Skip advert
Advertisement

New Honda Civic diesel 2018 review

A diesel engine has been added to previously all-petrol Civic range, giving Honda customers even more of a dilemma

Overall Auto Express rating

3.5

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,079 off RRP*
Find your Honda Civic
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Company car drivers covering big miles will find plenty of appeal in the Honda Civic diesel. It’s incredibly economical, cheap to run and pleasing to drive, while the practical cabin and strong kit list is carried over unchanged. Make sure you do the sums, however, as those after a dependable urban runabout will be better served by the proficient turbo petrol, while cheaper SR-spec cars offer all the kit you’ll ever need.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While many manufacturers are turning their back on diesel, there’s a throng of high-mileage motorists who still depend on the stuff to cover big distances and keep costs down. 

Determined not to ditch its dedicated derv drivers, Honda has just added a revised version of its 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine to the new Civic range. We first drove it on European roads back in January but now we’ve got one back in the UK to see whether it’s worth considering over the excellent 1.0-litre turbo petrol version. 

Best diesel cars on sale

The visual differences are nil, so the first thing you’ll notice is the numbers. The Civic i-DTEC promises more than 80mpg in mixed motoring, as well as CO2 emissions of just 93g/km. That not only trumps the petrol car’s 55.4mpg and 117g/km, but also makes it an appealing company car. Even when you take into account the diesel version’s three per cent Benefit in Kind (BiK) surcharge, those low emissions ensure it sits two tax brackets lower than the 1.0 i-VTEC. 

The well-sorted driving experience is another boon. The petrol car’s sharp steering, responsive chassis and precise gearing have all been carried over wholesale, while the torquey diesel motor is a strong performer – both in town and on the open road.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Civic

2021 Honda

Civic

28,292 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,548
View Civic
Civic

2021 Honda

Civic

10,206 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £16,848
View Civic
Civic

2021 Honda

Civic

24,476 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,735
View Civic
Civic

2018 Honda

Civic

36,086 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,835
View Civic

There’s no denying it’s a bit louder on the move. Whereas the turbo petrol is barely audible at low speeds, the diesel ticks along with a gruff rumble. Let the revs rise and you’ll notice the noise, while the stop-start system is less refined, too; the engine rattling into life with perceptible vibration when you dip the clutch pedal. 

Still, things improve at motorway speeds, where the diesel engine settles into a hushed cruise. This is important, because that’s where many diesel drivers will spend most of their time. And while the 1.6 i-DTEC can’t match 2.0-litre rivals for torque, the punchy motor pulls strongly from low revs. 

Like the petrol car, the diesel version rides well on Britian’s rutted roads. It’s stiff yet composed, without feeling too brittle over bumps and potholes. Top-spec EX models get adaptive dampers, too, though in all honesty the different modes make seemingly little difference.

Our EX test car is pricey, however. The well-equipped SR version is almost £3,000 cheaper, while a like-for-like 1.0 petrol will save you a considerable £1,310 on list price alone – or around £50 per month. All cars (including the basic SE) get a DAB radio, USB connectivity, climate control and alloy wheels, while range-toppers boast a sliding glass roof, leather seats and a keyless entry. Our car’s Tech Pack (£600) added wireless phone charging, LED lights and heated rear seats.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

RRP £35,780Avg. savings £2,079 off RRP*Used from £21,761
Honda Zr-V

Honda Zr-V

RRP £40,780Avg. savings £2,052 off RRP*
Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

RRP £22,725Avg. savings £2,363 off RRP*Used from £11,700
Mazda 3

Mazda 3

RRP £22,065Avg. savings £2,429 off RRP*Used from £8,290
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025
Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range
Leapmotor badge

Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range

The Stellantis-backed brand will launch a Volkswagen ID.3-rivalling small car with almost 20 per cent more range
News
23 Apr 2025