Honda Reviews

Your Honda has what’s called a CVT which stands for Constantly Variable Transmission. That means it’s not a conventional transmission, but uses a system of cones and belts that allows for different drive ratios. Generally speaking, when a CVT displays this type of behaviour, it’s often time for a new transmission which won’t be cheap.

But in the case of the Honda, the problem is not always terminal. Because Honda designed and built its own CVT (rather than just buy one in) the engineering in it seems better than most. And experience has shown that often, problems with a Honda CVT simply means the fluid that provides the drive and lubricates the CVT, needs to be changed.

That said, refusing to select Drive is a pretty major fault, so a trip to a specialist might be in order. But first, check the level of the fluid in the CVT to see if it's low, as that could be the root problem. Even so, you’ll still then have to find the leak as this is a sealed system and shouldn’t require top-ups.

The main problem with this gearbox is that it’s a CVT and that makes a lot of people a bit nervous. But in the Honda’s case there’s less to be concerned about.

That’s because Honda doesn’t just buy in its CVT, and instead, designed and engineered its own CVT to be a better thing. And it seems to have worked. That said, any Honda that exhibits juddering on take-off, a whining noise from the CVT and even slippage as the car tires to accelerate or travel up a hill needs attention.

The good news is that, in the case of the Honda CVT, the fix is often pretty simple. That’s because these problems in a Honda usually point to nothing more involved than changing the contaminated transmission fluid. For the record, the experts reckon that changing the fluid in your Honda CVT every 40,000km at the outside is the way to go, and should keep any problems at bay.

As far as the engine goes, the Civic’s turbocharged four-cylinder seems to follow Honda tradition by being remarkably reliable. However, it’s worth remembering that this is a high-tech unit and requires careful servicing if it’s to remain so. Make sure any second-hand Civic has a full and complete service history as part of the deal.

These two readouts are closely linked in that one determines the other. Your average fuel consumption dictates the distance the car estimates it can travel based on what’s in the tank. But variation in these readings is perfectly normal. That’s because the range estimate is based on your most recent driving. So, if your fuel consumption has jumped from 7 to 8 litres per 100km, the computer will adjust the range down to compensate and prevent you from running out of petrol. That’s all very normal.

The bigger question is why your consumption has recently increased. Have you changed your driving style? Are you suddenly towing a trailer? Have you allowed another driver (with a heavier foot) to borrow the car? Are your tyre pressures correct? Have you added a roof rack? Do you now do more city and suburban driving than before? Is the car in need of a service and tune?

All these things can have a noticeable effect on fuel consumption, and any one of them could be the key to your fuel consumption increase and associated range reduction.