Honda Civic

The superb Honda Civic makes all its rivals feel mundane.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
Latest deal price: from £14,748 to £24,888
On the road price: £16,325 - £23,220
For : Futuristic yet well laid out cabin, punchy engines, rear seats, big boot, warranty, road manners
Against : Poor visibility, tiny rear door apertures, slightly coarse 1.8-litre engine, heavy tailgate

Driving
The Civic is available with two petrol engines, but it's the 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel that's our favourite. This fantastic engine is free-revving, impressively refined and punchy, too. It remains our favourite diesel in the family hatchback class, and is preferable to the 1.8-litre petrol which is vocal in its mid-range and lacks torque which leads to downchanges on the motorway – but the slick, fast shift means changing gears is no chore. It is also economical and sprightly against the clock. The steering is sharp and, although it's not as much fun as a Ford Focus, it's neat, nimble and good to drive. Only on rougher tarmac does it become slightly nervous. The three-door takes on a sportier edge, and proves composed and agile in corners. Stability control is standard as well, and the system is unobtrusive.

Marketplace
With a band of lights and reflectors running across the front and back, plus a cab-forward side profile, the Civic looks positively futuristic. Nothing comes close for visual impact. What’s more, Honda hasn't followed the trend for ever-bigger cars, as the Civic is 30mm shorter and 37mm lower than its predecessor, making it one of the smallest cars in the family hatch sector - although it does have a relatively long wheelbase. Three-door models take on an even sportier appearance than the five-door, and all models are built at Honda's Swindon plant. Three engines are mated to five trim levels (with a larger but less sporty range of trims offered in five-door guise), and rivals include the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Auris.

Owning
The Civic's long wheelbase, plus the Jazz's trick of locating the fuel tank under the front seats, means heads and legs have plenty of room despite compact exterior dimensions. However, tiny rear doors - a direct consequence of the design - mean access to the back is really poor. But the seat folding mechanism can't be beaten, and at 485 litres with them up, no rival has a bigger boot. The loading lip is also low, even if the tailgate is heavy to operate. Rakish A-pillars block visibility at the front and rear vision is even worse due to a tiny rear window. And while Honda claims special water-repellent glass removes the need for a wiper, the lower screen still collects road dirt. As for the cabin, while it can initially be intimidating, you realise after a while how clever it is. There’s plenty of stowage, comfortable seats and comprehensive controls. However, you do sit a little high, the digital speedo is poorly placed and the stereo is a stretch. Equipment levels are good, complementing keen pricing, and fuel economy is praiseworthy, particularly with the diesel. This complements retained values that are excellent by family hatch standards.

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8 Comments

Local Dealer doing the 2.2 Si for £14,995!! (NEW!)

The Honda Civic Diesel 2.2 is awesome -such a shame Honda have to stop producing them by 2011 (due to emissions!). I've had my Type S GT for a couple of years now and after going into Bristol Honda for my service I think I might have to get the Si. I enquired and the Sales guy there said they are now doing it for £14,995 on the road - over £4000 off! I just checked their website www.bristolhonda.co.uk and they have not put it on there yet, but take my word for it they promised a Red 2.2 Si for £14,995 (brand new 1st reged, 60 Reg) Long live the Civic Diesel!

By rracing20 on 9 November, 2010, 4:47pm

Haggle hard.....

A new generation model will be announced in 2011 with launch in 2012.

Red - commands poor resale value due to lower demand over other colours. Fades to orange eventually. Just look at the red cars on the road.

Honda has to sell all the remaining stock of the current model before gearing up for production of new model.

Buyers - make sure you haggle hard to inc full sets of mats £75, 12 mths road tax, full tank of fuel & free 3 years servciing.

Don't let the dealers sell you the £400+ paint & interior protection, its a rip off & something that can be done yourself buying from ebay for less than £15.

Anything less, walk away, there are loads of other good deals out there for cars in this category.

By scott1234 on 19 November, 2010, 12:32pm

Long in the tooth collectors item

This version of the Civic was a brave attempt by Honda to be different, but never truly succeeded. It's now long in the tooth and even less competitive so why waste your money on one?

By penncv3 on 2 December, 2010, 9:54am

Deluded pennycv3

who has no idea that owning a civic spaceship is pure joy. I`ts practical, economical to run, reliable, very comfortable, handles beautifully and is very safe and above all is great fun to drive.
I have been driving for 53 years and of all the cars I have had in this time this Civic gives me the most pleasure.

By AlanShaw on 2 December, 2010, 10:10am

Dependable but the looks...Fail

I like Honda for the same reasons most list:: dependable, economy and pratical. That said this new body style does not do it for me...the side window lines look like you went and cut off the rear of a four door and reweilded the two together...the front to the door back is ok but somehow the designers got lost thereafter. This design needs a serious rethink.

By kperez on 14 December, 2010, 11:15am

Over-rated and ugly!

The Civic was never going to win any beauty contests. Its rather fussy and messy rear styling looks like the designers at Honda either didn't know what to do with it or all came into work suffering from hang-overs that day. It has always been an over-rated car bought by people who really don't know much about cars. I say move on and resign it to Room 101! You're better off buying a Mazda or a Volkswagen.

By wrc555s on 4 January, 2011, 7:44am

Over-rated and ugly!

By wrc555s on 4 January, 2011, 8:30am

Getting On Abit Now !

Not Enough Range Of Engines, Just 1, 2.2 Ctdi High Emission Diesel is not enough. Like the futuristic styling, esspecialy the interior, plenty of detailing & styling to keep you entertained internal & external long after rivals. The best looking civic to date.

By BEREAL on 6 January, 2011, 10:41pm

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Pictures

Honda Civic