Secret Sport kit brings the Vader out in Civic
We’ve had a few bites at Honda’s fine Civic already. We won’t complain if we had a few more too. This one is pretty cool though, as it steps aside pretty smartly in looks and spec.
To be honest, this 1.5T Sport model is probably the best-kept secret on the range. In fact we’d almost missed it initially. I’d noted the model in the line up but never thought too much of it. Probably because the press pack said anything about it at all. ‘In line with its overt and dynamic character, the 1.5T Sport gains 17-inch alloys. Finished in Berlina Black, augmented by a dark coating’.
DARK TRANSFORMATION
To be clear, that understated ‘dark coating’ completely transforms this Sport model to give it its own unique character. It’s more Darth Vader stealthy than Mickey Mouse chrome. The matt black treatment hides the ugliest aspects the chrome gnashing grill of the other variants. This one certainly has a hell of a lot more attitude too.
Even better is that the Sport is the cheaper of the two 1.5T versions. So if you prefer the darker side, that’s a cool bonus. Especially considering that it packs in most all of the Executive spec anyway.
Civic’s liberally equipped upmarket cabin is noticeably soft on the ear and packs a surprising level of spec. It’s also great to see that carmakers actually read some of our complaints. This latest Cvic’s revisited seven-inch Apple and Android compatible LCD infotainment interface brings good old hard buttons and a volume knob back. In place of the stupid outgoing touchscreen.
Still we’d prefer not to ask the system to communicate with us every time we start her up. Some of us actually realise we’re in a car…
CIVIC SPORT HAS CREAMY OUTPUT
For the rest, Sport equals Executive and it impressed us equally too. The creamy little 127kW 220Nm one-point-five-litre VTEC petrol four takes that tech to a completely new level in turbo incarnation. It boxes out of its shoes and rival some hatches billed as hot, even though this one is not.
Honda’s continually variable transmission is among the better out there although it could perhaps better mask that constantly droning soundtrack. But the Civic 1.5 T Sport is splendid on the road.
Sophisticated, positive and driver friendly, 7.75 second 0-100km/h acceleration and 15.6 seconds to 400m at 147km/h. An elastic 5.87 seconds 80 to 120 pull is a wonderful bonus on top of it all.
All quite special really — especially with this one’s dark Vader frown on its face. – Michele Lupini
Images: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Honda Civic 1.5T Sport CVT Engine: 127kW 220Nm 1498cc turbo petrol I4 Drive: CVT FWD TESTED: 0-60km/h: 3.74sec 0-100km/h: 7.75 sec 0-160km/h: 18.98 sec 400m: 15.6 sec @ 147km/h 80-120km/h: 5.87 sec 120-160km/h: 8.26 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 200km/h Fuel: 5.9 l/100km CO2: 140 g/km Warranty/Service: 5y 200K/5y 90Kkm LIST PRICE: R513K RATED: 8
