Honda civic 1.8EL or 1.5 turbo .

[kwak250]

Well i have waited so long for the new civic to arrive BUT

Basically this will be for my wife and she is more than happy to go and get the white 1.8EL that is available at our local dealer

I am convincing her to wait for the 1.5 turbo which would be much more fun.

Problem is i have seen a few new 1.8 versions flying along and after watching a youtube video with it going 211kph is it really worth waiting and paying another 140k ?

Whats your thoughts as i have a dealer phoning Friday when i am going to decide.

Must admit dont think i will be using the Vigo much if the 1.5 turbo is as i hope it will be.

I was told the 1.8 engine is from the previous model civic not sure how true it is?

[pontious]

Out of interest I have been told May/June for my Turbo RS - what did your dealer say?

[kwak250]

Before Songkran for the turbo i was told 2nd week in may but yesterday they also said end of May/june

[DavisH]

Does the 1.8 also have twin exhausts? Cos I saw the rear on one the other night, I thought only the 1.5 turbo had them. Unfortunately I didn't get close enough to have a good look (the snail wife was driving lol)

I'm sure the 1.5 turbo will be worth the wait. The 1.8 motor is 10 year old technology.

[Wiggy]

My penny's worth:

The turbo would probably be more economical due to the smaller engine. However it won't run on E85. This maybe something to think about when oil prices rise. It's not a deal breaker for me, but might help resale value on the 1.8 when oil prices are higher. After all second-hand car buyers' budgets are likely to be restricted. The specifications are almost identical; the only differences I can see are the wheel size (16" on the 1.8, 17" on the Turbo), and rain-sensing wipers on the Turbo . My main concern is that which has already been mentioned - the 1.8 might feel under powered due to the ageing technology and being linked to a CVT gearbox. I test drove an HRV (same set-up as the Civic 1.8) and I felt it was lacking something. It wasn't exactly slow, but lacked 'oomph'. I'm looking to change from my 2013 2.0 Focus (great car, but need a change) and would like to have similar power, so will probably opt for a Turbo (not sure whether RS or not yet).

Edited April 20, 2016 by Wiggy

[jphasia]

I just tested the Civic RS turbo yesterday. We are considering to change car with my wife this year and we were considering the HRV which we tested last month. We are not much about cars and not specialist at all. Mainly looking at the look first. But we saw the new civic on TV and as we passed in front of Honda yesterday, we decided to have a look. We are basically only 2 persons and mainly driving around Phuket with some longer trips sometime. We feel the New civic RS turbo nice, comfortable, and good to drive. We are not looking for high speed but to have good power to respond in case. We didn't test the 1.8 as i believe it is the same engine as the HRV.

At the end, we still like the look of the HRV but we felt more comfortable driving the Civic RS Turbo

[Wiggy]

I just tested the Civic RS turbo yesterday. We are considering to change car with my wife this year and we were considering the HRV which we tested last month. We are not much about cars and not specialist at all. Mainly looking at the look first. But we saw the new civic on TV and as we passed in front of Honda yesterday, we decided to have a look. We are basically only 2 persons and mainly driving around Phuket with some longer trips sometime. We feel the New civic RS turbo nice, comfortable, and good to drive. We are not looking for high speed but to have good power to respond in case. We didn't test the 1.8 as i believe it is the same engine as the HRV.

At the end, we still like the look of the HRV but we felt more comfortable driving the Civic RS Turbo

What do you feel was the best thing about the Civic over the HRV? I've been trying to secure a test drive in the RS (in Bangkok), but nobody will allow it and I've tried four dealers already

[jphasia]

Difficult to say. As I said, i am not much about cars and not specialist at all. The last 2 cars we had was Toyota Yaris (not the latest one, the previous models). So when we tested the HRV, we found it very different to drive. We thought that it is because we are used to the Yaris but even me i am renting cars often for my job and found it different. Instead, when we tried the Civic, we adapted automatically, found it easy. Even my wife normally doesn't like Sedan car as she said she is worry that she can't see well the back especially for parking, she prefer short cars but she felt very comfortable driving the Civic even when she parked it in reverse. Don't get me wrong, i am not comparing the Civic with the Yaris. I used to have toyota altis, fortuner and even BMW serie 3. For our needs, Yaris is a good car and we had 2 in the row but when the latest model came out, we have been disapointed as the engine is 1.2 only. I drove one before for few month and you really feel the difference.

