Our test drive took place at Honda’s R&D centre – and in an existing Civic fitted with the new engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Power output is rated at 127bhp and 200Nm of torque, with Honda aiming for a 20 per cent improvement in efficiency over the 1.8-litre engine – targets of upwards of 56mpg and Carbon dioxide emissions below 100g/km have been set.
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But Honda Australia has since ruled out the flagship model because it would have arrived about the same time as the next generation Civic sedan.
The new engine has a few pretty sophisticated components, including all-aluminium construction for less weight and Honda’s VTEC technology to help with flexibility.
“If you were to speculate 2017 you’d be close”, he said. That’s just as well, too, because the engine doesn’t seem that happy to rev up quickly. There didn’t seem to be a great deal of vibration through the pedals or the seat, but the engine did have a more obvious, discernible three-cylinder rasp than, say, the Ecoboost that you can buy in a Ford Focus. Don’t worry, because a third turbo, the 2-liter used by the new Civic Type R, will carry over. Now, Honda has announced the Euro version will also be offered with a smaller three-cylinder direct-injection 1.0-liter turbo that is being engineered from the ground up.
The first thing noticeable about the auto is its new and aggressive body kit, which is bringing the flared wheel arches, the new side sills, the updated front fascia with the new bumper, apron and front grille, the large design for the wheels, with red accents, and, of course, that massive rear spoiler, improving its handling and contributing to its final looks.
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The 1.5-litre VTEC also showed promise, developing a more potent 201bhp and 260Nm of torque.
