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The estate's not dead! Civic Tourer in SA

  • Civic heritage meets space-driven style
  • Rear adaptive suspension
  • Utility and Lifestyle appeal
  • 'Unique offering' in crossover-dominated SA

Following its preview at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show, the new Honda Civic Tourer makes its official South African debut in April 2014.

With its new Tourer Honda hopes to prove there’s a place for traditional estates in South Africa's Crossover and SUV-dominated market.

IMAGE GALLERY: 2014 Honda Civic Tourer

According to Honda: “Distinctively shaped, with a low-slung silhouette and an emphasis on function-driven design, the Civic Tourer offers exceptional utility, eco-friendly technology and high comfort levels in a package that provides a compelling alternative to conventional crossover models.”

POWER

Powering the Tourer is a four-cylinder 104kW/174Nm 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol mated to a either a six-speed manual or five-speed auto (with paddle shifts), driving power to the front wheels.

In manual guise *fuel consumption is rated at 6.6-litres/100km, while the auto is rated at 6.7/100 km, emissions are 157g/km and 160 g/km respectively.

The manual-equipped Tourer is capable of reaching 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds on to a top speed of 210km/h, while the auto version reaches 100km in 11.3 sec and a top speed of 205 km/h.

The interior benefits from soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery and an ergonomically cockpit layout, together with an extensive list of standard features.

The Civic Tourer measures 4.5m long (235mm longer than the Civic hatch), 1.7m wide, 1.4m tall with a wheelbase of 2.5m. The Civic Tourer rides on 17" alloys with 225/45 R17 low-profile tyres.

REAR ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION

The Civic Tourer uses Honda's rear adaptive damping system which automatically adjusts rear damping depending on driving conditions. Drivers can select one of three settings (comfort, normal and dynamic) though regardless of the mode, the system adjusts the damping rate according to driver input and driving conditions.

The Tourer is equipped with Honda's Eco AssistT technology to help owners drive at “optimum efficiency”. The system uses the car's speedometer to advise drivers how their driving style is impacting fuel economy.

When driven efficiently, the dashboard glows green while heavy acceleration and deceleration will show a white display. The system is further enhanced with the option of ECON mode, which alters the mapping of the throttle to ensure a smooth increase in torque for a "more relaxing drive and greater fuel efficiency".

SAFETY FIRST

The new Civic Tourer earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating courtesy of the automakers safety systems and Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) principles.

According to the automaker, the ACE “pre-determines body deformation by distributing collision forces along multiple load-bearing pathways away from the passenger safety cell”.

Safety features include dual front, side and curtain airbags, three-point seatbelts (front and rear), isofix child seat tethers and Honda's vehicle stability system.

The estate is equipped with anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and an emergency stop system (ESS) that activates the hazard lights during aggressive braking to alert other road users of a potential collision.

LOADS OF KIT

The new Civic Tourer is also equipped with hill-start assistance, sensors and a reversing camera. Other standard kit includes leather-clad and heatable seats (front only), a six-speaker audio system, cruise control, auto headlights and windscreen wipers, Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity, power windows and remote central locking.

Boot space is 573 litres, expandable to 1065 litres with rear seats folded.

Like the Civic Hatch, the Tourer's fuel tank is under the front seats allowing Honda's “Magic Seat” system to be introduced in the estate allowing for several seating configurations. The removable tonneau cover can be stored.

PRICES

Honda Civic Tourer 1.8 i-VTEC Manual - R360 000
Honda Civic Tourer 1.8 i-VTEC Automatic - R374 000

Click here for specifications

Pricing includes a three-year or 100 000km warranty, a five-year or 90 000km service plan and a year's roadside assistance. Service intervals are 15 000km.

*Fuel consumption quoted in this document was obtained under compulsory testing conditions and might not be achieved in daily driving.



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