2013 Honda Civic
| The Good: – Superb fuel economy – Cabin space and features – Ride and handling balance |
The Bad: – Pricey with options – Needs slightly more power – Few hard-plastic cabin bits |
The Honda Civic now has a new face for 2013, only a year after the lukewarm reception to the all-new 2012 model. Now hailing from Honda’s U.S. factories, the compact sedan that set the benchmark for decades, before 2012 anyway, is back with a number of upgrades that are supposed to bring the Civic to the top of its game again.
Receiving a much-needed facelift, the front-end now has a reshaped chrome grille, redone lights out back, new bumpers front and rear, and funky new wheels on the top VTi model, as seen on our test car. The new car is well-built and looks good, but won’t attract any attention.
Inside, the interior has received some much-needed soft-touch materials on the passenger-side dash face and the upper front-door sills, although the driver-side dash and rear-door sills remain moulded in hard plastic. All armrests and door inserts are padded in leatherette in our VTi, matching the leatherette seat upholstery. Along with the two-tier digital dash, the interior exudes a high-tech premium look that no other car in this class can match.
The seats themselves are moderately bolstered up front, while rear legroom and headroom remains among the better ones in this class, although slightly upstaged nowadays by some less-desirable rivals such as the Nissan Sentra and the VW Jetta. The flat floor for rear passengers is a great feature. The gooseneck-hinged boot offers decent space, with split-folding rear seats as well. There are four basic cup-holders, a couple of central cubbies, and pockets on all doors. It would’ve been nice if the front cup-holders and storage tray had covers though, like in the previous-gen model.
The dash still houses a two-tier instrument panel, so you have to position the adjustable steering wheel very low to read it clearly. The digital speedo has some blue-green lights that change colour to show how economically you’re driving. And in all but the base model, there is a little full-colour “i-MID” screen to the right, showing trip computer, Bluetooth, stereo and other settings in pretty animation. A working Bluetooth phone is now integrated with buttons on the steering wheel, alongside cruise control, “i-MID” and stereo buttons. The CD/MP3 stereo is above-average, with available USB and AUX ports, and tweeters in the A-pillars. The single-zone auto a/c gets freezing, something we appreciated as summer approaches early this late April. Other features in the VTi include a sunroof, basic keyless entry, HID headlights with fogs, rear camera and sensors, and the usual power accessories. On the safety front, ABS, ESP, front airbags and active headrests are standard, while only the VTi gets side and curtain airbags.
The 1.8-litre engine is unchanged, at least on the surface. Producing 139 hp at 6500 rpm and 173 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm, it is still mated to a basic 5-speed automatic. The rev-happy engine turns over at only 2300 rpm while doing 120 kph. That’s great for fuel economy, as the “i-MID” indicated a fuel consumption figure of only 8.3 litres/100 km by the end of our road test. For whatever reason, we also recorded a better 0-100 kph time of 10.9 seconds compared to the 2012, although we’ll chalk some of that up to a better run-in engine. We could actually feel the “VTEC kicking in” as well, as there is a slight surge in power delivery at maybe 4000 rpm. It’s no rocket, but it’s adequate for the daily drive.
There is also an “ECON” button to reduce consumption further, but it’s a ridiculous feature, considering the first thing it does is drastically reduce a/c performance. In regular mode itself, the transmission likes to sit in the higher gears, requiring slightly more push on the throttle to downshift for acceleration. And yet, we prefer this 5-speeder to the hesitant 6-speed automatic in the Chevy Cruze, the latter also being slower and thirstier.
Comfort levels are pretty good, even with new suspension tuning that makes it more agile compared to the 2012 model. It still rides on four-wheel-independent suspension, when most others, including the new-age Koreans, still use a cheap live-axle rear. The ride quality is largely smooth, without the floatiness of a Corolla or the harshness of a Cruze. The road noise is moderately noticeable on some roads, but only because wind noise is well-muted. Even the engine has been silenced better now, cutting down on the loud engine buzz of all previous Civics. On the highway, all-round visibility is good, and the cabin is almost as quiet as the Accord.
The electric power steering has been retuned as well, now offering a nice bit of heft and a bit more feel, all the better for piloting fast around turns, while still being manageable enough for slipping into parking spots. The “chassis” is noticeably more agile now, just like the 2007 Civic we tested years ago. Body roll is nicely kept under control, and swinging the steering left-and-right like an animal does not induce any untoward oversteer, even with the standard stability control turned off. Somehow, even the disc brakes are much better now, offering linearly-weighted pedal feel and uneventful stops. The VTi now gets wider 215/45 tyres as well, on larger 17-inch alloys, so grip limits are higher, while still safely understeering once the limit is reached. In short, this car is almost as entertaining to drive now as the class-leading Ford Focus, only with more cabin space as well.
