Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has quietly removed the Honda Civic S Turbo CVT Honda Sensing variant on the Honda Civic product page on the brand’s official website. With this, I remember my time with this exact current-gen Civic variant and how fascinated I was with its value-packed offering. Read on.
(Published on Autocar Philippines magazine November 2022 issue)
I would like to start this review by emphasizing that the Civic featured here is a base model variant. Looks far from it at first glance, right? To put it in perspective, the Honda Civic S Turbo CVT Honda Sensing is the LXi of the EK generation Civic back in the 90s. Despite that, it does not feel short changed but rather a bang-for-the-buck variant among the all-new Civic range.
Value-packed base model
Under the hood, it shares the same engine with the top-of-the-line RS Turbo. Using the same EK Civic generation comparison, it is like equipping the base LXi variant with the same B16A engine found in the legendary SiR. Imagine that. With that, there is no question with regards to which is more powerful between the S and RS variants. Driving performance though, the RS variant edges a bit as it rolls on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 out of the dealership while this S Turbo variant has a set of Dunlop Enesave eco tires. Other than that, same zippy turbocharged VTEC experience.
To better feel the driving dynamics of the all-new Civic S Turbo CVT Honda Sensing, I brought it up the mountains of Rizal to see how it fares the winding roads of Marilaque. First impression that stuck was its superb stability. It felt planted in corners even at speed. Probably, the long wheelbase played a big role in that. Despite seeming like a boat compared to its 90s ancestor, which yours truly is familiar with, the all-new Civic handles agile and steers responsively, too. The short steering ratio of the all-new Civic has a lot to do with the steering responsiveness. Aside from spirited driving, the lesser effort on the wheel is surely appreciated in parking maneuvers. The quick steer feature is definitely one of my favorites in this Civic.
It may not have the racing-derived double-wishbone suspension of its 90s predecessors but the MacPherson struts up front and multi-link rear suspension do a great job in absorbing bumps, making the car feel balanced and giving road feedback to the wheel. Despite having eco tires, the Civic S Turbo has ample traction in the consecutive corners of the mountain road. I could just imagine how driving an RS variant feels like with wider and stickier tires.
Yep, it comes with Honda SENSING
Not just all fun, the Civic S also comes with the safety features found in its top-of-the-line counterpart. Honda SENSING, the brand’s suite of safety features, comes across variants in the latest generation Civic. Yes, the base model Civic comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Low Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam, and Lead Car Departure Notification. Giving focus to Honda SENSING, these are not just your typical beeping warning features. Some of these are proactive safety features which actually affect your throttle and even steering. The Honda SENSING adds tremendous value to the Civic S. Having to know that your car is equipped with such, regardless of the trim level you have, gives not only peace of mind but a sense of satisfaction that your money was well spent.
But, as they say, you cannot have it all. As the EK Civic LXi to the SiR, this Civic S misses some features from its top-tier brethren. It misses the LED headlights, fog lights, power folding mirrors, paddle shifters, bigger touchscreen infotainment system, and rear aircon vents among others. Very minimal differences, I tell you. Inside and out, the Civic S does not feel like a base model, at all. Having the same engine along with the fact that it has the same safety features with the RS model make the Civic S worthy to be considered.
Stepping inside, the black interior plays a big role in giving the classy cabin vibe. The leather-wrapped dashboard with its honeycomb trim, which doubles as front aircon vents, offers a neo-classic feel to the whole interior. The Civic S features fabric-wrapped seats as opposed with the RS’ leather-wrapped.
Refined Civic
HCPI sold a lot of the previous generation Civic, it actually flooded the local streets. Well, a lot of new Civic features were introduced in that generation. The bigger body dimensions together with the fact that that same generation Civic was the first Type-R badged Honda that made it to our shores. And, of course, the first VTEC Turbo Civic in the country in the form of the RS Turbo variant. The previous FC generation introduced a lot of firsts for the Civic model in the country. It ushered a totally new generation of Filipino Civic owners. With the all-new Civic, it could be said that it is a more refined version of the FC generation Civic which had a successful run. Streamlined exterior body styling, classier interior layout, Honda SENSING safety suite, and VTEC Turbo across the range – the all-new Civic has a lot to offer.
If you are seriously considering the latest generation Civic, the all-new Honda Civic S Turbo CVT Honda Sensing is more than enough. Could sleep peacefully at night knowing that you saved almost P400,000 without missing anything. It has every major update made to the latest Civic and packs absolute value. The absence of some features is not a deal breaker. It could even be an excuse to modify your Civic to your taste, for personalization.
(Published on Autocar Philippines magazine November 2022 issue)
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