Video Review: 2016 Honda Civic 1.5T 2D Touring

Not too long ago, Scott reviewed the 2016 Honda Civic Touring Sedan, complete with the all-new 1.5-liter turbocharged, direct-injected Earth Dreams engine. Now, we'll show you the coupe version of Civic Touring model in a retina-burning shade of green. This is our first attempt at a video review, so let's keep the heckling down to a minimum.

THE BASICS: 2016 Honda Civic Sedan Touring 1.5T 2D Touring
MSRP As Tested:	$26,960
Engine:	1.5-liter DOHC turbocharged 4 cyl.
Transmission:	CVT
Horsepower:	174
Torque:s	162 lb/ft
Curb Weight:	2,888 lbs.
Wheelbase:	106.3
Overall Length:	176.9"
Suspension:	F: MacPherson Struts R: Multilink
Brakes:	F: Disc w/ABS R: Disc w/ABS
Wheels:	17" alloys
Tires:	215/50/17
Fuel Economy (MPG):	31 city, 35 combined, 41 highway
Fuel Type:	Regular 87 octane

2017 Chevrolet Spark Looks Good in Mint

I just logged onto Chevrolet's website to see if there was any info about the 2017 Spark, and low and behold there is. I didn't notice any ground-breaking new tech or features; the car is in its second model year in this style. However, I was immediately drawn to this color.

Chevy calls this color "Mint," and frankly, it looks really good on this car. There aren't many cars that get away with such an odd color. Call it sea foam, call it call it pale green/blue, I call it great. I know the Fiat 500 comes in a similar color called Latte Menta (Lightest Green), and it works on that little retro runabout, too.

We still haven't driven a new Spark, but still want to. Regardless, I'm glad to see some smaller cars offering interesting color choices.

Do you like the color? Sound off in the comments.

July 2016 Subcompact Car Sales

Well, it's better late than never, right? After receiving an email asking where the subcompact sales data was, I realized that people actually do look at this data and anticipate it. I apologize for my tardiness ... here goes!

July's sales data is pretty mixed. About half the field did well, half the field didn't. The biggest winner was MINI's Convertible up a healthy 97.1%, although with only 536 units sold, any blips will shoot the percentage way up. Hyundai had a sizable 64.8% gain with its Accent, BMW's electric i3 charged things up 58.1%, and Jeeps super-hot Renegade also was up to the tune of 57%.

MINI might be at the top of the list, but it's also at the bottom with its 2DR hardtop, down 67.2%—a big drop. It should be noted overall sales of the 2D are down more than 44%. Also skimming the bottom were both the Toyota Prius c and the Toyota Yaris, with the c down 60.1% and the Yaris down 43.4%. The bigger news here is that the Yaris, which has remained largely unchanged for many years, currently has the biggest year-to-date sales drop of 47.6%.

2017 Fiat Spider

Of the newer models, the Scion iA is selling pretty darn well moving more than 19,400 units year to date, Mazda's pint-sized CX-3 Crossover continues to plunk along, and MINI's Clubman, which is more enormous than ever, has moved 5,487 cars. We also added the Fiat Spider to the list, which has now sold 481 units, one more unit than last month. It will be interesting to see how the Fiat sells against the Mazda MX-5 Miata, since the Fiat Spider is, of course, based on the Mazda architecture, but with that angry-sounding Fiat 1.4-turbo.

Make/Model	% July. '16 vs '15	Units July '16	% YTD June '16 Vs. '15	Units YTD
MINI Cooper /S Convertible	97.1	536	19.6	2366
Hyundai Accent	64.8	7046	15.2	46376
BMW i3	58.1	1479	-19.1	4359
Jeep Renegade	57.0	10057	211.0	61907
Chevrolet Trax	54.9	9466	24.8	38601
Kia Rio	49.6	3331	9.4	18669
Chevrolet Spark	28.7	4229	-0.8	22520
Honda Fit	25.4	5432	-17.9	32817
Honda HR-V	25.1	7394	118.6	43837
Nissan Versa	19.2	11856	9.6	84317
MINI Countryman	18.2	1422	-18.8	70702
Smart Fortwo	11.8	493	-24.1	3086
Buick Encore	1.4	6923	16	43344
Fiat 500X	1.0	950	514	7481
Honda CR-Z	0.7	272	-5.4	1477
Hundai Veloster	-2.5	2008	12.6	14931
Chevrolet Sonic	-5.1	4844	-21.3	33136
Kia Soul	-5.9	13157	2.1	83685
MINI Cooper /S Hardtop 4 DR	-10.8	924	-22.1	7243
Mitsubishi Mirage	-17.6	1280	-4	14453
Mazda MX-5 Miata	-22.0	881	65.6	6265
Ford Fiesta	-25.5	4092	-27.7	29631
Fiat 500L	-28.0	227	-58	2527
Nissan Juke	-33.2	1568	-16.9	14124
Fiat 500	-43.0	1097	-44	8857
Toyota Yaris	-43.4	794	-47.6	7378
Toyota Prius c	-60.1	1402	-42.2	12975
MINI Cooper /S Hardtop 2 DR	-67.2	813	-44.6	7053
Scion iA		3007		19434
Mazda CX-3		1499		11001
MINI Clubman		1076		5487
Fiat Spider		480		481

