Acura EL 1.7

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Starting over from scratch This review of the Honda Civic is applicable to the Acura 1.7 EL since they share the same mechanical platform.

The sedan and coupe both return in 2002, and we are pleased to note that while the styling is evolving at a conservative pace, Civic engineers have made progress in terms of fuel economy and driving pleasure. The new 1.7-litre engines that command the line- up provide more power and torque, better fuel economy and produce very few polluting emissions, a winning combination if there ever was one. Honda has also managed to increase the capacity of a cabin not much larger than that of its predecessor. The overall effect is one of safety, value, refinement and quality.More than ever, the Civic coupe and sedan models display marked differences. Each one ’ s body was designed on opposite ends of the Pacific, the sedan in Japan, and the coupe in California. The latter is equipped with an inclined windshield that meets the roof line 41 mm lower than that of the sedan, not to mention that its grille and rear end were designed quite differently. Honda has made significant progress in structural rigidity, which has also allowed the joints to be tightened.

Oddly enough, while the wheelbase has not changed and the height was increased, the most visible result for backseat passengers is more legroom yet slightly less headroom. As illogical as this may seem, it can be explained in part by the fact that the front and back seats have been raised to make it entering and exiting the vehicle easier. While the Civic has a roomier interior than most of its rivals, it suffers from some discrepancies when you consider the standards of itscategory.The shorter front end forced engineers to make major modifications to the drive train. The steering axle is positioned high on the apron, and still in a bid to gain more space, the front wishbone suspension was replaced with
MacPherson struts,not a definite change for better. The restructured front end now offers better resistance in a collision.

Modifications made to the chassis include a shorter steering angle, and larger front disc brakes on base models. Surprisingly, tire dimensions increased from 185/65R14 to 185/70R14, which according to Honda results in better handling and a lesser resistance to roll.

The engine’s size has increased from 1,590cc to 1,668cc, despite the fact that the block is now 8% lighter and 7% smaller. The extra 78cc were obtained by extending the piston stroke to 94.4mm while keeping the cylinder bore at 75mm. By modifying the cylinder heads and using a new injection device, power has risen from 106 CV to 115 CV in the base engine, while maximum torque rises by 7% and develops at 100 rpm less than before. In the case of the Si coupe, which has a VTEC engine, maximum power is maintained at 127 CV, while maximum torque increases by 6.5% and develops at 700 rpm less than before.

Most of my first road test was done with a sedan equipped with automatic transmission that proved quite satisfactory, despite the lack of a lockup converter for first gear. I would have preferred the five-speed manual transmission, which I tested over a short distance, you don’t get smoother than that. Although the tires are fairly small, the steering was remarkably precise and responsive, maybe just a tad too responsive for some tastes, especially when we consider the lightness of the steering wheel.

First good impressions: a comfortable driving position that provides a clear view of the road, the firm brake pedal, superb interior ergonomics and handling that was both smooth and energetic on the highway. Accelerations are consistent and straight, although not so’s you call the vehicle a racing car.
Oversights to correct (some on the assembly line) include a somewhat bumpy ride, road noise, vibrations, and a rough-sounding engine which, while acceptable, does not measure up to the best in this category. Road noise was acceptable when I drove the car in California, but I ’ d rather test is on home ground before giving my final verdict.

PROS Fuel economy
Ride and handling
Fit and finish

CONS
Rear-seat room
Loose steering
Soft suspension

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: no data
Passenger: no data

3-doors Si model later this year 2004 Canada

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