Here in Phuket, they said it will take 2 months from order to get a new RS turbo (white). But they have 2 available for test.

[Wiggy]

Difficult to say. As I said, i am not much about cars and not specialist at all. The last 2 cars we had was Toyota Yaris (not the latest one, the previous models). So when we tested the HRV, we found it very different to drive. We thought that it is because we are used to the Yaris but even me i am renting cars often for my job and found it different. Instead, when we tried the Civic, we adapted automatically, found it easy. Even my wife normally doesn't like Sedan car as she said she is worry that she can't see well the back especially for parking, she prefer short cars but she felt very comfortable driving the Civic even when she parked it in reverse. Don't get me wrong, i am not comparing the Civic with the Yaris. I used to have toyota altis, fortuner and even BMW serie 3. For our needs, Yaris is a good car and we had 2 in the row but when the latest model came out, we have been disapointed as the engine is 1.2 only. I drove one before for few month and you really feel the difference.

Here in Phuket, they said it will take 2 months from order to get a new RS turbo (white). But they have 2 available for test.

Thanks so much for the information, jphasia, it's much appreciated. I need to find one to test in Bangkok. Looking to change in July, so no hurry. Just one more question, if I may. Did you notice if the Civic had split/folding rear seats? I've heard the Thai version doesn't. Thanks.

[jphasia]

Difficult to say. As I said, i am not much about cars and not specialist at all. The last 2 cars we had was Toyota Yaris (not the latest one, the previous models). So when we tested the HRV, we found it very different to drive. We thought that it is because we are used to the Yaris but even me i am renting cars often for my job and found it different. Instead, when we tried the Civic, we adapted automatically, found it easy. Even my wife normally doesn't like Sedan car as she said she is worry that she can't see well the back especially for parking, she prefer short cars but she felt very comfortable driving the Civic even when she parked it in reverse. Don't get me wrong, i am not comparing the Civic with the Yaris. I used to have toyota altis, fortuner and even BMW serie 3. For our needs, Yaris is a good car and we had 2 in the row but when the latest model came out, we have been disapointed as the engine is 1.2 only. I drove one before for few month and you really feel the difference.

Here in Phuket, they said it will take 2 months from order to get a new RS turbo (white). But they have 2 available for test.

Thanks so much for the information, jphasia, it's much appreciated. I need to find one to test in Bangkok. Looking to change in July, so no hurry. Just one more question, if I may. Did you notice if the Civic had split/folding rear seats? I've heard the Thai version doesn't. Thanks.

Nope, they don't have split/folding rear seats. We checked that while there.

[Wiggy]

Difficult to say. As I said, i am not much about cars and not specialist at all. The last 2 cars we had was Toyota Yaris (not the latest one, the previous models). So when we tested the HRV, we found it very different to drive. We thought that it is because we are used to the Yaris but even me i am renting cars often for my job and found it different. Instead, when we tried the Civic, we adapted automatically, found it easy. Even my wife normally doesn't like Sedan car as she said she is worry that she can't see well the back especially for parking, she prefer short cars but she felt very comfortable driving the Civic even when she parked it in reverse. Don't get me wrong, i am not comparing the Civic with the Yaris. I used to have toyota altis, fortuner and even BMW serie 3. For our needs, Yaris is a good car and we had 2 in the row but when the latest model came out, we have been disapointed as the engine is 1.2 only. I drove one before for few month and you really feel the difference.

Here in Phuket, they said it will take 2 months from order to get a new RS turbo (white). But they have 2 available for test.

Thanks so much for the information, jphasia, it's much appreciated. I need to find one to test in Bangkok. Looking to change in July, so no hurry. Just one more question, if I may. Did you notice if the Civic had split/folding rear seats? I've heard the Thai version doesn't. Thanks.

Nope, they don't have split/folding rear seats. We checked that while there.

Thanks. Good to know. I wonder why. Strange decision by Honda. I mean, how much can it cost to put them in? Not a massive problem for me, but would be good to have.

