Auto Express

Kremmen · 26th January 2007, 08:06

Not paid too much attention to the fine detail yet but.....

There is a four car shootout in this weeks Auto Express.

A Civic ES, a Ford Focus, some other similar vehicle and a new Toyota that has just been released.

The upshot is the Civic has won hands down

Meino · 26th January 2007, 08:13

Heard about Ford, they shut down about 16 plants in the US and they lost a lot of money last year selling cars.....

czechplastik · 26th January 2007, 12:28

Yes just read it there, gave everything else a right thrashing!

M88RKE · 26th January 2007, 13:13

CZ

what were the specs of the cars in question?

I'll look out for the mag tonight

thanks

czechplastik · 26th January 2007, 13:25

Off today so I thought I'd type out the review!

Talk about a revolution. The previous Civic had a reputation for appealing only to more 'mature' buyers, but the current model is a different matter altogether. In one fell swoop, Honda has built a car that makes every other hatchback look dull.
The styling may not appeal to everyone, but thanks to its wedge shape and muscular stance, the civic stands out from the crowd. There's a futuristic feel created by the space-age blend of lights and reflectors merging across the nose and split tailgate, while other details such as triangular exhausts, plus concealed rear door handles, also catch the eye. Shunning current trends for middle age spread, the civic is shorter and lower than its predecessor - but that doesn't mean its not practical. The 485 litre boot is the largest here by a long way, and also features a neat false floor that lifts to reveal a hidden compartment (there's no spare wheel) or stows at the bottom of the cubby to boost the load volume still further. And with a fuel tank which, as on the firm's Jazz, has been moved forward under the front seats, the engineers were free to create a highly versatile area.
But the rear chairs aren't only clever; they're also spacious. When climbing in, you notice how small the back doors are and the fact the thick C-Pillars darken the cabin, but you can't argue with 70mm more legroom than in the Auris. The Honda caters for passengers better than any other car in the class. Up front, the cockpit oozes style and quality - Honda's designer clearly wanted to ensure that the interior is as bold as the exterior. You would expect the unconventional layout to be confusing, but once you're familiar with it, it's one of the most user-friendly we've ever tried. The controls are cleverly clustered, the materials are a step up from those in the Auris and it simply feels much more special and sophisticated than it's rivals.
We do have a few criticisms, though. The steering wheel can partially obscure the digital speedometer, and the lip spoiler across the tailgate seriously hampers rearward visability.
The powerplant doesn't let the side down, however. At the test track, the civic outpaced its competitors with ease. Admittedly the engines 1.8 litre capacity gives the Honda a healthy advantage, but you might also be surprised to learn the i-vtec is the cleanest most economical unit here. A 30-70mph time of 8.2 seconds puts the civic 2 seconds clear of the focus and golf, while the snappy throttle action, enthusiastic mid range pull, hard edged engine note and slick six-speed gearbox make it feel like a hot hatch.
The precise pedals and steering are light enough to be easy to use around town, but also prove impressively responsive. That bodes well for the cars driver appeal, and on the whole the Honda lives up to expectations. It's grippy and well balanced although it doesn't tackle corners with the same panache as the Focus. Ride comfort is entirely acceptable, but all three rivals excel in that area and the civic comes across as rather sporting in comparison, with the dampers failing to isolate rough road surfaces. At least top-drawer refinement and sound insulation make it a fine motorway machine.
You pay for the privilege though. In ES spec, the civic is well equipped, but it costs nearly £2000 more than the Auris in this test - although Hondas lesser S version comes in at £13890.

Rivals:

Ford Focus 1.6 TI-VCT zetec climate
VW Golf 1.6 Match
Toyota Auris 1.6 VVT-IT3

Final result:

1) Honda Civic i-VTEC 1.8 ES

The Civic is bold and futuristic, yet also user-friendly, roomy, fast, frugal and desirable. Toyota should have paid the Honda more attention.

