Civic IMA - Don't like it at all!

FergusTheDog · 17th December 2007, 09:55

I have one of these things on loan while the trusty ES diesel in being serviced. Mrs Fergus was thinking about one but if she goes the hybrid route the Prius will win - easily.

First the interior, seems very down market for a 17k plus car. Driving is OK - but no better, pretty gutless after a 2.2 diesel - but the Prius has the edge for having an "electric only" mode. The ride is crashy, much worse than the hatch. Also it seems to have settled at 40mpg on my normal commute and running around (trip B), that seems to be about what it has done in the first 5000 miles of its life too (to judge by Trip A).

The boot is maddening, you open the doors from the fob but the boot needs a key (unless there is a secret switch somewhere). Also, load space is badly compromised, no way I can get a set of golf clubs and electric trolley in there and the back seats don't seem to be "magic".

Sorry Honda, too many compromises and seems too much like a work in progress to get my vote.

LNT · 18th December 2007, 17:50

I used a Civic 5 door whilst working. It was a 1.4 and bearing in mind I'm used to the 3.2 Mondeo, it was gutless. The interior was very dark, not leather like my own car, pretty cheap fabric actually. And I just couldn't see out of the back so ended up embarrassing myself every time I reversed into a parking place, not to mention double checking the massive blind spot when on the motorway. The gearchange was like a pudding bowl and in 5th gear, no acceleration whatsoever. It was also being filled up with petrol all the time. Despite it's price, it was very noisy, especially on the motorway. Still, I'm sure the next 5 door will look much nicer as I don't like this one at all.

I say this not in defence of the hybrid, because it doesn't need it. For starters, it doesn't cost £17k unless you go for the EX. If you're the kind of driver that likes a 2.2, you're not going to like a 1.4, because you'll drive it like your 2.2 and be disappointed. That applies to any car. If, however, like me, you are frugal with your right foot and use the cruise control in the main (does the 2.2 have cruise control?) then the automatic 1.4 is perfectly adequate. I don't play golf, so don't need a boot that holds clubs AND a trolley, but if I did, I suppose I wouldn't be taking any passengers, because golf is usually you and your mate, so I'd just use the back seats for the clubs or the trolley. I also love the fact that you need a key for the boot, because for one, its a good crime prevention measure, without it people can just open your boot at traffic lights if your car isn't locked, and there's also a "secret" button next to the seat anyway to open it from inside when you get out....

So I really couldn't see the point of your post. You obviously worship your car and good luck to you, but you're not comparing like with like so your "review" was pretty pointless really in my opinion. It just seemed pretty petty because you needed to make the point that it wasn't as good as your car and therefore why would anyone want to buy one?

My insurance is due in the new year, hell that's a massive £18 per month, and I forgot, tax is due as well. Bummer, another £15 for the year. Still, it's not all bad news; petrol is still only 99.9p round here...not like the diesel at £1.06.9!

FergusTheDog · 18th December 2007, 18:08

Because we were thinking of buying one and now we won't. And I don't "worship" my car, in fact I don't "worship" anything.....

£18 a month for insurance, about 25% more than I pay then.... and 50 mpg at 104p per litre beats 40 mpg at 99 p per litre if you want to get into penny pinching....

Suggest we stop now.

Jack The Lad. · 18th December 2007, 19:12

Best wait to see what the new CRX is like then.
Should get a couple of golf balls in the back, but no way the clubs.

Diesel Virgin · 18th December 2007, 19:36

I think fergus does make some fair points. Now I am travelling a long distance to work, and do not really mind about performance I would now consider a 1.4. However I can not see what I would gain, sure the tax is £100 cheaper and the insurance maybe a bit cheaper but when fuel cost over the year are a great deal more I would want to see a significant increase in mpg. From what I have heard people do not appear to be getting any better than the diesel. So in sumary it seems I would save a few quid a year but lose alot of power and have a car which I personnally believe is not as nice inside or out. In addition mpg tax etc is meant to be its selling point, rather than economy and performance of the 2.2, but if other manufactures come up with better solutions, VW blue for example, then the resale value may drop significantly which would then erase any savings on tax etc.

Bog · 18th December 2007, 22:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by LNT

So I really couldn't see the point of your post. You obviously worship your car and good luck to you, but you're not comparing like with like so your "review" was pretty pointless really in my opinion. It just seemed pretty petty because you needed to make the point that it wasn't as good as your car and therefore why would anyone want to buy one?

I thought that when I read FergusTheDog's post - pointless, like comparing chalk with cheese!

We all buy cars that suit our needs and if someone buys a model that you would'nt, does not mean their choice is crap!

The hybrid/4door is what most of the world will see as the true Civic and it's a shame the Euro version is not as well put together! The Euro design is better, but IMO it's the 5dr that has too many compromises and seems like a work in progress

czechplastik · 23rd December 2007, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by LNT

(does the 2.2 have cruise control?)

