With the presentation of the Civic MK8, Honda showed a completely different face. She proved that the compact does not have to be boring at all. Unfortunately, not all fans liked the new spaceship-like look.
Honda Civic Model history
The Honda Civic has been with us since 1972. During this time, eight generations of this car have appeared, and quite recently another has hit the market.
Although the Japanese have diligently perfected their recipe for a compact car over the years, some fans of the brand say that the eighth generation of the Civic is a step backwards.
Why? You will learn from this text. The history of this variety actually began in 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show, but only a year later the car appeared at dealerships in our country.
In 2007, a 3-door version was added to the offer, but it is difficult to distinguish it from a distance from the 5-door, because the handle in the C-pillar is cleverly hidden (as in the Alfa Romeo 156 ).
At the same time, the long-awaited by all Honda fans version of the Type-R, which was quite a disappointment for them, came to the showrooms.
The car underwent a facelift in 2009. The refreshed Civic is easily recognizable by its grill. In the new car, the kitschy plastic connecting the lampshades has been abandoned in favor of plastic with a black grille. Production of the eighth generation ended a year ago.
Interestingly, the Civic was manufactured in England, Japan, USA, Canada, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Brazil, and even in Turkey. Apart from the hatchback version, a sedan was also offered.
Honda Civic MK8 Engine
Gasoline:
- R4 1,3 Hybrid (95 KM)
- R4 1.4 DSi (83 KM)
- R4 1.8 VTEC (140 KM)
Diesels:
- R4 2,2 i-CTDi (140 KM)
The engine offers of a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf are always rich, and Honda power units are a handful. Someone will say that three gasoline and one diesel are not enough – and they will be wrong.
Why? Because the Japanese focus on quality, not quantity. Motors that can work under the hood of the Civic are perfected in every detail units that are alien to faults.
None of the engines breaks down, but maybe one is too weak for this car? Yes, a base unit that I strongly advise against. The 140 hp VTEC, on the other hand, is a sensational choice.
In the city, it consumes only 8.5 l / 100 km and, take my word for it, it’s a really good result. Sprinting down to hundreds of less than 9 seconds and variable valve timing ensure that the driver’s smile is almost never left.
I recommend the top variety Type-R to madmen (you will read about it in a week, you will also find out why it disappoints so much). Hybrid is rather rare.
The range of engines also includes diesel, which can be undoubtedly considered one of the least emergency on the market. However, it must be remembered that in cars with high mileage, replacement may unfortunately require a dual mass flywheel.
Sometimes it is also necessary to regenerate the turbocharger, and in units used in the city the diesel particulate filter is clogged.
However, if we find a well-kept copy, in return we get peace of mind in a set with low fuel consumption and good dynamics.
Honda Civic MK8 Technical data
As befits a compact, the drive, regardless of the version, is always transferred to the wheels of the front axle. You can shift gears yourself using the six gears, or it can be done by artificial intelligence like the i-Shift automated gearbox. The hybrid version is equipped with a continuously variable CVT transmission.
The suspension is a classic layout with suspension struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. The latter solution was a strange move of the brand, after all, in the previous generation, the car had a multi-link rear axle.
The torsion beam significantly worsens the traction properties. The Japanese wanted to save money or eliminate the possibility of a failure? Probably both, but some Honda fans consider it a step backwards and I share their opinion. It should be remembered, however, that the sedan had no beam at the rear, only a multi-link system.
Honda Civic MK8 Most Common Failure
- When buying the eighth generation Civic, you should carefully inspect the body parts for corrosion. You will not find any serious fires, but there are cases of clearly visible raids.
- A knocking noise from the front suspension is a sign that one of the shock absorbers has dropped a bump stop. Honda has carried out a service action, but there can always be a copy that has not eliminated this minor problem.
- Cars were also called to dealers because of a handbrake failure. Unfortunately, mechanics’ interference often did not help. So far, most of the glitches are minor, but that’s not all. Those who choose an automated gearbox will have to deal with its crazy driver.
- The module responsible for the proper operation of the steering gear is equally unreliable. Before buying, you also need to check the condition of the timing chain, which likes to stretch – this applies to all engine versions.
- The minor flaws include problems with the door handles, a jammed gearbox, a defective central lock or fading clocks.
- The paint, which is very easy to scratch, is also very durable – a condition often found in Asian cars. In turn, the plastics used to finish the dashboard like to make unpleasant crackles – a phenomenon typical for cars before facelift.
Honda Civic MK8 In our opinion
The Honda Civic MK8 may not be a sports car, but it is a car for real tough guys. This Japanese can be compared to a tank.
The suspension is rock hard (especially in the hatchback version), the gears are quite imprecise with noticeable resistance, and faster driving requires the engine to be turned at very high RPM.
In other words, it all takes a bit more effort, but not overstating it. Such features may not appeal to calm people looking for a comfortable compact.
They should rather be interested in the Mitsubishi Lancer. Despite its crude nature, the Civic has something that will appeal to many people – it is simply above-average durability and has quite decent performance with low fuel consumption. It is used to service mainly for inspections and replacement of operating fluids.
