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.