[jphasia]

Thanks. Good to know. I wonder why. Strange decision by Honda. I mean, how much can it cost to put them in? Not a massive problem for me, but would be good to have.

Yes no problem for us as well. We are usually only 2 people together with no much luggages and the trunk is quite deep anyway.

Our plan is usually to change car every 4 years which will turn in next January for our latest one but we might not wait that long as we are quite difficult when decide to choose a new car and we like this civic RS we might just go ahead with it.

The price announced for the RS turbo is 1.2 M while the HRV top model is 1.1 M.

[mortenaa]

Thanks. Good to know. I wonder why. Strange decision by Honda. I mean, how much can it cost to put them in? Not a massive problem for me, but would be good to have.

BMW does the same stupid mistake. Their 3-series never have folding rear seats. Its a strange decision which puts me off. I have a 116i hatchback, and can't tell you how many times i folded the rear seats to carry stuff.

[Wiggy]

Thanks. Good to know. I wonder why. Strange decision by Honda. I mean, how much can it cost to put them in? Not a massive problem for me, but would be good to have.

Yes no problem for us as well. We are usually only 2 people together with no much luggages and the trunk is quite deep anyway.

Our plan is usually to change car every 4 years which will turn in next January for our latest one but we might not wait that long as we are quite difficult when decide to choose a new car and we like this civic RS we might just go ahead with it.

The price announced for the RS turbo is 1.2 M while the HRV top model is 1.1 M.

Yes, that's what I was thinking. I like the HRV too, but just not enough response/power from the accelerator, and I often like to accelerate out of trouble, rather than brake. It was a friend's I test drove, but the Civic is really growing on me. I think you're getting a lot more car for just an extra 100K.

[Wiggy]

Thanks. Good to know. I wonder why. Strange decision by Honda. I mean, how much can it cost to put them in? Not a massive problem for me, but would be good to have.

BMW does the same stupid mistake. Their 3-series never have folding rear seats. Its a strange decision which puts me off. I have a 116i hatchback, and can't tell you how many times i folded the rear seats to carry stuff.

I must say I didn't know that BMW did the same. It's such a strange decision. It must put a lot of people off....and for the sake of how many euros, pounds, baht, dollars? Weird.

Edited April 20, 2016 by Wiggy

[kwak250]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have now convinced myself to wait for the 1.5 turbo.

I dont think i will get the RS just the standard turbo as i really only like the spoiler and paddle shifts.

They have twin exhausts but actually are hidden from view and under the car but i am sure they can be altered.

I recently looked at a silver civic with red plates and a spoiler .

This might have been the new turbo version.

I have seen people saying they want the Rs version but want to take the spoiler off ?

Good points about the 1.5 turbo being more effecient and a much better engine.

I did not realise the 1.8 engine was old .

Right off to report to the wife that the 1.5 engine is way more efficient and much safer to overtake .

[Wiggy]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have now convinced myself to wait for the 1.5 turbo.

I dont think i will get the RS just the standard turbo as i really only like the spoiler and paddle shifts.

They have twin exhausts but actually are hidden from view and under the car but i am sure they can be altered.

I recently looked at a silver civic with red plates and a spoiler .

This might have been the new turbo version.

I have seen people saying they want the Rs version but want to take the spoiler off ?

Good points about the 1.5 turbo being more effecient and a much better engine.

I did not realise the 1.8 engine was old .

Right off to report to the wife that the 1.5 engine is way more efficient and much safer to overtake .

Good move. I'm also tempted by the turbo, as I mentioned. My main reason for the RS (if I do) is the LED lights - they look great. The lane watch feature could also be useful for spotting those pesky motorcycles buzzing about all over the place. A lot of extra dosh though over the standard turbo . Fuel consumption (mpg) for both according to the EPA is: (City/highway/combined) Civic: 31/42/35. HRV: 28/35/31.

[mortenaa]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have now convinced myself to wait for the 1.5 turbo.

I dont think i will get the RS just the standard turbo as i really only like the spoiler and paddle shifts.

They have twin exhausts but actually are hidden from view and under the car but i am sure they can be altered.

I recently looked at a silver civic with red plates and a spoiler .

This might have been the new turbo version.

I have seen people saying they want the Rs version but want to take the spoiler off ?

