What is it?
This limited-edition Honda Civic Ti seeks to capitalise on customer thirst for a hugely popular combination, namely desirable, stand-out looks matched to real-world running costs and usability. To achieve this, the Japanese manufacturer has chosen to add sporting presence to its everyday Civic model.
What is 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 British Touring Car Championship 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 Honda Civic Ti, the model 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 is 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?
The low list price could well make up for the car's shortcomings. If you’re sold on the Honda 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.
Honda Civic Ti
Price: £16,995 Top speed: 127mph 0-62mph: 8.9sec Economy: 42.8mpg (combined) CO2: 152g/km Kerb weight: 1321kg Engine: four-cylinder, 1799cc, petrol Power: 138bhp at 6300rpm Torque: 128lb ft at 4300rpm Gearbox: six-speed manual
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Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti
Why did Honda fit it with a god awful aftermarket satnav unit when they have a fully intergrated version available on the high spec models?
I spose it's so the 'yoof' this is aimed at could swap it out easily when the time comes - you can't do that with the integrated one.
Re: Honda Civic 1.8 Ti