Civic fans take a wait and see attitude as to 2016 EX-T Turbo-Civic

Many Civic Tuners are pulling 200+ horsepower out of their current 1.8 Liter i-VTEC engines with affordable aftermarket mods, so why buy a new Civic turbo?

I suppose the easiest answer to that question is that the 10th generation 2016 Honda Civic is a car greater than the sum of its parts. None the less, many Civic fans entertaining a new car purchase remain on the sidelines, as Honda rolls out the first North American produced turbocharged engine in Civic’s 42 year history.

No turbocharged Civic in the first rollout

In speaking with our dealership networks, we’ve yet to locate a 2016 Honda Civic EX-T on the West Coast of the United States. And that’s a bit of a conundrum for Civic fan and Honda dealer alike. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve driven the 2.0 liter normally aspirated Earth Dreams gasoline 4 cylinder, 6 speed manual, and its impressive, by old-school Civic standards.

Producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft torque, 2016 Civic EX ( priced from MSRP $18640)in either transmission option (6-speed manual or CVT) is a step up in power, style and refinement over past generations.

The all new World-Compact-Platformed Civic presents the most dynamic handling and driver-friendly Civic in the marque's history.

Yet some Civic fans, specifically Gen-Y, look to the turbocharged EX-T for that added kick as well as a measurable differentiation between Civic and competing brands. Turbocharging and Honda Sensing ™ technology does come with a price.

After experiencing 2016 Honda Civic Touring on a twisty Malibu Canyon two-lane mountain road, I believe the additional $4,000 spent( MSRP $22,200 to $23,200) on the premium turbocharged EX-T may well be worth the tare. Not Type-R quick, but quick just the same.

We performed the 100 mph test and walked away smiling

As stated earlier , 2016 Civic is much more than the sum of its parts. One must test drive the 10th generation Civic to truly experience what Honda engineering has done here. The cabin comfort, ride stability, engine performance is the best in Civic history, as are safety and convenience features. Civic Turbo is quick and fuel efficient.

Exceptional launch and torque throughout the RPM range

American Honda Motors tells us that the initial dealership delivery of 2016 Civic will be limited to base models as the next generation compact comes on line. With the introduction of the Civic Coupe this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, I anticipate the arrival of Civic turbo at North American Honda dealers sometime in December.