Re: Scoop: Honda Civic spotted testing in India! Edit: Launched @ 17.69 lakhs Honda has certainly lost an opportunity with the new Civic.
While there appears to be a perception that German owned brands are a level above Honda, I beg to differ.
Honda's engineering is first class and in my opinion second to none.
Honda truly believes that it is a premium automaker, though the majority of the car buyers (at least in India) dont see it that way anymore.
For the person buying his/her first Honda, the Civic is certainly overpriced by a couple of lakhs, but then aren't most vehicles sold in India overpriced ? Discounts will certainly be on offer by the end of the year and this will be the time to buy the Civic, I feel.
The pricing is an interesting conundrum. For many (if not most) Honda owners, looking to upgrade, the couple of extra lakhs the Civic costs, will certainly not be a problem.
Why?
The reliability, cost of servicing, peace of mind and future resale value will more than make up for this. All of Honda's global models are built to last (Civic, Accord, CR-V, et all).
It was only the 4th Honda City, Brio offshoots and new Jazz, which were less than stellar.
I think the real problem with the Civic is despite its sporty looks it is basically a pretender.
Interior quality is real good but doesnt feel special, merely adequate and exterior fit and finish is excellent. The engine and gearbox leave the driver yearning for more. The rear seating is also very low but still comfortable, but the lack of rear audio controls and usb ports is a miss.
So, it is not quick enough for the enthusiastic driver (though I suspect the handling may compensate for this to some extent) nor special enough for the rear seat passenger.
But for the existing Honda customer, who is looking to upgrade, it remains a fine choice, especially if the usage is primarily in the city with a couple of highway trips ever year.
As an aside, there are some other aspects that make Honda special.
My cheap and made for ASEAN, 1st gen Honda City is in its 19th year now and remains brilliantly reliable. It's "better made" and "solid, door closes with thunk" competitors - Ford Escort, Mitsubishi Lancer, Opel Astra and even the 1st gen Skoda Octavia are nowhere to be seen today, while you will see plenty of 1st gen and 2nd gen Honda City's in any Indian city.
With a European brand you are always on tenterhooks and this is the case with me as well.
While driving my pre-worshipped 5.5 year old (1.04 lakh km) Jetta diesel I am far more careful, than when i drive my 19 year old (1.2 lakh km) City, which I rev to its 6800 rpm redline in 1st, 2nd & 3rd gear, with nary a care in the world.
My neighbour has a 10 year old Honda Accord, which is often left parked under a tree for weeks and sometimes months. Despite, this, the interiors and exteriors remain excellent and he tells me the car has never failed to start, no matter how long it has been left parked. He regularly takes this car to his farm and drives on less than perfect roads, but there is nary a rattle or squeak and the 2.4L engine is a beauty.
What's more, there is no problem with parts if you own a Honda. I recently got the radiator and LHS Front Pwr Window for my City replaced at the showroom and both parts were manufactured in Feb 2019 ! All the parts for my car are still available at the showroom.
If you keep your cars for more than 5 years, I feel Honda is the better bet. |