Civic vs Lancer: two of our favorite nameplates

THE 2016 Honda Civic 1.8 E costs P310,000 less than the RS Turbo variant.

Photos by Aida Sevilla Mendoza

CAR enthusiasts have reason to be excited over the arrival in Manila of the 2016 Honda Civic RS Turbo—but its naturally aspirated variant, the all-new 2016 Civic 1.8 E, deserves some attention, too.

As if on cue, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines recently introduced the facelifted 2016 Lancer EX, the 2.0-liter GT-A variant of which has some features approximating those of the Civic 1.8 E.

At the risk of being accused of comparing apples with oranges since the 2016 Civic 1.8 E is totally new from the ground up, while the 2016 Lancer, the oldest compact sedan in the segment, mostly underwent a facelift only, I am listing side by side the specs of the two vehicles (see table on this page).

Driving impressions

There was a time when the Mitsubishi Lancer was highly rated as a compact sports sedan, basking as it did in the halo of the turbocharged Lancer Evolution or simply Evo, the rally legend and gearhead sensation.

But that was years ago, and lately, the Lancer has been challenged by more innovative and technologically advanced nameplates like the Subaru WRX and Ford Focus.

What’s more, Mitsubishi Motors stopped producing the Evo this year, perhaps signaling the phase-out of Ralliart to focus on the brand’s best-sellers, SUVs and pickup trucks.

SYLISH LED taillights and a raised rear deck distinguish the 2016 Civic from previous models.

The Civic 1.8 E cannot be really considered a competitor of the Lancer GT-A since it is more of a daily driver, while the Lancer has a sporty mantra to live up to.

I got to test-drive the Civic 1.8 E for a week before the Lancer GT-A, and came away with the following first impressions:

The exterior of the Civic, sleek and swoopy with a fastback-like rear end, catches the eye more than the Lancer, which retains its traditional boxy, albeit aging shape.

THE 2.0-liter DOHC engine with MIVEC delivers 150 ps and 197 max torque through an INVECS-III CVT.

However, being square and higher (1490 mm vs the Civic’s 1416 mm overall height) means more interior space, especially headroom which would be limited by a rakish roofline.

Inside, the Civic looks definitely more high-tech and connected with its new 7-inch advanced display touchscreen interface that accesses audio, navigation and climate control, while the full-color TFT instrument cluster allows the driver to easily access vehicle information and music.

Pressing the Econ button helps you to drive more efficiently in terms of fuel consumption.

The Lancer has no Econ button. On the other hand, the ergonomically arranged cockpit of the Lancer has gauges and instruments that don’t need a learning curve to operate instantly.

THE cockpit has a 7-inch advanced display audio, full color TFT instrument cluster and electric parking brake.

Its smaller 3.5-inch multicolor multi-information display gives the outside temperature, average speed, instantaneous fuel economy, average fuel consumption and PMS reminder.

The materials used in the Civic’s cabin are generally of higher quality, while the Lancer has more hard plastic.

Furthermore, the Civic has an electronic parking brake with automatic brake hold which is normally found only in higher-end cars.

So in general, the interior of the Civic is more attractive and more upscale, while the cabin of the Lancer is functional and versatile, and offers more legroom and headroom.

THE 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine produces 141 ps and 174 Nm max torque.

After driving the Civic, which has lightly weighted steering, driving the Lancer felt heavier, and it was definitely noisier.

But this can be expected due to the Lancer’s stiffer sport-type suspension, heavier curb weight (1310 kg vs the Civic’s 1230 kg) and bigger wheels (18 inch vs the Civic’s 16 inch.)

In fact, driving the Lancer is like driving a hard rough rider generating plenty of road noise to match engine roar, while driving the Civic is like driving a smooth, refined and comfortable family sedan.

Yet the Lancer has lots of grip when cornering, and its ride is stable and predictable.

While it would be unfair to compare the quickness of the 2.0-liter Lancer GT-A with that of the 1.8-liter Civic, it would be fair to say that the Lancer would have been more engaging to drive if it were powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.4-liter MIVEC engine packing 168 hp.

INSIDE, a new center console, improved audio display and additional standard equipment

When it comes to safety features, the Lancer GT-A has seven airbags while the Civic 1.8 E has only two.

But the Lancer does not have electronic stability control or traction control, while the Civic has vehicle stability assist and hill start assist.

Summing up

THE standard rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels may mislead some to think the GT-A is an Evo.

Will Mitsubishi Motors finally totally revamp the Lancer after its 10-year “as-is” existence to keep up with competition? When that day comes, it would be an opportune time to compare it again with the Civic.

FOR 2016, the Lancer retains its square, chunky 4-door sedan shape, but with updated front fascia.