Just drove the EX-T up here in Canada

8082 Views 16 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Cabeldude, Feb 12, 2017

absolude

Discussion Starter · Nov 16, 2015

I like the look except the high amount of chrome in the grille. The rear, especially 3/4 view I found better in person.
The engine is noisy under load and can't stand the CVT. You mash the gas and all it comes out is noise for a few seconds.
To bad there is no manual or DSG for the turbo trims.
There isn't much feel in the steering initially but once into the corner it has good feedback even for the lateral load, better than last two generation Civics.
Where it really shines is stability. I haven't felt a chassis so well planted since the Prelude. And it caught me by surprise because, unlike past Hondas, this one doesn't feel light footed.
I really pushed through a couple of corners and it just took it with no roll.
It has great cornering capability.

Unfortunately there are no more springy "tumbs" in the cup colders. My 07 has them and they do wonders.
I love how low the driver seat goes, but the passenger seat is too low.

For me it'll be a hard decision because I will only buy one with manual transmission.
The 2.0l models seem to sit a bit higher off the ground and that makes me worry the suspension is softer, which I don't want.
I want a hatchback anyways and hope the trims wil fit my needs and preferences.
I guess I'll just have to wait and see the trims on offer for the hatch.

Reactions: 2

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RobbJK88

· #2 · Nov 16, 2015 (Edited)

absolude said:
I like the look except the high amount of chrome in the grille. The rear, especially 3/4 view I found better in person.
The engine is noisy under load and can't stand the CVT. You mash the gas and all it comes out is noise for a few seconds.
To bad there is no manual or DSG for the turbo trims.
There isn't much feel in the steering initially but once into the corner it has good feedback even for the lateral load, better than last two generation Civics.
Where it really shines is stability. I haven't felt a chassis so well planted since the Prelude. And it caught me by surprise because, unlike past Hondas, this one doesn't feel light footed.
I really pushed through a couple of corners and it just took it with no roll.
It has great cornering capability.

Unfortunately there are no more springy "tumbs" in the cup colders. My 07 has them and they do wonders.
I love how low the driver seat goes, but the passenger seat is too low.

For me it'll be a hard decision because I will only buy one with manual transmission.
The 2.0l models seem to sit a bit higher off the ground and that makes me worry the suspension is softer, which I don't want.
I want a hatchback anyways and hope the trims wil fit my needs and preferences.
I guess I'll just have to wait and see the trims on offer for the hatch.

Good impression write up.

Speaking from experience, the CVT takes a little getting used to. I still wish they'd opted for the DCT, but, it's honda... lol. Glad to hear about the cornering and nice flat ride it has, being compared to a legend like the prelude is quite the endorsement.

I'll miss the little springy things in the cup holders too, but, they probably had to remove that mechanism so the cupholders could be removable, which i care about slightly more because mine always get so much gross stuff down in them and it's a pain to clean them.

The only reason i could imagine the 2.0 feeling higher up is the fatter tires on the smaller rims. They might add a little bit to ride height. I think the suspensions are the same across the board except for the rear sway bars being thicker as the trims go up.

absolude

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 16, 2015

RobbJK88 said:
Good impression write up.

Speaking from experience, the CVT takes a little getting used to. I still wish they'd opted for the DCT, but, it's honda... lol. Glad to hear about the cornering and nice flat ride it has, being compared to a legend like the prelude is quite the endorsement.

The only reason i could imagine the 2.0 feeling higher up is the fatter tires on the smaller rims. They might add a little bit to ride height. I think the suspensions are the same across the board except for the rear sway bars being thicker as the trims go up.

Yes, the big stand out for me was how the chassis didn't get upset on turns. A good surprise since the suspension is not stiff, maybe between the 8th and 9th gen, but I could be wrong on this one.
While it doesn't have the sharpness an none of the steering feel of the Prelude it does have the stability, I'll stand by that. Used to drive one daily.

Surely the fender gap is bigger on models with smaller wheels, which in turn makes the car look higher off the ground.
I tried to gauge the hight of the front bumper in the showroom and it seemed the turbo trims it were a tiny bit lower. Hope I'm wrong.

I feel is a much better car than previous generation. We have a 9th gen in family and I don't like it one bit.

RobbJK88

· #4 · Nov 16, 2015

absolude said:
Yes, the big stand out for me was how the chassis didn't get upset on turns. A good surprise since the suspension is not stiff, maybe between the 8th and 9th gen, but I could be wrong on this one.
While it doesn't have the sharpness an none of the steering feel of the Prelude it does have the stability, I'll stand by that. Used to drive one daily.

Surely the fender gap is bigger on models with smaller wheels, which in turn makes the car look higher off the ground.
I tried to gauge the hight of the front bumper in the showroom and it seemed the turbo trims it were a tiny bit lower. Hope I'm wrong.