Yes

minisweeper · 23rd December 2007, 17:40

Why will most of the world see the 4 door as the true civic?

Bog · 23rd December 2007, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by minisweeper

Why will most of the world see the 4 door as the true civic?

Because far more USD/JDM variants (4dr & 2dr coupe)will be sold will be sold across Asia, America and the middle east.

FWH · 23rd December 2007, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bog

Because far more USD/JDM variants (4dr & 2dr coupe)will be sold will be sold across Asia, America and the middle east.

Yes, there will be more of them, numerically speaking

Bog · 23rd December 2007, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWH

Yes, there will be more of them, numerically speaking

That's what I meant, but I don't think I worded it well

. Rather than true Civic, I mean the body shape people most people in the world will recognise as the Civic.

FergusTheDog · 24th December 2007, 07:06

Er, um, wish I'd never started this. I never said it was crap, just that I didn't like it - that a crime now is it?

FWH · 24th December 2007, 12:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by FergusTheDog

Er, um, wish I'd never started this. I never said it was crap, just that I didn't like it - that a crime now is it?

Not at all.

Unfortunalty, if there is something someone does not like there is always someone else who will defend that something.

Dimplyred · 24th December 2007, 14:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWH

Not at all.

Unfortunalty, if there is something someone does not like there is always someone else who will defend that something.

Are you talking about Broders there, FWH

FWH · 25th December 2007, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimplyred

Are you talking about Broders there, FWH

Not specifically, but on occasion he and his friends may just fit into that description..

Civic Fan · 1st January 2008, 00:37

I don’t mind the shape. I quite like saloons and like that Honda is at the forefront of an alternative powered hybrid car. Especially as it’s a damn site better than the awful Toyota Prius. What I do have a problem with is the price. Its way out of my budget as a viable means of transport. If honda or the government offered a subsidy, I would seriously consider it.

On that note I am excited about the hydrogen powered cars that Honda is developing. If they can harness that technology and make it available to the masses as petroleum based fuel is now, then we have an answer to fuel shortages and can stick two fingers up at the Arabs.

jazzman · 1st January 2008, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Civic Fan

I don’t mind the shape. I quite like saloons and like that Honda is at the forefront of an alternative powered hybrid car. Especially as it’s a damn site better than the awful Toyota Prius. What I do have a problem with is the price. Its way out of my budget as a viable means of transport. If honda or the government offered a subsidy, I would seriously consider it.

On that note I am excited about the hydrogen powered cars that Honda is developing. If they can harness that technology and make it available to the masses as petroleum based fuel is now, then we have an answer to fuel shortages and can stick two fingers up at the Arabs.

I think it`s a good vehicle and goes well not a fireball but a reasonable performance and very economical and I would have been seriously tempted had it been a hatchback but it`s not and I personally think that Honda would have sold a lot more of them in this country had they offered a hatchback.

P@tje · 2nd January 2008, 14:18

Civic IMA is the old model. Grey mouse.
But the current Civic Hybrid is a very nice car and I like it to drive! It's the future available today. Drives like a limousine.

FWH · 2nd January 2008, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by P@tje

Civic IMA is the old model. Grey mouse.
But the current Civic Hybrid is a very nice car and I like it to drive! It's the future available today. Drives like a limousine.

IMA means Integrated Motor Assist.
It is Honda´s name for their hybrid technology which is used also in the current Civic Hybrid.

I am quite sure this thread is about the current model.

Integrated Motor Assist - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

P@tje · 2nd January 2008, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWH

IMA means Integrated Motor Assist.
It is Honda´s name for their hybrid technology which is used also in the current Civic Hybrid.

I am quite sure this thread is about the current model.

Integrated Motor Assist - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ok. Overhere the Civic IMA was the name voor de previous model, 2004-2006.
In the current model (2006 - ) the word IMA is not in the title of the car, but it is in the title of the system, and also stickered on the rear window

current name here is Civic Hybrid

17th December 2007, 09:55	#1 (permalink)
FergusTheDog Wheelnut Join Date: 25th May 2007 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 67	Civic IMA - Don't like it at all! I have one of these things on loan while the trusty ES diesel in being serviced. Mrs Fergus was thinking about one but if she goes the hybrid route the Prius will win - easily. First the interior, seems very down market for a 17k plus car. Driving is OK - but no better, pretty gutless after a 2.2 diesel - but the Prius has the edge for having an "electric only" mode. The ride is crashy, much worse than the hatch. Also it seems to have settled at 40mpg on my normal commute and running around (trip B), that seems to be about what it has done in the first 5000 miles of its life too (to judge by Trip A). The boot is maddening, you open the doors from the fob but the boot needs a key (unless there is a secret switch somewhere). Also, load space is badly compromised, no way I can get a set of golf clubs and electric trolley in there and the back seats don't seem to be "magic". Sorry Honda, too many compromises and seems too much like a work in progress to get my vote.

