Launched just in March this year, the new Honda Civic hasn’t gained the same traction as its predecessor, in-part due to the ongoing downturn in the industry and the gradual customer shift towards SUVs. Since its launch, Honda has retailed a segment-best of 3,459 units of the Civic during the March-July 2019 period. The executive sedan, which is priced between Rs 17.94 lakh and Rs 22.35 lakh, is now officially available with benefits of up to Rs 2.5 lakh.
Available in 141hp, 1.8-litre petrol-CVT and 120hp, 1.6-litre diesel-manual options, the first engine-gearbox combination is on offer in three variants, while the latter comes in two. The base petrol V (Rs 17.94 lakh) gets a cash discount of up to Rs 2 lakh, while the VX and ZX variants (Rs 19.45 lakh and Rs 21.25 lakh, respectively) are available with a Rs 25,000 exchange bonus. The diesel Civic VX and ZX (Rs 20.55 lakh and Rs 22.35 lakh) are both now available with a whopping Rs 2.5 lakh cash discount.
It seems like Honda India is keen to move as many units of the Civic as possible in the run up to the festive season, and in anticipation of the launch of a new rival – the Hyundai Elantra facelift – which is just around the corner. The new Elantra’s design brings it in line with newer Hyundais (and it looks quite good too) and comes with a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with more kit. While the 152hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine will be a BS6-compliant unit (with 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox options), the 128hp, 1.6-litre diesel motor (also with the same transmissions options) will continue unchanged, but only until the unit is discontinued by April 2020.
As our comprehensive road test revealed, the Honda Civic has a sporty image that is supported by its excellent ride and handling balance. However, the Skoda Octavia is the driver’s pick in the executive sedan segment. Time will tell if the Civic will be able to keep up with the Hyundai Elantra on the sales charts.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
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