Good points about the 1.5 turbo being more effecient and a much better engine.

I did not realise the 1.8 engine was old .

Right off to report to the wife that the 1.5 engine is way more efficient and much safer to overtake .

What about

- LED lights

- Fog lights

- Sport pedals

- Paddle shifters

- Lane watch

- Rain sensor (!)

- Electric adjustable front seats

?

[kwak250]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have now convinced myself to wait for the 1.5 turbo.

I dont think i will get the RS just the standard turbo as i really only like the spoiler and paddle shifts.

They have twin exhausts but actually are hidden from view and under the car but i am sure they can be altered.

I recently looked at a silver civic with red plates and a spoiler .

This might have been the new turbo version.

I have seen people saying they want the Rs version but want to take the spoiler off ?

Good points about the 1.5 turbo being more effecient and a much better engine.

I did not realise the 1.8 engine was old .

Right off to report to the wife that the 1.5 engine is way more efficient and much safer to overtake .

What about

- LED lights

- Fog lights

- Sport pedals

- Paddle shifters

- Lane watch

- Rain sensor (!)

- Electric adjustable front seats

?

What about

- LED lights Ah yes they would be nice

- Fog lights Ah yes they would be nice

- Sport pedals Not so worried

- Paddle shifters Ah yes they would be nice

- Lane watch No point where i live

- Rain sensor (!) Still young enough to put the wipers on.

- Electric adjustable front seats Once set i dont move it.Havent moved the vigos fo years

Ok Led lights ,Spot lights, Paddle shifters ,Spoiler, RS Badge on the back

extra 100k is a lot though ...

Mmmm best have a couple of leos and have another think .

Was going to put maybe 500k down and pay the rest slowly over 4 years rather than pay the lot off as it wont hurt so bad then.

Looking at the figures over 48 months it wouldnt be much more for the R.S

Oh god i went from getting the wife to go for the 1.8 to the 1.8EL

Now convinced her just get the standard Turbo but looks like i might get the R.S version.

I should change the topic to "Honda civic 1.5 turbo or Rs Turbo"

I really dont worry about the fuel consumption but the wife is always concerned about that so i will tell here the paddle shifters are supposed to save fuel! oh and that spoiler will save so much drag.

[Wiggy]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have now convinced myself to wait for the 1.5 turbo.

I dont think i will get the RS just the standard turbo as i really only like the spoiler and paddle shifts.

They have twin exhausts but actually are hidden from view and under the car but i am sure they can be altered.

I recently looked at a silver civic with red plates and a spoiler .

This might have been the new turbo version.

I have seen people saying they want the Rs version but want to take the spoiler off ?

Good points about the 1.5 turbo being more effecient and a much better engine.

I did not realise the 1.8 engine was old .

Right off to report to the wife that the 1.5 engine is way more efficient and much safer to overtake .

What about

- LED lights

- Fog lights

- Sport pedals

- Paddle shifters

- Lane watch

- Rain sensor (!)

- Electric adjustable front seats

?

What about

- LED lights Ah yes they would be nice

- Fog lights Ah yes they would be nice

- Sport pedals Not so worried

- Paddle shifters Ah yes they would be nice

- Lane watch No point where i live

- Rain sensor (!) Still young enough to put the wipers on.

- Electric adjustable front seats Once set i dont move it.Havent moved the vigos fo years

Ok Led lights ,Spot lights, Paddle shifters ,Spoiler, RS Badge on the back

extra 100k is a lot though ...

Mmmm best have a couple of leos and have another think .

Was going to put maybe 500k down and pay the rest slowly over 4 years rather than pay the lot off as it wont hurt so bad then.

Looking at the figures over 48 months it wouldnt be much more for the R.S

Oh god i went from getting the wife to go for the 1.8 to the 1.8EL

Now convinced her just get the standard Turbo but looks like i might get the R.S version.

I should change the topic to "Honda civic 1.5 turbo or Rs Turbo"

I really dont worry about the fuel consumption but the wife is always concerned about that so i will tell here the paddle shifters are supposed to save fuel! oh and that spoiler will save so much drag.

Luvly jubly. You know it makes sense!

