- Impressive ride/handling balance
- High standard of fit and finish
- Refined manual transmission
- For Civic VTi-R, free-revving VTEC engine
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- For three-door hatch, limited rear seat access
Honda EK1.I, EK4.I and EJ8.I Civic (1995-98)
Overview
Released in October 1995, the sixth-generation Civic was a small, front-wheel drive vehicle. The Civic range initially consisted of three-door hatchbacks and four-door sedans that were made in Suzuka, Japan. In May 1996, however, the range was expanded with two-door coupes that were manufactured in Ohio, USA. Beyond the body shapes, the Civic range consisted of entry-level CXi, mid-range GLi, sporty VTi and performance-oriented VTi-R variants.
D16Y4, D16Y5 and B16A2 engines
The Civic CXi and GLi variants were powered by Honda’s 1.6-litre D16Y4 engine which had a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. The VTi variants, however, had the D16Y5 engine with VTEC-E – a form of VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) which provided different camshaft profiles for increased combustion efficiency at low RPM.
The Civic VTi-R was powered by the B16A2 engine which had double overhead camshafts, a compression ratio of 10.2:1 and VTEC engagement from 5600 rpm for greater top-end performance.
Dimensions and suspension
The three-door hatchbacks were 4180 mm long, 1695 mm wide, 1375 mm tall and had 2620 mm long wheelbases. Relative to the hatchbacks, the sedans and coupes were 270 mm longer (at 4450 mm), while the sedan models were also 15 mm taller at 1390 mm. All models were fitted with independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear.
| Body | Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr hatch (EK1) |
CXi, GLi |
1995-98 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (D16Y4) |
5sp man., 4sp auto |
88 kW at 6400 rpm | 144 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| 3drhatch (EK4) |
VTi-R | 1995-98 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (B16A2) |
5sp man. | 118 kW at 7600 rpm | 148 Nm at 7000 rpm |
| 2dr coupe (EJ8) |
VTi | 1996-98 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (D16Y8) |
5sp man., 4sp auto |
93 kW at 6600 rpm | 145 Nm at 5200 rpm |
| 4dr sedan (EK1) |
GLi | 1995-98 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (D16Y4) |
5sp man., 4sp auto |
88 kW at 6400 rpm | 144 Nm at 500 rpm |
| VTi | 1995-98 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (D16Y5) |
5sp man., CVT |
93 kW at 6600 rpm | 145 Nm at 5200 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Civic CXi and GLi variants included a driver’s airbag. Beyond this, the VTi and VTi-R variants were further equipped with a front passenger airbag and ABS.
Features: Civic CXi, GLi, VTi and VTi-R
Standard features for the Civic CXi included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, 50/50 split and folding seats and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.
Beyond this, the Civic GLi and VTi added central locking, power windows and power mirrors, while VTi coupe models also featured 14-inch alloy wheels. From April 1997, the GLi and VTi variants were fitted with air conditioning as standard.
The range-topping Civic VTi-R was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof and rear spoiler.
Honda EK1.II and EK4.II Civic (1998-00)
Overview
Released in November 1998, the EK1 and EK4 Series II (EK1.II and EK4.II) Civic introduced a revised range as the three-door VTi-R hatchback was discontinued and the VTi sedan was solely available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT); in March 1999, however, the range was expanded with the introduction of a GLi coupe.
Visually, the EK1.II and EK4.II Civics could be identified by their front bumpers with air inlets beside the central lower grille, new bonnets and tail-lights. Inside, trim changes were relatively minor.
| Body | Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr hatch (EK1) |
CXi, GLi |
1998-00 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (D16Y4) |
5sp man., 4sp auto |
88 kW at 6400 rpm | 144 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| 2dr coupe (EK4) |
GLi | 1999-00 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (D16Y7) |
4sp auto | 77 kW at 6200 rpm | 145 Nm at 4600-5200 rpm |
| VTi-R | 1998-00 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (B16A2) |
5sp man. | 118 kW at 7600 rpm | 148 Nm at 7000 rpm | |
| 4dr sedan (EK1) |
GLi | 1998-00 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (D16Y4) |
5sp man., 4sp auto |
88 kW at 6400 rpm | 144 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| VTi | 1998-00 | 1.6-litre petrol I4 (D16Y5) |
CVT | 93 kW at 6600 rpm | 145 Nm at 5200 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Civic CXi was limited to a driver’s airbag. The Civic GLi was further equipped with a front passenger airbag, while the Civic VTi and VTi-R were also fitted with ABS.
Features: Civic CXi, GLi, VTi and VTi-R
Standard features for the Civic CXi included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.
The Civic GLi was further equipped with power windows and the Civic VTi added 14-inch alloy wheels.
The Civic VTi-R was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels and power sunroof. Visually, the VTi-R could be identified by its mesh grille, deeper front spoiler and body-coloured side sills and side-protection mouldings.
1999 Civic CXi Indy Special
In October 1999, the Civic CXi was offered as a limited-run Indy Special edition which featured 14-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a Racing Yellow paint finish.
2000 Civic GLi Sport and Civic CXi Sport
In July 2000, the limited-run Civic GLi Sport were released, featuring 14-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. The Civic CXi Sport followed in August 2000 – these models also featured 14-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.
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