2016 Honda Civic VTi-LX REVIEW | A Desirable Civic (At Last), But Not Convinced By “Honda Sensing” Technology
THE REVITALISED 2016 HONDA CIVIC WINDS THE CLOCK BACK; THIS CAR RESTORES 'CHARACTER' AND 'QUALITY' TO THE CIVIC BADGE, AND EVEN, DARE WE SAY IT, 'DESIRABILITY'.
Until the last two generations, Honda’s Civic was appealing, dynamic, and just a little better than its opposition. Then things went haywire, it was post-GFC cost-cutting that did it, and Honda dropped the ball.
Let's face it, the last two Civics - noisy, dull and uninspiring - haven't been anything to write home to Mum about.
But now the Honda Civic is back. In this one we're testing, the high-spec VTi-LX, you'll find luxury and safety in abundance. It's no sports sedan, but you will also find a sense of dynamism and balance that breathes some soul back into the Civic badge.
Vehicle Style: Small sedan
Price: $33,590 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 127kW/220Nm 1.5 4cyl turbo petrol | CVT automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 6.0 l/100km | Tested: 7.9 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Of the five models that make up the 2016 Honda Civic sedan range, the VTi-LX is the flagship. It comes tricked out with a full suite of high-end features like dual-zone climate control, leather trim, powered driver’s seat and keyless start (among others).
It is also the sole model in the range to feature Honda Sensing, Honda’s advanced safety suite that includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with a low speed traffic-following function.