Honda Civic back in limelight

The gloss black front grille, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights distinguish the Civic RS from its 1.8 E sibling.

Last January, sales of the Honda Civic reached 435 units, an impressive 1,143 percent growth over the 35 units sold in the same month last year.

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. attributed the increase to the intro of the 10th generation “reborn” Civic in April 2016.

More specifically, the surge in sales of Honda Motor’s longest running model (nine generations over a 43-year period) can be traced to the arrival of the all-new Civic RS Turbo.

The launch of the dramatically styled Civic RS revved up interest in Honda’s popular family car that has earned, over the years, a  global reputation for reliability and a sporty attitude.

While the P1.403 million price tag of the Civic RS may deter some consumers here from buying it, they can turn to its sibling, the naturally aspirated Civic 1.8 E, which looks just as rakish and has almost all of the RS’s goodies except for the turbocharger, but costs P310,000 less.

What a difference two initials—RS—makes. For those who can afford it, let us count the ways forking over the additional P310,000 will reward you.

Red RS emblem

First, you carry the distinctive red RS emblem front and rear, marking you as a car enthusiast and giving you bragging rights.

Second, the gloss black front grille distinguishes your ride as the all-new, turbocharged, top-level Civic, not the “entry-level” variant.

Third, the 17-inch RS design alloy wheels shod with 215/50 R17 low-profile tires enhance the car’s responsive handling and steering characteristics while showcasing its sporting nature.

Fourth, the wind tunnel-sculpted trunk spoiler not only catches attention, it also improves the stability of the RS at higher speeds.

Fifth, the new digital instrument panel is advanced and cutting-edge high-tech. When you start the car, the gauges perform a colorful digital light show.

Sixth, the GPS navigation system on the 7-inch touchscreen display guides you to your destination without your having to look at a map on your smartphone.

Seventh, the dual-zone aircon, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather front center armrest and leather seats, including the 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, add to the premium look and luxurious ambience of the cabin.

Eighth, driver and front passenger airbags, side and side curtain airbags secure the safety of all the car occupants aside from the other standard safety equipment also found in the 1.8 E.

The Civic RS’ powerful 1.5-liter Earth Dreams VTEC turbocharged engine packs 173 bhp and 220 Nm max torque.

Big difference

Ninth is the big difference: the DOHC VTEC Turbo, direct fuel injection 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to an Earth Dreams Technology continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters delivers superior performance compared to the naturally aspirated 1.8 E.

In Earth Dream Technology, programmed fuel injection and the transmission combine to deliver a unique mix of driving enjoyment with outstanding environmental performance.

With the single-scroll turbocharger pumping up to 16.5 psi per boost and 220 Newton-meters output from the 1,700-5,000 rpm torque plateau, the Civic produces 173 bhp and hits 100 kph from zero in 7.2 seconds.

It’s not quite as adrenalin-pumping dynamic as a Type R or a GTI, but exciting enough to bring a grin to your face.

On the road, the RS handles tight corners efficiently, the steering is pleasantly weighted, and grip and roadholding are impressive even on steep roads at high speed.

The driving position is good with the seat contoured to give the driver lateral support in tight cornering, and the ride is smooth even over rough surfaces.

You can enjoy the turbocharged performance of the RS without having to resort to the paddle shifters, although the CVT somewhat dulls throttle response initially and temporarily.

Thick anti-roll bars help the front struts and rear multilink suspension keep body movements in check.

A solid, stiff structure and an improved chassis ensure taut yet suave ride quality.

In the cockpit, paddle shifters, a full color TFT instrument cluster and new 7-inch touchscreen display are the dominating features.

Sporty flair

The exhilarating performance of the RS is matched by the sporty flair of its sleek exterior featuring slim LED headlights topped by LED daytime running lights, a gloss black front grille, a long, low, fastback profile, C-shaped taillights, and a wing-type trunk spoiler with integrated high mount LED stop lamp.

Longer, wider and lower than the preceding iteration, the new Civic is a big small car with class-leading legroom, knee room, shoulder span, and headroom front and rear.

The fastback roofline somewhat limits headroom at the back, but this is offset by the lower mounting of the back seat, which splits and folds 60-40 to accommodate long and bulky cargo.

The trunk offers 458 liters of space, which is outstanding compared to the Civic’s rivals.

Summing up, the Honda Civic RS is a frisky all-rounder with distinctive coupe-like styling, a  peppy turbo engine, a spacious de luxe interior, and the latest in infotainment, connectivity and safety technology.

It is practical, comfortable, refined, and easy and fun to drive.

With the Civic RS, Honda is winning back the nameplate’s four decades of dominance in the compact sedan segment.