2) Ford Focus 1.6 TI-VCT zetec climate

While the styling is dull, the driver experience is anything but, and polished ergonomics make the ford easy to live with.

3) VW Golf 1.6 Match

Expensive yet worth every penny, the Golf feels more upmarket and desirable than any rival. Comfort is a particular strong point.

4) Toyota Auris 1.6 VVT-IT3

The replacement for the Corolla isn't brave enough, but predictable controls at least make the Auris a reassuring car to drive.

In an interesting comment the reviewer stated of the dashboard, 'Its all to easy to bang your knee on the sharp corner when you climb into the car'. I've never had a problem with that!

czechplastik · 26th January 2007, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by M88RKE

CZ

what were the specs of the cars in question?

I'll look out for the mag tonight

thanks

I accidentally hit submit-reply before I'd finished typing!

M88RKE · 26th January 2007, 13:57

Positive review, great stuff, now go and give your fingers a rest...

Did anyone ever post the Honda Civic Type R v Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 30 reviewd in Auto Express?

Kremmen · 26th January 2007, 14:14

Oh yes the other one was a VW, that'll be why I forgot it

czechplastik · 26th January 2007, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by M88RKE

Positive review, great stuff, now go and give your fingers a rest...

Did anyone ever post the Honda Civic Type R v Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 30 reviewd in Auto Express?

Autoexpress - Type R

Copycat · 26th January 2007, 17:30

Thanks for that czezhplastik!

pikkumies · 26th January 2007, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by czechplastik

Off today so I thought I'd type out the review!

In an interesting comment the reviewer stated of the dashboard, 'Its all to easy to bang your knee on the sharp corner when you climb into the car'. I've never had a problem with that!

This has happend to me and with dire results :/. I was in a hurry and jumped into the car i hit my leg to the sharp corner.. i had jeans on and it wiped away a bit of paint from the painted hood of the dash :/

26th January 2007, 08:06	#1 (permalink)
Kremmen Krem de la Krem Civinfo guru Join Date: 7th January 2007 Location: West London Posts: 2,415 Thanks: 3 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Auto Express Not paid too much attention to the fine detail yet but..... There is a four car shootout in this weeks Auto Express. A Civic ES, a Ford Focus, some other similar vehicle and a new Toyota that has just been released. The upshot is the Civic has won hands down

