2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING: one of sedan segment's major thrusters

Majority of car buyers in the country have already shifted their interest to crossovers as seen in the drop of sales of sedans.

Despite the case, brands like Honda still have faith in their offerings under the category — as seen in the continuing retail of the ever-popular Civic nameplate.

Recently, its local arm even bared its plan to introduce the sedan’s hybrid version in RS trim at the upcoming  9th Philippine International Motor Show.

Now before all of us get the full information about the upcoming electrified offering, let us check how the Civic was able to maintain its position as among the strongest offensives in the segment.

Here's what we discovered after checking out the current RS trim in good ol'  internal combustion engine form.

Dimension

The 2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING measures 4,678 millimeters (mm) long; 1,802 mm wide; and 1,415 mm tall with a 2,735-mm wheelbase and 134-mm ground clearance. Such figures — which is 29mm longer than its predecessor — make it easy to go in and out of the car in style.

It might be a little difficult for tall people to enter or alight the vehicle (given the default ride height) but surely, its sporty stance will earn more than glances.

Exterior

The top-spec trim of what is considered to be “the best Civic yet” sports more modern lines and has dropped the aggressive look seen in its predecessor. Its distinct front fascia wears rectangular slim LED headlamps, horizontal grilles and a variant-exclusive RS badge — complementing the sharp yet smooth lines around.

Its side profile boasts blacked-out B- and C-pillars, side mirrors, door handles, and 18-inch wheels (wrapped in 235/40Z radial tires) that complements the striking horizontal beltline and sloping roofline.

The 2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING’s rear comes with tail lamps similarly shaped to the front illumination, black ducktail spoiler with matching shark fin antenna, and chromed dual tailpipes.

Interior

Giving the vehicle its athletic vibe inside the cabin are the black leather, suede, red stitches, and honeycomb patterns as seen in the seats, steering wheel, door panels, dashboard and center console.

Those who loved the Civics of the yesteryears will definitely adore the latest version’s multifunction steering wheel. It is covered in shiny black leather with crimson stitching, which helped the model retain its sauce amid not being D-shaped.

Pass it is a 10.2-inch full-digital cluster gauge that shows warnings, range and fuel, speed and time, driver attention, maintenance, safety support, among others.

At the center of the 2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING's dashboard is a floating nine-inch touchscreen audio system that is Android Auto and Wireless Apple Carplay-ready, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity functionality. The system is mated to a Bose 12-speaker sound setup.

While it has been modernized, the car continues to carry rotary knobs for its air-conditioning system. This, for me, is very ideal as it will effectively reduce the time navigating on the infotainment system while driving.

Other amenities that were made available in the RS trim are the push start system, keyless entry system, auto-dimming rearview mirror eight beverage holders, as well as the ambient and foot lighting.

Powertrain

The Honda Civic is famous for its performance and the 11th-generation (particularly the RS iteration) is no different.

Under the car’s hood is a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve, double-overhead cam turbocharged gasoline engine with variable valve timing and lift electronic control and programmed fuel injection system. Sending power to the front wheels is the continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters.

On paper, the mill (which has three drive modes namely Econ, Sport, and Normal) can deliver 176 horsepower and 240 Newton-meters of torque.

Meanwhile, its stopping power is guaranteed by the disc brakes for the front and rear wheels.

Technologies

Further, the 2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING is outfitted with a host of Honda SENSING driver assistive technologies that include adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow function, collision mitigation braking system, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lead car departure notification, and auto high beam.

The car may be fun-to-drive as expressed by its athletic persona, but its technologies allow it to be a sophisticated daily driver.

Additionally, the car is packed with numerous safety and security features such as the rearview camera, six airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, G-Con (G-force control) body structure, and Honda Lanewatch system.

Pros and cons

Frankly, the 2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING is one of the models that strongly championed the sedan category. The nameplate’s current version has continuously evolved along with the times — from its look to its features.

However, the vehicle only becomes limiting to buyers in terms of pricing. Its P1.775-million price tag is considered hefty compared to its competitors (especially the Chinese marques) in the segment that nearly offers the same amount of fun stuff.

But if clients would be able to pass that hurdle,  and2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING will surely continue to attract and maintain followers from different age groups.

Specifications:

2022 Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING	Details
Dimensions (LWH, in mm)	4,678 x 1,802 x 1,415
Wheelbase (mm)	2,735
Ground clearance (mm)	134
Wheel size	235/40ZR18 95Y
Lighting system	Full LED
Interior
Material	Leather, suede
Amenities	8 beverage holders, wireless charger, dual, zone automatic air conditioning system, ambient and foot lighting
Instrument cluster	10.2-inch full-digital
Infotainment system	9’ touchscreen audio system, Android Auto and Wireless Apple Carplay-ready
Seating Capacity	5
Cargo capacity (liters)	495
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve, double-overhead cam turbocharged engine with variable valve timing and lift electronic control and programmed fuel injection system
Fuel type	Gasoline
Transmission	CVT
Power (hp)	176
Torque (Nm)	240
Brakes	Ventilated discs (front), discs (rear)
Technologies
Driver assistive features	Honda SENSING (adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow function, collision mitigation braking system, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lead car departure notification, and auto high beam)
Safety and Security	Rearview camera, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, VSA, HSA, ESS, G-Con body structure, and Honda Lanewatch
Pricing	P1.775 million

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