Owner Review: Honda should Inject focus on refinement instead of performance and FC - My Honda Civic FC TCP 1.5 Turbo

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Basic information about my car

Honda Civic FC TCP 1.5 Turbo

Reasons why I bought this car

1. My current job requires me to frequently travel around Klang Valley on a daily basis. Being a petrolhead, I seek a car that’s realible and drives well.

2. Previously driving a Honda City, getting a Civic is another assurance on the brand's 5 year unlimited warranty and vast dealership network around the country.

Car Selection Process

• I had a budget of RM 130k

• Model(s) that I have considered include: Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Jetta & Golf 1.4

Reasons why I chose this car:

1. The looks, it's agressive and front and back profile is almost perfect, despite the crab claw lights.

2. Turbocharged engine, being the most powerful of its class.

3. Back in 2018, one of the only Japan C-segment that offers full frontal LED headlights and fog lights.

4. Remote engine start, and walk away auto lock feature (most German cars in 2018 does not offer this) and Apply Carplay equipped.

User Experience

• I have already done 56,134 km

Since the purchase, my thoughts about the car are:

1. The overall experience of the Civic is good. However, interior quality is consider sub-par to many closer rivals e.g. Mazda 3. I think get the occasional rattle at the dashboard and dents on plastics after minimal use. Honda needs to improve overall interior quality, if not leather, at least a good quality plastic.

2. The famous steering rack issue was not forgotten even for my 2018 unit. Had it replaced after a year of use. I think for a mass producing car, defects like this can't be forgiven Honda.

3. Amazing engine althought bottled down by the CVT, offers good linear speed climb but the transmission kills the food. However, offers good overall FC.

Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Turbocharged engine (Best in class)

2. Spacious interior

3. Features ahead of competitors in 2018 (remote engine start, walkaway auto lock)

4. Design that ages well through its years

Cons

1. Poor interior quality (Rattling interior and abudance use of plastics throughout the interior)

2. NVH could be improved

3. Steering rack issues have not been rectified from earlier production years

Ratings

• Total Score: 4

• Performance: 4

• Quality & Features: 4

• Space: 5

• Ride Comfort: 4

• Fuel Economy: 3

• Price & Cost: 4

Summary

Decided to buy my Honda Civic in 2018, wanting a reliable car that offers a balance of good driving and reliability. The car never failed to deliver on all of its features, despite several hiccups. Steering rack replacement and rattling dashboards are common through my short stint ownership. Overall, I do not regret buying this car, but would love if Honda inject some focus on refinement (NVH, parts quality) instead of performance and FC. The little things do better, and Mazda is killing it.

Interesting events that happened to my car

Installed 18 inches sports rim and strut bars to enhance my driving experience. Loving it!

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