[DavisH]

Does the CVT of the civic have artificial shift points so it feels more like a regular auto? Or that only happens when using the paddle shifters? The few videos I's seen suggest it shifts more like a regular auto. There's nothing worse then the engine screaming at 5000rpm when you are trying to accelerate...slowly.

[Wiggy]

Does the CVT of the civic have artificial shift points so it feels more like a regular auto? Or that only happens when using the paddle shifters? The few videos I's seen suggest it shifts more like a regular auto. There's nothing worse then the engine screaming at 5000rpm when you are trying to accelerate...slowly.

When I drove my friend's HRV I noticed a lack of gear changes until I used the paddle shift, when it behaved more like a conventional automatic. But on YouTube one particular HRV just screamed at 5,000rpm whilst accelerating, as you say. On the videos I saw the Civic behaved more 'normally' than the HRV, if that makes sense.

[kwak250]

Must admit i am new to autos only driven a few and would prefer it in manual so it will be a change to me .

[JaseTheBass]

My penny's worth:

The turbo would probably be more economical due to the smaller engine. However it won't run on E85. This maybe something to think about when oil prices rise. It's not a deal breaker for me, but might help resale value on the 1.8 when oil prices are higher. After all second-hand car buyers' budgets are likely to be restricted. The specifications are almost identical; the only differences I can see are the wheel size (16" on the 1.8, 17" on the Turbo), and rain-sensing wipers on the Turbo . My main concern is that which has already been mentioned - the 1.8 might feel under powered due to the ageing technology and being linked to a CVT gearbox. I test drove an HRV (same set-up as the Civic 1.8) and I felt it was lacking something. It wasn't exactly slow, but lacked 'oomph'. I'm looking to change from my 2013 2.0 Focus (great car, but need a change) and would like to have similar power, so will probably opt for a Turbo (not sure whether RS or not yet).

Are you also looking at the new Focus?

If not, why?

[Wiggy]

My penny's worth:

The turbo would probably be more economical due to the smaller engine. However it won't run on E85. This maybe something to think about when oil prices rise. It's not a deal breaker for me, but might help resale value on the 1.8 when oil prices are higher. After all second-hand car buyers' budgets are likely to be restricted. The specifications are almost identical; the only differences I can see are the wheel size (16" on the 1.8, 17" on the Turbo), and rain-sensing wipers on the Turbo . My main concern is that which has already been mentioned - the 1.8 might feel under powered due to the ageing technology and being linked to a CVT gearbox. I test drove an HRV (same set-up as the Civic 1.8) and I felt it was lacking something. It wasn't exactly slow, but lacked 'oomph'. I'm looking to change from my 2013 2.0 Focus (great car, but need a change) and would like to have similar power, so will probably opt for a Turbo (not sure whether RS or not yet).

Are you also looking at the new Focus?

If not, why?

I am still thinking about it. The Civic is a nice package, but so is the Focus. Both have pros and cons. The biggest for me is the resale value of the Focus. I paid 959,000 for my 2013 2.0 Titanium saloon (sedan), and I'm about to get around 450- 500K on trade in, according to Red Book. If it were a Civic I'd probably be looking at 600-650K. That's a lot. Other considerations are:

• The Focus doesn't have LED lights (ridiculous), but the Civic RS does (one point, Civic)
• The Focus parks itself, although I think I can manage to do that (even)
• The Focus has conventional dials for odometer and rev counter, the Civic is all digital (one point, Civic)
• The Civic looks slightly nicer (one point, Civic)
• They both have Siri and Apple Play (even)
• Resale value (one point Civic)
• Civic has Lane Watch (one point Civic)
• The Focus has Active City Stop (one point Focus)
• The Civic doesn't have folding rear seats (one point Focus)
• The Civic has CVT, which I'm not a big fan of, whereas the Focus has reverted to a conventional auto, away from DCT (one point Focus)
• The Focus would be better to drive (one point Focus)
• I've had pretty good service from Ford, but never owned a Honda in Thailand (one point Focus)

Five points each. I really can't decide!! Any advice? Thanks.

[Tywais]

I posted this in the other 2016 Civic topic regarding the 1.5 RS vs non-RS variant. One thing left off of the previous list was navigation on the RS. When I got my Civic 2.0, the nav version was 60,000 Baht more and that was the only difference. Also believe both the non-rs and rs have 8-way electric adjustable driver seat. RS variant also has electric passenger seat.

