Civic charts new course

Honda's Civic programme, the most ambitious undertaken yet by the Japanese company - building five radically new and totally different body styles across three continents - has begun in a blaze of glory.

The first new Civics into production, the superbly-equipped, four-door saloon, the five-door hatchback and the Stream MPV, have collectively garnered the prestigious "2000 - 2001" Japanese Car of the Year Award.

Meanwhile, Civic 5 door has been judged Britain’s most comfortable car in a test of 50 top-selling cars, published in the January 2001 edition of What Car?

The Civic not only received a higher percentage score than its immediate competitors, but also fared better than models from Mercedes, Jaguar, Porsche and BMW.

Receiving top marks for access and control layout as well as a 4-star ("good") score for driving position and visibility, it was one of only two models to gain a 5 star Overall verdict.

More accolades will undoubtedly follow, but more importantly Honda hope the new model will emulate past Civic successes that have netted over 13.5 million world wide sales since the car hit the headlines back in 1972.

The new Civic is a truly global car: all variants share the same platform and the same basic specifications, although 2 door and 4 door models have a 60 mm shorter wheelbase.

Both the 3 and 5 door models will be built at Honda’s Swindon, UK plant. Honda’s Japanese facilities will build 4 door saloon and 5 door hatchback models, while the US will supply the 4-door saloon and - uniquely - the 2 door Coupe.

While the car’s overall height points to the ample headroom available, the length of the Civic 4 door gives little clue to the outstanding space for occupants both front and rear. Rear legroom, for example, has risen by 48mm to 915mm.

Visually, the short nose - 65 mm less than predecessor - is a key styling element. It's also an eminently practical feature since it frees up more space for interior accommodation. The new Civic is also wider than its forerunner.

The first Civic models to arrive in these islands, the 1.4-litre, 4-door saloon hit the Irish market on December 11th with a price tag of IR£15,493, ex works. Five-door models (from IR£15,532, ex works) with 1.4 and 1.6-litre plants follow in late January to early February. The other models follow at staggered intervals throughout 2001.

The Irish market will initially offer only an 88bhp (66 kW) 1.4-litre SOHC 16-Valve plant - with a 108bhp (81 kW) 1.6-litre SOHC VTEC II plant to follow. However, it is the sweeter, more refined and more frugal of the two engines with - excellent mid-to-high rev range torque and reduced emissions.

The 1.4-litre plant produces a combined fuel return figure of 43mpg. Top speed is 116mph, and the 0 to 62mph run takes 11.3 seconds. A flatter torque curve also means it pulls more strongly across the rev range, particularly between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

Initial impressions from a brief 100-mile test run couldn't have been much better. Ride and handling were first-rate. Engine noise minimal. Has to be one of the best cars we've ever seen. And yes, for once, we fully agree with What Car's assessment - particularly with regard to 'control layout' - and the dash-mounted gearshift.

Brilliant!