In each carmaker’s lineup, there’s a core product that strongly defines the company philosophy and demonstrates its technological abilities.  Sometimes, that core product enjoys so much success that it reaches iconic status.  If Porsche has its 911 and Mercedes-Benz its E-Class, Honda’s core is the Civic.

Each generation of Civic has stood for technological advancement in a practical, affordable compact car.  Previous generations have introduced the compact car buyer to the CVCC combustion chamber, fuel injection, independent rear suspension, and variable-valve timing: some of which are not even standard in all vehicles in its class.

Lately though, the Civic’s lead has been encroached upon by other cars that offer more luxury, technology, and sportiness.

The 8th-generation Civic seeks to redress all that, by once again promising sharp handling, good looks, and of course great engines.  In this case, two engines: a 1.8 liter that delivers an impressive 140 hp, and a 2.0 that’s good for 155 hp.  The 1.8, with an SOHC i-VTEC system, promises the acceleration of a 2-liter engine combined with the fuel economy of a 1.5-liter.

As for the Civic’s looks, every Honda automobile begins life as an animal. That’s if we believe the company’s self-described styling procedure, which begins with the design team picking a particular creature to base their new car on. From all indications, the eighth-generation Civic is a different, well, animal, altogether. This one seems to have been based instead on Cylon robots straight from Battlestar Galactica. The glaring, beady quad headlamps; prominently rectangular bumper; and evil-looking chrome wing inset in the wide grille remind us of our favorite robotic antagonist.

The futuristic styling isn’t appreciated by just geeks and sci-fi fans (come to think of it, they comprise one nearly congruent set); many motorists mistake the Civic for more expensive (read: European) machinery. Short front overhangs, steeply-raked windshield, sculpted front fenders, and sleek profile ensure that this Civic looks light-years ahead of its predecessor, and most of its competitors. As rarely happens in a Japanese economy car, the details are just as enticing as the overall appearance.

Honda has learned its lesson well; the seventh-generation Civic looked like a blander version of the sixth generation, and that cost it the top spot in the compact sedan charts. Now, the eighth generation’s mission is to claw its way back to number one. Europe may have its own more-heavily Galactica-influenced hatchback, and the USA its lustful coupe, but our Asean-market sedan strikes the right balance of sportiness and luxury-sedan styling cues.

The spaceship theme carries over to the interior as well. Settle into the driver’s chair, and you’ll feel like you’re piloting a Viper spacecraft. The instrument panel is split into two compartments. The lower portion contains a large tachometer flanked by various indicator lights. The top segment is positioned just below the windshield and is designed to be viewed above the steering wheel rim. This data window shows vehicle speed using a large digital display, and fuel and temperature using bar graphs. The bright white markings are bathed in a cool blue light. It looks strange at first, but proves to be exceptionally clear and easy to use. The high-mounted speedometer allows the driver to keep his eyes on the road even while glancing at the meter. The instruments remain highly readable even in bright sunlight.

The local market Honda Civic gets its looks from the JDM (Japan Domestic Market) model rather than the US one.  Looks very striking and modern next to the 7th generation model. We would have liked a more imaginative alloy wheel design though.

Odd side mirror placement is because of sharp windshield rake. Front porthole window provides good visibility.

Compact 1.8-liter engine is high on power and efficiency. You're buying this car mainly because of this.  It's worth it.