Honda says that the creation of this new 10th generation Civic represents one of the most

comprehensive and ambitious new-model developments they’ve ever undertaken.

Now a lot of the time that kind of PR-speak is simply just that, but in this case – it’s

completely believable because this Civic just turned the compact class on its ear.2016 Honda

Civic TouringThe previous gen Civic, which launched about 5 years ago, proved to be a

rare misstep for Honda.

Their beloved compact had completely lost its way.

Then, just one model year later, they righted that wrong with a much more competitive model.

But this 2016 Civic is so far and away better than any Civic before it that it’s a total

game changer.Honda has resuscitated the fun of driving.

The mini Accord-like styling is engaging.

And this new Touring trim offers a more premium Civic experience.Longer, wider yet trimer,

the biggest takeaway from my week with this car is how amazingly it drives.

There’s an optional new turbo under the hood and it’s the piece de resistance of

the Civic’s complete reengineering.

Its 162 pound-feet of torque is completely lag-free while the motor’s 1.5-liters of

displacement leave the car’s excellent fuel economy unadulterated.

Though not selectable on the base LX trim and thus not offered with a manual transmission,

the price premium for the turbo over the base 2.0-liter engine is $1,160.

The power delivery is surprisingly quick and broad in its range, it runs with a burble

of sportiness and the 174 horsepower output is achieved with regular unleaded to the tune

of 31mpg city/42mpg highway.

Zero-to-60mph happens in a faster than it seems 6.8-seconds.

Honda’s unique CVT plus torque converter transmission works wonderfully here, delivering

smooth and immediate takeoff in addition to the more desirable traditional automatic sounds

and sensations.

And it incorporates a Sport mode with delayed upshifts and greater engine braking.The Civic’s

sporty new driving dynamics are such a huge leap forward that I swear if you were dropped

into this seat blindfolded you’d think you were driving something from the luxury class.

The new turbo is a perfect fit, the CVT never gets in the way and the steering is sensational.

If the regular Civic is this good just imagine what’s in store for higher performance variants.Further

contributing to the Civic’s newfound wow factor is the more serious handling – the

culmination of a number of contributing factors, including but not limited to, a new multi-link

rear suspension, lower center of gravity, and brake vectoring called Agile Handling

Assist.

To go with that, the brakes feel better suited for aggressive driving and the new Electric

Power Steering system with variable gear ratios is quicker, light to the touch and offers

darn near perfect feel.

But this isn’t a suspension tuned for just sporty driving; this Touring trim and its

fluid filled bushings all around absorb road anomalies with a deft, premium touch.

It’s quiet with a very tight body free of harshness.Inside the Touring, soft Ivory leather

and a tri-setting heated driver’s seat with a power adjustable bottom provide a high comfort/excellent

visibility helm.

The gauges now live on one level and contain a multi-information display and a green ring

that glows in accordance with your eco driving style.

The tech is good too though the main conduit isn’t great…Honda’s touch-based controls

are OK, can be used with gloves and present an uncluttered cabin, but a couple of knobs

wouldn’t hurt.

The new switchgear on the steering wheel appears a little flimsy but incorporates a touch slider

for volume just like on the head unit.

The features of the system themselves are excellent, incorporating the ease of Apple

CarPlay, a feature I’ve quickly come to appreciate.

The wire guides from the USB port to the device holding area are nifty, too.

And then there’s this configurable center console with armrest, deep storage and sliding

try and cup holders.

Honda keeps the cabin free of unnecessary distractions, and here on the Touring, loaded

with cool tech and an upgraded 10-speaker, 450-watt sound system.

I’m not usually a big fan of lane keeping assist but welcome to semiautonomous driving

Civic-style.

Now I realize it’s not meant to be used in this manner but I couldn’t help but take

my foot and hands off the wheel to watch Honda Sensing work its magic.

It also includes such out-of-class features as adaptive cruise control with low speed

follow, collision mitigation braking, and LaneWatch among others as radar and multi-cameras

continue to revolutionize automotive safety.The Civic is more spacious than before but it

can no longer tout a flat floor for the kid in the middle.Other goodies on the Touring

trim include heated rear seats, rain sensing wipers, LED headlights though not matching

fogs, chrome door handles, a power passenger seat, though one that sits too low and lacks

height control, and embedded Garmin navigation.

Remote start is welcome, too.

This Burgundy Night Pearl example stickers for $27,335 giving Civic shoppers a new range-topping

choice.

A base LX model starts at under $20,000.Fresh off its much deserved win as North American

Car of the Year, it’s nice to see that the Civic is back and better than ever.