2018 Honda Civic ISport Touring: Review, Specs, & More
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring. This isn't just your average Civic; it's a trim that blends sporty aesthetics with practical features, making it a compelling choice for those who want a bit more flair in their daily drive. We're going to cover everything from its design and performance to its interior features and overall driving experience. So, buckle up and let's get started!
Exterior Design and Sporty Appeal
The 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring immediately grabs your attention with its sporty and aggressive styling. The iSport trim adds unique touches that set it apart from the standard Civic models. These include a distinctive rear spoiler, side skirts, and a more aggressive front fascia. These elements aren't just for show; they contribute to the car's overall aerodynamic profile, giving it a sleek and dynamic appearance.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the bold front grille, which is finished in a glossy black that contrasts nicely with the car's body color. The sharp lines and angular headlights give the Civic iSport Touring a modern and assertive look. The LED headlights not only enhance visibility but also add to the car's premium feel. Fog lights are integrated into the front bumper, providing additional illumination in adverse weather conditions.
Moving to the side, the sporty side skirts accentuate the car's low stance, making it appear more grounded and athletic. The 18-inch alloy wheels, unique to the iSport Touring trim, fill the wheel wells perfectly and add to the car's visual appeal. These wheels feature a multi-spoke design that complements the car's overall aesthetic. The chrome door handles and window trim add a touch of sophistication, balancing the sporty elements with a hint of elegance.
At the rear, the most noticeable feature is the rear spoiler, which is not only stylish but also functional, providing additional downforce at higher speeds. The LED taillights wrap around the corners of the car, giving it a distinctive look at night. The rear bumper is sculpted and features a diffuser-like element that adds to the car's sporty character. Overall, the exterior design of the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring is a well-executed blend of sporty and sophisticated elements, making it a standout in its class.
Performance and Driving Experience
When it comes to performance, the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring doesn't disappoint. It's powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a punchy and responsive driving experience. This engine produces 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The turbocharged engine ensures that there's plenty of low-end torque, making the car feel quick and agile.
The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which offers smooth and seamless acceleration. While some enthusiasts might prefer a traditional automatic or manual transmission, the CVT in the Civic iSport Touring is well-tuned and provides a surprisingly engaging driving experience. It mimics the behavior of a traditional automatic by simulating gear changes, which helps to reduce the droning sound that CVTs are sometimes known for.
Handling is another area where the Civic iSport Touring shines. The car's suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and sportiness. It's firm enough to keep the car planted in corners, but also compliant enough to absorb bumps and road imperfections without being jarring. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback to the driver. This makes the Civic iSport Touring fun to drive on twisty roads, while also being comfortable for long-distance journeys.
The Civic iSport Touring also features Honda's Agile Handling Assist system, which uses the brakes to subtly adjust the car's trajectory in corners. This helps to improve the car's overall stability and makes it feel more confident in challenging driving situations. The brakes themselves are strong and provide good stopping power, giving the driver added confidence in emergency situations. Overall, the performance and driving experience of the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring are impressive, making it a joy to drive in a variety of conditions.
Interior Features and Technology
Stepping inside the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring, you'll find a well-designed and feature-rich cabin. The interior is modern and stylish, with high-quality materials and a focus on ergonomics. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing good support for both short trips and long drives. The iSport Touring trim includes leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury to the interior.
The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with a large touchscreen display taking center stage. This display houses the car's infotainment system, which includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The infotainment system is easy to use and responsive, making it a breeze to control various functions of the car.
The Civic iSport Touring also comes with a premium audio system, which delivers clear and immersive sound quality. The system includes multiple speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin, creating a rich and enjoyable listening experience. Other interior features include a sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light, and automatic climate control, which keeps the cabin comfortable no matter the weather outside.
In terms of safety technology, the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring is well-equipped. It comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning. These features help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more enjoyable. Overall, the interior features and technology of the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring are impressive, making it a comfortable and convenient place to spend time.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
One of the standout features of the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring is its excellent fuel efficiency. Despite its sporty performance, this car manages to deliver impressive gas mileage, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and long trips. The EPA estimates that the Civic iSport Touring gets 31 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for a car in its class. This fuel efficiency is thanks to the car's efficient turbocharged engine and well-tuned CVT transmission.
In terms of practicality, the Civic iSport Touring offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. The rear seats are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate adults, and the trunk is surprisingly large for a compact car. The trunk can hold a significant amount of luggage or groceries, making it a practical choice for families or anyone who needs to haul cargo on a regular basis. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more cargo space, allowing you to transport larger items when needed.
The Civic iSport Touring also includes a number of convenient storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large glove box, door pockets, and a center console with cupholders. These storage compartments make it easy to keep your belongings organized and within reach while you're on the road. Overall, the fuel efficiency and practicality of the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring are impressive, making it a well-rounded choice for a variety of drivers.
Potential Issues and Maintenance
Like any car, the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring has its potential issues and maintenance requirements. While the Civic is generally known for its reliability, there are a few things to keep in mind. One common issue with this generation of Civics is related to the air conditioning system. Some owners have reported problems with the AC not blowing cold air, which can be a frustrating issue, especially in hot weather. This issue is often caused by a faulty compressor or a refrigerant leak.
Another potential issue is related to the infotainment system. Some owners have reported problems with the touchscreen freezing or becoming unresponsive. This issue can often be resolved by updating the software, but in some cases, it may require a more extensive repair. It's also important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that your Civic iSport Touring stays in good condition. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections of the brakes and other critical components.
The Civic iSport Touring is also equipped with a CVT transmission, which requires special attention. It's important to use the correct type of transmission fluid and to follow the recommended maintenance schedule to prevent problems. CVT transmissions can be more sensitive to neglect than traditional automatic transmissions, so it's important to stay on top of maintenance. Overall, while the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring is generally a reliable car, it's important to be aware of these potential issues and to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that it stays in good condition.
Final Verdict: Is the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring Worth It?
So, is the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring worth it? Absolutely! This trim level offers a fantastic blend of sporty styling, engaging performance, and practical features. It's a car that's fun to drive, comfortable for daily use, and packed with technology. The iSport Touring trim adds a touch of flair to the already excellent Civic, making it a standout in its class.
While there are a few potential issues to be aware of, the Civic iSport Touring is generally a reliable car that should provide years of trouble-free service with proper maintenance. Its excellent fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and generous cargo capacity make it a practical choice for a variety of drivers. Whether you're looking for a stylish commuter car or a fun weekend driver, the 2018 Honda Civic iSport Touring is definitely worth considering. So go ahead and take it for a test drive – you might just fall in love!