I feel is a much better car than previous generation. We have a 9th gen in family and I don't like it one bit.

I had a 95 civic (amazing little car, slow as crap, handled like it was glued to the road, never felt unbalanced or unstable). Then i had 2 8th gens, a coupe and a sedan. Definitely preferred the stiffer suspension of the coupe, but again, was a fun car. Handled well, took corners well, no body roll, felt planted and never bouncy. The sedan was good too just a bit softer all around.

I've had 2 9th gens as well. Sedan and now a coupe. Sedan was rubbish... quieter than my 8th gens were and that's about the only good thing. Suddenly i felt like i was bouncing over bumps in the road, back end would get squirrely, etc. Coupe is a bit better handling than the sedan was, but again, doesn't feel as stable or planted as my old civics and can't push it to the same limits without tire squeal.

Really looking forward to the 10th gen. (getting a coupe) that will blend the best parts of my 2 favorites my 95 and my 07 coupe, but with all the added tech and features.

Nessuno

· #5 · Nov 16, 2015

RobbJK88 said:
I had a 95 civic (amazing little car, slow as crap, handled like it was glued to the road, never felt unbalanced or unstable). Then i had 2 8th gens, a coupe and a sedan. Definitely preferred the stiffer suspension of the coupe, but again, was a fun car. Handled well, took corners well, no body roll, felt planted and never bouncy. The sedan was good too just a bit softer all around.

I've had 2 9th gens as well. Sedan and now a coupe. Sedan was rubbish... quieter than my 8th gens were and that's about the only good thing. Suddenly i felt like i was bouncing over bumps in the road, back end would get squirrely, etc. Coupe is a bit better handling than the sedan was, but again, doesn't feel as stable or planted as my old civics and can't push it to the same limits without tire squeal.

Really looking forward to the 10th gen. (getting a coupe) that will blend the best parts of my 2 favorites my 95 and my 07 coupe, but with all the added tech and features.

it felt like it was glued because you had no power... bicycles will carve yo

absolude

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 17, 2015

RobbJK88 said:
I had a 95 civic (amazing little car, slow as crap, handled like it was glued to the road, never felt unbalanced or unstable). Then i had 2 8th gens, a coupe and a sedan. Definitely preferred the stiffer suspension of the coupe, but again, was a fun car. Handled well, took corners well, no body roll, felt planted and never bouncy. The sedan was good too just a bit softer all around.

I've had 2 9th gens as well. Sedan and now a coupe. Sedan was rubbish... quieter than my 8th gens were and that's about the only good thing. Suddenly i felt like i was bouncing over bumps in the road, back end would get squirrely, etc. Coupe is a bit better handling than the sedan was, but again, doesn't feel as stable or planted as my old civics and can't push it to the same limits without tire squeal.

Really looking forward to the 10th gen. (getting a coupe) that will blend the best parts of my 2 favorites my 95 and my 07 coupe, but with all the added tech and features.

Wow, you are on a Civic rampage.
I owned a 95 Integra, 2001 Prelude, still own a 07 CSX Type S(KW supercharged). As a daily I have a leased Mazda3 now since I needed a hatchback and no matter how I tried to like the Fit, there was no contest. Just don't trust Mazda enough to buy.
Completely agree with you on the handling of older Hondas. Double wishbones will always trump struts.

I don't want to jump too soon to conclusions, but since the Mazda3 was winning all comparos, it may be safe to say the new Civic is best in class.
Since handling is so important for me, I have to say the Mazda is still more playful, sharper on initial turn in, while the Civic is solid, composed and very competent, very planted mid turn.

While it may not be immediately obvious when one just goes for a test drive(magazine tests too) it shows for sure once you spend more time in the car.
I have found a few flaws in the Mazda that I never had in any of my Hondas.

Reactions: 1

Smartie

· #7 · Nov 17, 2015

the Honda is almost eager to turn in, at least thats what I felt. Yea the steering weights up nicely cornering with some speed.

Reactions: 1

Civil

· #8 · Nov 17, 2015

I love how low the driver seat goes, but the passenger seat is too low.

Are they not the same height? Or do you think one seat should be at a different height than the other?

absolude

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 17, 2015 (Edited)

Civil said:
Are they not the same height? Or do you think one seat should be at a different height than the other?

The passenger seat is not adjustable, so the driver's can be set higher. Didn't look at what setting the driver's seat is same hight with passenger's.
I like to sit low when driving but for a passenger it is too low, it puts a bit of a strain on one's back.

integra15

· #10 · Dec 3, 2015

I had a 01 Prelude too. The seating is low in the 16 Civic but I don't think it is as low as the Prelude. It is however it is close to the ground for a family sedan. I hope that is not a negative for any potential customers who are used the trend of a higher seating position.

argon

· #11 · Dec 3, 2015

integra15 said:
I had a 01 Prelude too. The seating is low in the 16 Civic but I don't think it is as low as the Prelude. It is however it is close to the ground for a family sedan. I hope that is not a negative for any potential customers who are used the trend of a higher seating position.