1. - Full LED headlights (I don't drive at night anymore so not relevant to me)
2. - Fog lights with LED (Same as 1)
3. - The front bumper, front grille and sporty RS. (Non functional cosmetics, at my age prefer the more classic look now)
4. - Wing rear spoiler with brake light LED. (If I go for the 1.5 may add this from the Modulo options)
5. - 17-inch alloy wheels with tires 215/50 R17 (limited edition Turbo RS). (May change the alloys either way)
6. - Controls on the steering gear Paddle Shift. (Really would like this as my 2.0 has it. Don't use it a lot but very handy when I do want it such as overtaking, or driving in the mountains)
7. - Auto-dimming rearview mirror. (See 1 above)
8. - Accelerator and brake pedal sport. (A big negative for me and if going with the RS will see if I can have them replaced with standard rubber pedals)
9. - Navigation System (Not important as it has a HDMI port that I can plug my smartphone into as I have navigation software on it for the rare times I want it)
10. - Playback corners sight Honda LaneWatch. (This is Thailand, not terribly useful and may get in the way in terms of where and how I usually drive)
11. - Airbags, two lateral positions. (This I would really like to have)
12. - Curtain airbags second position. (See 11)
13. - The front passenger seat belt reminder system. (Not critical as I'm generally the only passenger plus my wife always uses the belt without my asking)

[JaseTheBass]

The Focus has conventional dials for odometer and rev counter, the Civic is all digital (one point, Civic)

The focus has both.. kind of. I'm not sure it's a better thing though.

The Focus would be better to drive (one point Focus)

And what does one actually do with a car?

Resale value (one point Civic)

Today, yes. But Thais are waking up to what Toyota and Honda really are - 'average'.

Still. Your money. Enjoy the pain of choosing the right one!

[Wiggy]

The Focus has conventional dials for odometer and rev counter, the Civic is all digital (one point, Civic)

The focus has both.. kind of. I'm not sure it's a better thing though.

The Focus would be better to drive (one point Focus)

And what does one actually do with a car?

Resale value (one point Civic)

Today, yes. But Thais are waking up to what Toyota and Honda really are - 'average'.

Still. Your money. Enjoy the pain of choosing the right one!

My bad - by better to drive I meant handling. My current Focus handles like it's on rails and is very stable. I agree that Thais are waking up to what Honda and Toyota are and I agree. The Toyota range in particular is the most uninspiring range of cars I've ever seen. Plain and boring. Not planning to change until August, so plenty of time to ponder. It might even come down to whether Ford offer me anything better as a loyalty thing.

[JaseTheBass]

The Focus has conventional dials for odometer and rev counter, the Civic is all digital (one point, Civic)

The focus has both.. kind of. I'm not sure it's a better thing though.

The Focus would be better to drive (one point Focus)

And what does one actually do with a car?

Resale value (one point Civic)

Today, yes. But Thais are waking up to what Toyota and Honda really are - 'average'.

Still. Your money. Enjoy the pain of choosing the right one!

My bad - by better to drive I meant handling. My current Focus handles like it's on rails and is very stable. I agree that Thais are waking up to what Honda and Toyota are and I agree. The Toyota range in particular is the most uninspiring range of cars I've ever seen. Plain and boring. Not planning to change until August, so plenty of time to ponder. It might even come down to whether Ford offer me anything better as a loyalty thing.

Actually, that was my point too. My main criteria when buying a car is also 'how well does it actually drive' which is why I would never entertain one of the Toyota range.

[HidyHo]

• I've had pretty good service from Ford, but never owned a Honda in Thailand (one point Focus)

Five points each. I really can't decide!! Any advice? Thanks.

Interesting ... everything I've read about Ford customer service in Thailand points to lackluster customer service but your personal experience is different. Are you in BKK?

I have boring Honda City but can't attest to Honda service as my Thai friend take care of all that for me since I don't live in Thailand and drive only about once a month when I'm in town. But I thought Honda had better "reputation" for customer service. I had no problem getting English manual for the car right after the car purchase and I think she's generally happy with maintenance on the car. Just over 1+ year owning this car.

Edited April 21, 2016 by HidyHo