The Crankshaft Culture Cherokee Gets Underway

Over at our other site, Crankshaft Culture, we're hard at work on our 2001 Jeep Cherokee project. A host of parts have showed up, some of which have been installed, some of which are being installed, and some of which are residing under our living room couch. We also may or may not have seven 31x10.50 Yokohama tires stacked up in our entryway. Garage? Who needs a garage!

Read more ...

Review: 2016 Volkswagen Golf R ... In The Snow

Why is there a Golf R in the snow in August? Because this piece was originally written in spring ... in Canada. - Andy

By Spencer Whitney

There are very few compact cars that tick every box on this writer's wish list. When shopping for a new ride you might start out with several must-haves, but ultimately there's a lot of compromises that happen between walking on to the lot and actually signing the papers. Fast cars aren't always well made (Lancer Evo, we're looking at you) and sporty cars aren't always fast.

But every once in a while a vehicle comes along that seems to offer something special and unexpected, almost as if it was a side project that rogue engineers somehow slipped past the bean counters. Germany has consistently created incredibly powerful cars, unfortunately at a price point far beyond the average consumer. What if there was something out there for the rest of us, with enough power and flair to blow away everything else in its class?

Like all kinds of cars? Check out Crankshaft Culture

You know we love small cars. Duh. However, we love all cars—something we've said from the get go—and the culture surrounding them. Because we feel like we have way too much free time in our lives  We've started another website called Crankshaft Culture. Essentially, if it's got a crankshaft, you could see it on the site. Whether it's off-road or on road, travel or racing, cars, trucks, motorcycles—you name it. If it's got a crankshaft, it's cool. 

In addition, we've recently picked up a 2001 Jeep Cherokee, and you can follow along on our build there. We're just getting started, but we hope you'll check it out.

Does this mean the end of Subcompact Culture? Not at all. We are simply opening up our blogging horizons to other vehicles of various sizes. In addition to the website, you can also find it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Become part of the Crankshaft Cult and check it out. 

So what's going on with the Teal Terror?

Back in June, we told you that our 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, aka the Teal Terror, was having engine issues. Well, I tore into the engine a little and found the culprit. As suspected and as was suggested by many a Suzukiphile, the keyway on the end of the crankshaft has fouled.

How to Maximize Space in Small Cars

By David Moss

While many SUVs and trucks continue to get bigger, several car models are sticking to smaller sizes that are more economical and environmentally friendly. Between a lower purchase price, fewer maintenance issues and more fuel efficiency, it is little wonder that many people are choosing to drive small cars. However, there are times when a small car can be a disadvantage, such as on the moving day or on a long vacation with several other people. For these instances, there are a number of ways that you can maximize the space of your small car.

Review: 2016 Honda Civic Sedan Touring

By Scott Araujo

So I get a call from Andy.  "I've got the 2016 Civic Touring with the 1.5 turbo engine.  Have you got time to review it?" No. Not at all. Not even a little bit. But I'm certainly not going to turn it down.  Who would do that?

As you may remember, I purchased a brand new 1997 Honda Civic CX hatchback and drove it for over seventeen years and 217,000 miles. It was basic, simple, and just fun to drive. Just the other day I had my wife's 2012 Civic LX sedan for the whole day by myself which doesn't happen too often. It was like putting on my favorite old sweater, familiar and comfortable. That feeling was still fresh in my mind when Andy called.

The Mongol Rally: The Biggest Small Car Adventure

Ever wanted to travel from the UK to Mongolia? Ever wanted to do it in a car with a 1.0-liter engine or smaller, or perhaps on a 125cc motorbike? Of course you have! Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: The Mongol Rally—the biggest small car adventure out there.