Of course, Honda may just be thinking that for those who like the higher seats, well, we have a nice CRV or HRV for you guys.

Honda has gone backwards in so many ways with this new Civic, and I mean that in a good way. I bet it'll put smiles on a lot of drivers.

absolude

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 3, 2015

integra15 said:
I had a 01 Prelude too. The seating is low in the 16 Civic but I don't think it is as low as the Prelude. It is however it is close to the ground for a family sedan. I hope that is not a negative for any potential customers who are used the trend of a higher seating position.

Can't tell for sure if is as low as the Lude and it's a positive for the driver seat, being adjustable.
The passenger one is a bit of a worry, it was borderline uncomfortable, and we both like low seats.
Wouldn't worry too much about it. Hope if Honda decides to make it higher will leave the driver seat as it is.

The cushion is shorter, not as good as older Hondas for me.

Onelife2958

· #13 · Dec 21, 2016

I wish I had a longer test drive....The seats are too low and too uncomfortable, I had to adjust the driver side seat to the highest it can go so my foot could find the brake pedal ( I am 5'9" so I am considered average height) I wish the car came with adjustable pedals! The interior was what sold the car to me. But if I had a longer test drive I wouldn't of bought the car. My wife complains that her seat is too low. I bought a 2016 Ext coupe. The engine is noisy, the car rattles and it doesn't feel like a new car should feel. If I had a longer test drive I would of never bought it. This was my first Honda and probably my last unfortunately I am stuck with it for 6 years.

absolude

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 21, 2016

Onelife2958 said:
I wish I had a longer test drive....The seats are too low and too uncomfortable, I had to adjust the driver side seat to the highest it can go so my foot could find the brake pedal ( I am 5'9" so I am considered average height) I wish the car came with adjustable pedals! The interior was what sold the car to me. But if I had a longer test drive I wouldn't of bought the car. My wife complains that her seat is too low. I bought a 2016 Ext coupe. The engine is noisy, the car rattles and it doesn't feel like a new car should feel. If I had a longer test drive I would of never bought it. This was my first Honda and probably my last unfortunately I am stuck with it for 6 years.

I am also 5'9" and had no trouble reaching the pedals. I like the seat at the lowest setting. Only (big) problem is the high cowl the cars have nowadays.
Maybe with the low seat the back rest should be a tad more reclined and the steering pulled out.
The passenger seat is plain terrible. I like it low when I'm driving but as a passenger I don't find it comfortable.

Neanderthal

· #15 · Dec 22, 2016

integra15 said:
I had a 01 Prelude too. The seating is low in the 16 Civic but I don't think it is as low as the Prelude. It is however it is close to the ground for a family sedan. I hope that is not a negative for any potential customers who are used the trend of a higher seating position.

The (usually non-height-adjustable) passenger seat in the Civic sedan is 19.5"-20" high. IIRC the hatch was about 22", I'll have to get by the dealer and measure it again. Typical of this class car is 22".

My wife and I are used to 25" (PT Cruiser) and 27" (Soul) so this is a stretch back down.

Onelife2958 said:
I wish I had a longer test drive....The seats are too low and too uncomfortable, I had to adjust the driver side seat to the highest it can go so my foot could find the brake pedal ( I am 5'9" so I am considered average height) I wish the car came with adjustable pedals! The interior was what sold the car to me. But if I had a longer test drive I wouldn't of bought the car. My wife complains that her seat is too low. I bought a 2016 Ext coupe. The engine is noisy, the car rattles and it doesn't feel like a new car should feel. If I had a longer test drive I would of never bought it. This was my first Honda and probably my last unfortunately I am stuck with it for 6 years.

The problem is you didn't shop extensively enough, more than the problem is with Honda. The seats ARE low, especially given the trend to higher and higher.

Once you get some equity in the car you can go shop and try to get out of it. The plus is that car should hold value pretty well.

I've driven Forte5 SX, Elantra GT, Golf, Mazda3, and Acura ILX and overall I liked the Civic the best.

Why they do not include what I consider basic SOP equipment like a sunglasses holder in the roof is beyond my understanding.

I hope you and your wife can adjust to your car as time and miles accumulate. Try a cushion.
Driving a car you have a strong dislike for is not fun at all. Been there done that got the hat.

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MoveSwiftly

· #16 · Feb 12, 2017

Is the lack of manual for a EX-T a Canada only thing? I just picked up a 2017 Civic EX-T and it has a 6 speed gearbox. I believe the 2016s were different...

Cabeldude

· #17 · Feb 12, 2017

In 2016 in Canada the LX was the only stick, 2017 everything without sensing in a stick including sport touring.

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