Driving to stay healthy

I have often heard it said that to stay healthy — and happy, too — one must include happy things in life.  For me, that would be driving (preferably long drives), working out, and spending time with my pets.

So, now a little over my mid-50s I make sure that I keep my sanity in check by working out (at least five times a week) as well as driving out of town once a week. The destination is not what makes me happy; it is the drive that does. And of course, spending quality time with my pets.

So on a particularly trying week recently, and with the 10th generation Honda Civic as my ride, I loaded my woes onto the cockpit and went for a spin.

Why do I love driving and what does it do for my well-being?

Long drives by my lonesome give me that much needed time not only to get away, but also to assess what it is that is bothering me. When I am behind a lovely cockpit — just like that of the 10th generation Honda Civic — I am able to clear the cobwebs on my mind.

Drive and take it all in

For starters, the 10th generation Honda Civic charms with completely redesigned exterior, modern and expansive cockpit interior with a host of new and advanced technologies, and Honda’s first locally available VTEC Turbo engine.

But what attracted me immediately to the Honda Civic were its looks. I will have to compare the Civic to a handsome guy: the kind of guy that has loads of muscle and is smart at the same time.

From the outside, the All-New Civic has a more aggressive style inspired by the “Revolutionary Silhouette Advanced Neo Sedan” exterior design concept. Its low and wide stance, sleek and swept-back bodylines, and sharply defined character lines further accentuate its unique sporty design. Its bold front hood and grille is complemented by Honda’s Signature LED Lighting, which includes full LED Headlights, and LED Daytime Running Lights. Its distinctive C-Shaped LED Tail Lamps that truly highlight its unique brand identity also distinguishes the athletic design of the All-New Civic.

And, the top-of-the-line variant, which I was fortunate to have on that particular weekend, the Civic RS Turbo is sportier with an RS Design 17-inch Alloy Wheels, Gloss Black Front Grille, Wing Type Trunk Spoiler, Chrome Door Handles, LED fog lights and RS Emblem.

I began that gloomy day with a smile one my face — just because I knew I would be spending it in the embrace of such a macho sedan.

Drive on: The cockpit of the Honda Civic

There’s more.

Under its hood is a DOHC VTEC Turbo Engine that delivers a maximum torque of 22.0 kg-m at 1,700 — 5,500 rpm, and a maximum power output of 173 PS at 5,500 rpm. HCPI retains a 1.8-liter engine option for the All-New Civic which produces a maximum torque of 17.4 kg-m at 4,300 rpm, and a maximum power output of 141 PS at 6,500 The engine is combines with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Earth Dreams Technology. The RS Turbo is also equipped with paddle shifters for a sportier driving performance.

Once I started the engine I began to feel my gloomy mood lift. There are not many things that make me happy, but the sound of a solid engine running is definitely one of them.

Drive the mood away

I started drive towards the south of Metro Manila in the quiet cockpit of the Civic as my mind was loaded with thoughts of recent events.

It was early in the morning and experiencing a traffic-free C5 on the way to SLEX was enough to allow me to focus on the thoughts spinning in my head.

Our physical health is greatly affected by the thoughts we keep, I was once told by a doctor friend. I we keep positive thoughts; our bodies are more likely to stay strong and healthy. It is no secret that people who are sad or depressed are more likely to feel sick, too.

So, to keep sickness away, driving is where it’s at for me.

I arrived in Tagaytay famished. It was time for breakfast — a healthy one, that is.

Before I entered the restaurant I took one more look at the Honda Civic RS Turbo.

I really am in awe of how Honda has been able to harmonize the aggressive sporty design of the Civic with a sleek and oh so modern interiors. The Civic boasts a wide cockpit design integrated with high class soft-touch materials. The RS Turbo Variant is loaded with leather seats, steering wheel, and shift knob.

I will add here, that the Smart Key features of the Civic are cool, too. It includes the Remote Engine Start Function that conveniently starts the vehicle engine and turn on its Auto Climate Control System from the outside, which allows the cabin to cool even before entering the vehicle. The Smart Key Entry System also consists of a Walk-away Auto Lock Feature, which is an auto lock function that automatically bolts all doors after sensing the Smart Key away from the vehicle by approximately 2.5 meters.

Since its debut in North America, the Civic has already earned global recognition from having received a total of 14 awards from leading institutions. Some of which include the “2016 North American Car of the Year” and “2016 Canadian Car of the Year” awards.

It was time for breakfast, and already I was feeling better as the cloud of gloom began to lift. Thank goodness for a great ride.