also improved by 20 percent. In a real-world application, this translates into a capacious cabin. Size-wise it is close to the discontinued and rather wonderful Accord, a car that the Civic has effectively taken over from, with the result that it now sits in the D-segment, alongside vehicles such as the VW Jetta. Build quality is absolutely and utterly top drawer, outside and in. In fact, it is right up there with any established prestige car brand you care to name. And speaking of the interior, it is an airy, uncluttered place to be, replete with top-grade, soft-touch materials and excellent ergonomics. There is also a new high-deck centre console that houses the likes of the new electric parking brake and brake hold function, while there are heated seats up front on the model tested. The sort of clever touches that you would expect from Honda abound. And just one of several Civic firsts included is Walk Away Auto Lock operated by the
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smart key system, which is standard on the Sport and Executive models. The system automatically locks the car doors once the key is approximately 2.5 metres away from the vehicle, thus ensuring additional security and day-today convenience. Smart keyless entry is also standard on 1.5-litre Turbo models. Power in this model comes courtesy of a 1.5-litre VTEC turbopetrol motor. As with most new-generation forcedinduction motors, power delivery is smooth and seamless with 127kW on tap, and 220Nm of torque from 1 700rpm right through to 5 500rpm. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 8.2 seconds, topping out at 200km/h, while fuel consumption is a claimed and believable 5.9 litres per 100km. Safety is also well taken care of by the likes of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and six airbags, to but dip into this machine's potentially life-saving features. Now the fact that it uses a CVT gearbox might discourage some as these transmissions can occasionally be a little mediocre. But
the CVT fitted to all Civics – and there are four variants in the range, namely two 1.5T models, and two non-turbo 1.8 models – is simply one of the best of the breed we have yet encountered. Add in the fact that a remarkable five-year/200 000km warranty, and a five-year/90 000km service plan are part of the deal, and it is clear that if you are looking for a D-segment sedan with lashings of individuality there is little to match the Civic. This is a car you want to – really want to – test before making a purchasing decision. You need to trust us on this one...
PUPKEWITZ Honda: Main Branch Cr/o Independence Avenue and Marien Ngouabi, Windhoek, Namibia Tel: +264 (0) 61 381 600 Fax: +264 (0) 61 381 666 www.pupkewitz-motors.com/honda/