As a car, there isn’t much more we can ask from the 2013 Honda Civic. It’s got its mojo back and then some. While we’d have liked the rear passengers to feel some of the interior improvements, they can still enjoy more space than in a Focus or a Mazda3. The driver gets to enjoy great handling and responsive controls compared to an Elantra or a Corolla. And everybody gets to enjoy the sorted ride quality and general refinement compared to a Cruze or a Lancer. Even though it is built in the U.S. now, the Civic still has a sizeable price premium over similar cars, but it at least offers a whole lot more as well.
| Price Range: Dh 75,000-90,000 Current Model Introduced in: Body Styles: Engines: Transmissions: Setup: Suspension: |
Brakes: Front: discs Rear: discs Curb Weight: Length: Wheelbase: Top Speed: Test Acceleration 0-100 kph: Observed Test Fuel Economy: |
Comments
Mabini
1st
Ty mash for the review. It is promising.
RK
Well done Mash,… Thanks a lot for nice and detailed review for quality car.
This car is not for the crowd looking for cheap Koreans, who dont know about safety
Thanks again Mash
Riz
Thanks Mashfique Bro.
Indeed a nice review. Hope people will buy it now 🙂
@RK
I had civic before, sold it due to its ugly looks and actually people weren’t loving the 2012-2013 shape shape. This one looks a bit better.
Then I Bought a Korean 4×4 at the price of Civic and love it since I bought it, and with all safety features.
BTW, This latest civic’s wheel color combination is derived from KIA Sportage’s wheel.
But indeed civic is a lovely car also.
Q8_Nomad
Thank you for this great all-around review. I especially appreciate the frank comparison with other competitors in some features.
Well done!
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Thanks for all the feedback. I’ve edited the story to add that a rear camera is in the VTi feature list.
Sudheesh
Its definitely have some advanced features. But I feel its almost looks like 2012 Kia Cerato from front. Civic 2010 have more futuristic look than 2013 Civic. Expected some more improvement in Interior styling but its disappointing.
A4E
am the cerato copied the American 2006 Honda Civic, i think some magazines even mentioned it, the Honda civic is just a 2006 model with some plastic surgeries.
Gerry
I don’t like the front end. Has a little smiley look to it. I agree with Sudheesh.The 2010 civic front end looks a lot more futuristic.
Sri Krishna
It looks more like a city..
Hassan Morshed
The EXi model costs around SAR 77,300/=.
Do you think its worth buying because I can get Toyota Camry GL Fleet (Automatic)for SAR 77,500/=. Which one will be smarter choice?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Depends on whether you want space or you want features.
RK
Camry is just big box of metal with no clue of proper design. Please compare the options u r getting in Civic are not available in Camry box. Just ride both car and do drifting. Civic will keep u safe
RK
Camry is just big box of metal with no clue of proper design. Please compare the options u r getting in Civic are not available in Camry box.
imran
I drive both civic 2008 and Camry 2011 but enjoy the drive of civic more than Camry
Amit
Hi Mash,
I am planing to buy a car and bit confused which on to go for. I have 2 cars in my mind Peugeot308 Sportium Turbo and Honda Civic 2013. I am looking into reliability factor and resell value which one you would suggest.
Regards
faisal
Hi Guys
I am new to this city and got my DL recently and now on hunt for a new civic after reading your review. I am little confused as when I requested a quote from Honda SZR dealer they apparently gave me a exaggerated quote as follows –
Dear Faisal,
Attached the spec for Honda civic 2013 model as below the offer for the month on JAN 2014.
· LXI 79,000Dhs Offer price 72,000 Dhs.
· EXI 85,000Dhs Offer Price 78,000 Dhs.
· EXI S/R 87,000Dhs Offer Price 81,000 Dhs.
· VTI 90,000Dhs Offer price 87,000 Dhs.
Please give me call once you make choice.
Thanks and Regards
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
It’s a good deal if it includes insurance and registration. If not, walk away.
noufal
Dear Mash,
What are difference b/w CIVIC 2013 and 2014, Is there is any major differences in the engines or n any other part.
I got Civic EXI price — 76,000.
Is it a good deal.
since we are in 2014 and the offered model is 2013 , Is it worthier to take the car for the above price.
Also is there is any idea for the prices and availability of the 2014 model.
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
I believe there are no changes.
Farhan
Hi Mash,
I am a looking to buy my first car.i have 3 cars in mind
1-Honda accord (2014), a little bit expensive for me
2-Honda Civic 2014
3-Toyota camry 2014(again a bit expensive)
4-Toyota corolla (2014)
Which one you would suggest from last three in terms of
1-Fuel efficiency
2-Performance on highways
3-safety
thanks
Menon
Hi Hussain
You have driven Nissan Tida and Honda Civic,What do you think the best choice would be. I am no longer looking for corolla but the shape and features of Tida looks impressive and a promising features for the next 5 years.
How will you compare it with a Civic.
Ram-Dubai
Honda Civic is Honda Civic……it is value price vehicle
hemant
Hi MASH,
Iam looking for Honda civic 2015 VTI model. Is it coming in UAE MARKET OR Its stopped now & ONLY EXL is available.
Amjad
How can i find that the CAR is GCC Specs…. is there any plate. I bought civic 13 today but i am confused about specs…. is it GCC OR American…. becuase on mulkia its mentioned origin of country….. usa
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
2013 GCC-spec Civics were built in USA.