille, a bolder, three-dimensional bumper and new styling details.

At the rear, there is new chrome detailing designed to highlight the wide, low stance of the Honda, while chrome garnish has been added to the front of the 1.8 Comfort, as well as around the fog lamps of the 1.8 Elegance and 1.5T Executive models.

The Civic 1.8 Comfort features double-spoke16-inch alloys in Shark Grey, while the 1.8 Elegance and 1.5T Executive are fitted with 17-inch wheels featuring scythe-shaped spokes in Dark Grey.

In line with its overtly dynamic character, the 1.5T Sport gains 17-inch alloys finished in Berlina Black, augmented by a dark coating.

The updated Civic has further improvements to the noise insulation package. At the same time, the cabin finishes have been refined to reflect a contemporary, textured look that varies according to model.

The high specification levels of the four Civic models have been carried over to the updated range, offering owners an extensive array of comfort, convenience and safety features.

The high-resolution, seven-inch LCD display that forms the centrepiece of the digital audio system remains and can connect with numerous smartphone functions, including maps for ease of navigation operation. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Elegance, Sport and Executive models.

The touchscreen buttons have been replaced by hard buttons for improved ease of use, while a convenient volume control knob has also been incorporated.

The range-topping Civic Executive derivative continues to reinforce its premium status with a raft of additional safety features, including:
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Following
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Road Departure Mitigation
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane watch with blind spot camera

 

The 1,5-litre VTEC Turbo features Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams Technology’ and produces 127 kW of maximum power at 5 500 r/min, along with 220 Nm of maximum torque – the latter available in a broad range between 1 700 r/min and 5 500 r/min to enhance all-round drivability.

As before, the Civic is also available with a naturally aspirated 1,8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine. It produces 104 kW at 6 500 r/min, allied to a torque peak of 174 Nm at 4 300 r/min.

In line with Honda’s ‘Earth Dreams Technology’, both engines are paired with latest generation CVT gearboxes.

Safety is enhanced by means of the Vehicle Stability Control, which is standard on all models, incorporating Hill Start Assist, along with anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution (EBD).

All models are equipped with dual front, side and curtain crash bags, complemented with a reverse camera and rear parking sensors on all but the base model.

Pricing:
1.8 Comfort CVT – R364,500
1.8 Elegance CVT – R408,500
1.5T Sport CVT – R474,700
1.5T Executive CVT – R507,600

The recommended retail pricing includes a five-year/200 000 km warranty, a five-year/90 000 km service plan, as well as three years of AA Roadside Assistance. Services are at 15 000 km intervals for the 1.8 models, and 10 000 km for the 1.5T variants.