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This thread is about: Civic IMA - Don't like it at all!, it's in Hybrid at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; I have one of these things on loan while the trusty ES diesel in being serviced. Mrs Fergus was thinking about one but if she ...

18th December 2007, 17:50	#2 (permalink)
LNT Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 24th March 2007 Location: England Posts: 188	I used a Civic 5 door whilst working. It was a 1.4 and bearing in mind I'm used to the 3.2 Mondeo, it was gutless. The interior was very dark, not leather like my own car, pretty cheap fabric actually. And I just couldn't see out of the back so ended up embarrassing myself every time I reversed into a parking place, not to mention double checking the massive blind spot when on the motorway. The gearchange was like a pudding bowl and in 5th gear, no acceleration whatsoever. It was also being filled up with petrol all the time. Despite it's price, it was very noisy, especially on the motorway. Still, I'm sure the next 5 door will look much nicer as I don't like this one at all. I say this not in defence of the hybrid, because it doesn't need it. For starters, it doesn't cost £17k unless you go for the EX. If you're the kind of driver that likes a 2.2, you're not going to like a 1.4, because you'll drive it like your 2.2 and be disappointed. That applies to any car. If, however, like me, you are frugal with your right foot and use the cruise control in the main (does the 2.2 have cruise control?) then the automatic 1.4 is perfectly adequate. I don't play golf, so don't need a boot that holds clubs AND a trolley, but if I did, I suppose I wouldn't be taking any passengers, because golf is usually you and your mate, so I'd just use the back seats for the clubs or the trolley. I also love the fact that you need a key for the boot, because for one, its a good crime prevention measure, without it people can just open your boot at traffic lights if your car isn't locked, and there's also a "secret" button next to the seat anyway to open it from inside when you get out.... So I really couldn't see the point of your post. You obviously worship your car and good luck to you, but you're not comparing like with like so your "review" was pretty pointless really in my opinion. It just seemed pretty petty because you needed to make the point that it wasn't as good as your car and therefore why would anyone want to buy one? My insurance is due in the new year, hell that's a massive £18 per month, and I forgot, tax is due as well. Bummer, another £15 for the year. Still, it's not all bad news; petrol is still only 99.9p round here...not like the diesel at £1.06.9!

18th December 2007, 18:08	#3 (permalink)
FergusTheDog Wheelnut Join Date: 25th May 2007 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 67	Because we were thinking of buying one and now we won't. And I don't "worship" my car, in fact I don't "worship" anything..... £18 a month for insurance, about 25% more than I pay then.... and 50 mpg at 104p per litre beats 40 mpg at 99 p per litre if you want to get into penny pinching.... Suggest we stop now.

18th December 2007, 19:12	#4 (permalink)
Jack The Lad. Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 28th August 2007 Location: ENGLAND Posts: 1,288	Best wait to see what the new CRX is like then. Should get a couple of golf balls in the back, but no way the clubs.

18th December 2007, 19:36	#5 (permalink)
Diesel Virgin Valve Cap Join Date: 6th November 2007 Location: Blandford Posts: 26	I think fergus does make some fair points. Now I am travelling a long distance to work, and do not really mind about performance I would now consider a 1.4. However I can not see what I would gain, sure the tax is £100 cheaper and the insurance maybe a bit cheaper but when fuel cost over the year are a great deal more I would want to see a significant increase in mpg. From what I have heard people do not appear to be getting any better than the diesel. So in sumary it seems I would save a few quid a year but lose alot of power and have a car which I personnally believe is not as nice inside or out. In addition mpg tax etc is meant to be its selling point, rather than economy and performance of the 2.2, but if other manufactures come up with better solutions, VW blue for example, then the resale value may drop significantly which would then erase any savings on tax etc.

23rd December 2007, 17:40	#8 (permalink)
minisweeper Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 23rd June 2007 Posts: 129	Why will most of the world see the 4 door as the true civic?

24th December 2007, 07:06	#12 (permalink)
FergusTheDog Wheelnut Join Date: 25th May 2007 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 67	Er, um, wish I'd never started this. I never said it was crap, just that I didn't like it - that a crime now is it?

1st January 2008, 00:37	#16 (permalink)
Civic Fan Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 2nd July 2006 Location: Northeast Posts: 257	I don’t mind the shape. I quite like saloons and like that Honda is at the forefront of an alternative powered hybrid car. Especially as it’s a damn site better than the awful Toyota Prius. What I do have a problem with is the price. Its way out of my budget as a viable means of transport. If honda or the government offered a subsidy, I would seriously consider it. On that note I am excited about the hydrogen powered cars that Honda is developing. If they can harness that technology and make it available to the masses as petroleum based fuel is now, then we have an answer to fuel shortages and can stick two fingers up at the Arabs.

2nd January 2008, 14:18	#18 (permalink)
P@tje Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 19th November 2006 Location: Netherlands Posts: 182	Civic IMA is the old model. Grey mouse. But the current Civic Hybrid is a very nice car and I like it to drive! It's the future available today. Drives like a limousine.