Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC, presentation and road test in Nice

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Just a year after the new Honda Civic 2012 was launched (which we already had the chance to test on the streets of Malaga), coinciding with the model’s 40th anniversary, we get to know the new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine, featuring Earth Dreams technology. From February onwards it will be available at dealerships.

This engine is exactly what the Civic and other models in the brand were needing, as it offers a very practical entry point into the diesel range, with enough power to drive comfortably in any condition, genuinely efficient consumption and truly outstanding performance.

Earth Dreams technology, the new Honda engines

The new Earth Dreams Technology engine range, and this one in particular, will first be fitted to the Honda Civic. It achieves a consumption of 3.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Let us remember that this is an engine exclusively for Europe, where diesels of this power are very popular, as well as being voracious consumers of this fuel.

The secret to its low consumption lies in its technology, where excessive friction has been avoided, reducing it to levels similar to petrol engines, around 40% lower than the 2.2. The engine weight has also been reduced by 54 kilos compared with that unit, 47 from the engine itself and the remaining 7 from the transmission, by using aluminium in the block and cylinder head.

It is also equipped with an electronically controlled Garrett turbocharger working at a maximum pressure of 1.5 bar, which minimises turbo lag and improves performance at medium and low revs. The high-pressure injection system operates at up to 1,800 bar, allowing better use of fuel and lower consumption. The transmission is a 6-speed manual and there are no plans for an automatic.

We can say it is an engine very committed to the environment, as it emits only 94 g of CO₂ per kilometre and delivers 120 CV of power at 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, a figure more typical of 2-litre engines of this displacement.

This engine is also expected to be fitted to the CR-V we saw in Munich last September during the year, although the brand has not yet announced dates.

Other mechanical and aesthetic changes

Not only the engine has changed: other aesthetic and mechanical aspects have also been refined to improve the feel and performance of the Civic. In terms of styling we see changes to the central grille and wheel arches, thereby improving aerodynamic efficiency and making that consumption figure possible.

Mechanically, there are changes to the front suspension, which has been given greater stability at high speed. Likewise, the electric steering has been improved by increasing its sensitivity, allowing greater control, precision and effectiveness in quick turns. The rear torsion beam also frees up more interior space for the seats, increasing the cargo capacity to 1,378 litres with the seats folded.

What caught our attention most, however, was the excellent reduction of cabin noise. An Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system has been incorporated, which works through the speakers when the engine is running, allowing low frequencies to be reduced by up to 10 dB.

Agile and quiet engine

Sitting behind the wheel of the new Honda Civic 2012 is nothing new, but when the engine starts you notice some difference. When stationary with the engine running there is hardly any of the vibration typical of combustion engines, and the noise inside the cabin is minimal, enough to listen to the radio or chat with passengers without background noise always present.

Once on the move we found how agile the engine behaves: it is capable of pulling through a high rev range above 4,000 rpm and continuing to deliver power, where even its bigger brother, the 2.2, ran out of strength. At low revs it is really punchy, feels stronger than it is, and this is thanks to its torque. Its top speed is 203 km/h and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds.

In the little over 150 kilometres we were able to drive, covering mountain roads, motorway and city, the engine responded well and the consumption figures confirm that choosing this engine was the right decision.

Prices and versions

The three versions remain, except the top-of-the-range one, which is now called lifestyle instead of executive. The other two stay the same: comfort and sport. The base price for this engine, corresponding to the comfort trim is 21,300 euros, before discounts, which the brand will announce next week.

The sport trim starts at 23,200 euros and the lifestyle from 25,200. The latter two can be fitted with the integrated navigation system in the centre console, adding 1,100 and 2,200 euros respectively. The reason is that the first includes maps on an SD card and the second has a hard drive to store them. It is worth noting that the top speed of the sport is 206 km/h and it accelerates 0.3 seconds faster.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, a colour i-MID display and 16-inch wheels. With the sport trim we add dual-zone air conditioning, light and rain sensors, an alarm and wheels one inch larger. The top of the range includes xenon headlights, an audio system with subwoofer and DAB, tinted rear windows, parking sensors, a photochromic interior mirror and heated front seats.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackHonda Civic3 versions · from 36,300 €