26th January 2007, 13:25	#5 (permalink)
czechplastik King of the rodeo Civinfo guru Join Date: 24th October 2006 Location: Belfast Posts: 4,493 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Off today so I thought I'd type out the review! Talk about a revolution. The previous Civic had a reputation for appealing only to more 'mature' buyers, but the current model is a different matter altogether. In one fell swoop, Honda has built a car that makes every other hatchback look dull. The styling may not appeal to everyone, but thanks to its wedge shape and muscular stance, the civic stands out from the crowd. There's a futuristic feel created by the space-age blend of lights and reflectors merging across the nose and split tailgate, while other details such as triangular exhausts, plus concealed rear door handles, also catch the eye. Shunning current trends for middle age spread, the civic is shorter and lower than its predecessor - but that doesn't mean its not practical. The 485 litre boot is the largest here by a long way, and also features a neat false floor that lifts to reveal a hidden compartment (there's no spare wheel) or stows at the bottom of the cubby to boost the load volume still further. And with a fuel tank which, as on the firm's Jazz, has been moved forward under the front seats, the engineers were free to create a highly versatile area. But the rear chairs aren't only clever; they're also spacious. When climbing in, you notice how small the back doors are and the fact the thick C-Pillars darken the cabin, but you can't argue with 70mm more legroom than in the Auris. The Honda caters for passengers better than any other car in the class. Up front, the cockpit oozes style and quality - Honda's designer clearly wanted to ensure that the interior is as bold as the exterior. You would expect the unconventional layout to be confusing, but once you're familiar with it, it's one of the most user-friendly we've ever tried. The controls are cleverly clustered, the materials are a step up from those in the Auris and it simply feels much more special and sophisticated than it's rivals. We do have a few criticisms, though. The steering wheel can partially obscure the digital speedometer, and the lip spoiler across the tailgate seriously hampers rearward visability. The powerplant doesn't let the side down, however. At the test track, the civic outpaced its competitors with ease. Admittedly the engines 1.8 litre capacity gives the Honda a healthy advantage, but you might also be surprised to learn the i-vtec is the cleanest most economical unit here. A 30-70mph time of 8.2 seconds puts the civic 2 seconds clear of the focus and golf, while the snappy throttle action, enthusiastic mid range pull, hard edged engine note and slick six-speed gearbox make it feel like a hot hatch. The precise pedals and steering are light enough to be easy to use around town, but also prove impressively responsive. That bodes well for the cars driver appeal, and on the whole the Honda lives up to expectations. It's grippy and well balanced although it doesn't tackle corners with the same panache as the Focus. Ride comfort is entirely acceptable, but all three rivals excel in that area and the civic comes across as rather sporting in comparison, with the dampers failing to isolate rough road surfaces. At least top-drawer refinement and sound insulation make it a fine motorway machine. You pay for the privilege though. In ES spec, the civic is well equipped, but it costs nearly £2000 more than the Auris in this test - although Hondas lesser S version comes in at £13890. Rivals: Ford Focus 1.6 TI-VCT zetec climate VW Golf 1.6 Match Toyota Auris 1.6 VVT-IT3 Final result: 1) Honda Civic i-VTEC 1.8 ES The Civic is bold and futuristic, yet also user-friendly, roomy, fast, frugal and desirable. Toyota should have paid the Honda more attention. 2) Ford Focus 1.6 TI-VCT zetec climate While the styling is dull, the driver experience is anything but, and polished ergonomics make the ford easy to live with. 3) VW Golf 1.6 Match Expensive yet worth every penny, the Golf feels more upmarket and desirable than any rival. Comfort is a particular strong point. 4) Toyota Auris 1.6 VVT-IT3 The replacement for the Corolla isn't brave enough, but predictable controls at least make the Auris a reassuring car to drive. In an interesting comment the reviewer stated of the dashboard, 'Its all to easy to bang your knee on the sharp corner when you climb into the car'. I've never had a problem with that! Last edited by czechplastik; 26th January 2007 at 13:31.

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This thread is about: Auto Express, it's in User Reviews at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; Not paid too much attention to the fine detail yet but..... There is a four car shootout in this weeks Auto Express. A Civic ES, ...

26th January 2007, 08:13	#2 (permalink)
Meino Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 18th October 2006 Location: Netherlands Posts: 474 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Heard about Ford, they shut down about 16 plants in the US and they lost a lot of money last year selling cars.....

26th January 2007, 12:28	#3 (permalink)
czechplastik King of the rodeo Civinfo guru Join Date: 24th October 2006 Location: Belfast Posts: 4,493 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yes just read it there, gave everything else a right thrashing!

26th January 2007, 13:13	#4 (permalink)
M88RKE Valve Cap Join Date: 3rd January 2007 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	CZ what were the specs of the cars in question? I'll look out for the mag tonight thanks

26th January 2007, 13:57	#7 (permalink)
M88RKE Valve Cap Join Date: 3rd January 2007 Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Positive review, great stuff, now go and give your fingers a rest... Did anyone ever post the Honda Civic Type R v Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 30 reviewd in Auto Express?

26th January 2007, 14:14	#8 (permalink)
Kremmen Krem de la Krem Civinfo guru Join Date: 7th January 2007 Location: West London Posts: 2,415 Thanks: 3 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Oh yes the other one was a VW, that'll be why I forgot it

26th January 2007, 17:30	#10 (permalink)
Copycat Galaxy class starship Rocketship door handle Join Date: 5th May 2006 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 1,049 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for that czezhplastik!