[RobbJK88]

No doubt the car magazines are already doing their in depth testing so it doesn't surprise me that people have already driven the new civic. I wonder when honda will lift the embargo on the reviews for the new civic. Some car companies allow the reviews to come out just before the on-sale date while others won't lift it until the day of.

 

[RobbJK88]

They might let the press release it about a week earlier just like other major Honda release this year, cause I remember that August 10 is when the Accord get full press coverage, and then went on sales like August 19. Same thing with the Pilot where many journalist attend Honda test day a few weeks prior to launch. However, I haven't seen much of review for HR-V, which is odd.

Other than the basic reviews and instrumented tests, the only review's i've seen really have been comparos to other cars in its class, like the big one car and driver did recently.

I think because it's not really an "exciting" car and it's already doing so well it just hasn't needed to garner alot of extra attention. It's not an exciting car. It does what it does well... the first reviews and tests proved that and beyond that what can you really say about the HRV? i don't see that many CRv or Pilot tests either once the initial stuff is out of the way. Also, i don't think motor trend added one to their long term fleet, so that would cut down on the montly update articles on the car as well.

 

[RobbJK88]

Definitely. With the new elantra coming out and the new cruze and the current mazda3 holding the crown in most comparisons of compact cars it'll be interesting to see the shootouts again and see how the civic stacks against the competition given that it's been mid pack the past 5 years.

 

[RobbJK88]

But do you anticipate the Civic to really be a clear top dog, or will it be the case that no matter what the comparison, it really will just be more of a subjective opinion from the reviewer?

I think when it comes to the hard numbers. Skidpad, 0-60, value, etc the civic will be the winner or equal to the current top spots. The only variable will be driving feel and fun to drive attitude. Everyone has a slightly different idea about what's fun to drive for them. Some might prefer the mazda over the civic's driving or the focus' driving habits. But usually in their tests the variable opinion data usually is only 1 part of the comparisons while the actual instrumented hard numbers tests make up the majority of the outcome.

 

[RobbJK88]

Plus one vital thing to add is how comfortable people feel going with a Honda over vehicles from other brands, and Honda making this Civic a more well rounded package gives many more reasons to like it than the last.

That's where honda tends to shine. Well rounded... though i suspect this civic will be class leading in most or many qualifications, the whole car does everything pretty well, as opposed to other cars that focus on just a couple things... nice interior and ride.... sporty handling and tech.... style and price.... the civic hits on ALL those areas to make something that is kind of a jack of all trades but a master of none. But, i think with this civic at least initially (until the competition catches up in a year or two) is aiming to be jack of all trades and master of all.