What is it?
Desirable, stand-out looks matched to real-world running costs and usability: this is a hugely popular combination in today’s market. So it makes perfect sense that Honda should choose to add some sporting presence to its everyday Civic models and the result is this, the limited-edition Civic Ti.
What's it like?
Tested here with a 138bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine (a 1.4-litre petrol is
also available), the Ti gets a body kit inspired by Honda’s BTCC car, unique 17in alloy wheels and a Pioneer sat-nav and media unit, but it retains the same running gear as a standard 1.8-litre petrol model.
And therein lies the problem, because although there is a lot to like about the Ti, the Civic feels very old now. Yes, it’s well equipped, looks special and costs thousands less, spec for spec, than the obvious class leaders. But any merit in these factors and the appealingly modern-looking (if ergonomically disastrous) interior is hard to appreciate when the car is so dominated by its lacklustre motor.
The performance figures are perfectly adequate, but the engine comes across as strained and noisy, making it fairly unpleasant to use either vigorously or normally. The ride is also not brilliant, picking up many of the road’s bumps and ruts and feeling generally firmer than you would expect. To add to the list of flaws, the emissions and economy fall some way behind those of the best.
Should I buy one?
Still, the low list price could well make up for that, and if you’re sold on the Civic’s looks, it’s easy to see why this might be on your shortlist. But by any objective measure beyond initial buying costs, the Civic Ti is left lagging. We’d certainly recommend you spend your money elsewhere – even if it involves spending more of it.
Vicky Parrott
Price: £16,995; Top speed: 127mph; 0-62mph: 8.9sec; Economy: 42.8mpg (combined); CO2: 152g/km; Kerb weight: 1321kg
Join the debate
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
Let's be frank, this is effectively a run-out model pending an all new Civic which must be due late this year or early next (the Civic runs to fairly strict 5-year model cycles with the current having been around since 2006). That aside the quoted 1360kg kerb weight must take some of the edge of this car's performance / economy. Let's hope the next one is a bit lighter...
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
I find the whole link to the BTCC a bit tenuous and tacky personally. It smacks of a car which is coming to the end of it's life and a model that has just been created to keep interest in the range now the Type R has gone.
It is a car I should like if only for the normally aspirated engine and manual gear box but the whole package (Pioneer stereo included) just doesn't gel for me. There are far better cars for the money with a genuine sporting agenda (RS Clio for the one).
It's all about the twisties........
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
far better cars for the money with a genuine sporting agenda (RS Clio for the one).
They aren't in the same segment!
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
I have never found anything to like about the current Civic and will be glad to see the back of it. I thought the previous generation car was much better.
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
far better cars for the money with a genuine sporting agenda (RS Clio for the one).
They aren't in the same segment!
If you read what he said, his criterion are:
- cars of the same price
- cars with "genuine sporting agenda"
and the Clio qualifies on both accounts.
I like this Civic, it is very interesting to look at. I think the previous Civic was a bit dull. This particular 1.8Ti is a little heavy and a little underpowered. Maybe the next generation will get closer to the ~1000kg of the EG and EF Civics.
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
The 1.4 might work out as a better buy as it looks the same but i supposedly quite a smooth engine, still an old car though, wonder what discount you could acheive.
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
In the US they get a new 2.4 200 bhp version with a lsd, a manual box, and IRS.
And we get this. I think someone in Europe has upset Honda
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
I have never found anything to like about the current Civic and will be glad to see the back of it. I thought the previous generation car was much better.
+1
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
Honda : you should be inspired by the 90's Civic.
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
Honda have lost their way, the last Civic Type R was worse than the first 1, they used to lead the way in engine tech with the screaming VTECS of the late 80's early 90's, now they just lag behind in just about every department, surely they can do better.
