Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC SE

Base hatch has lots to offer those on a budget.

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,277 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

The entry-level model in a range can often feel like the poor relation – that’s not the case with this 1.4-litre Civic. It may not be very fast but it’s smooth, likes to be revved and is a lot of fun to drive. Add in low running costs and you’ve got a fine family car on a budget.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Owners love their Honda Civics! The compact family hatchback has scored highly for reliability and driver satisfaction in our Driver Power survey – it came 15th overall in 2008. And now there’s a new entry-level model to enjoy, too.

This is the cheapest five-door in the line-up – the 1.4 i-VTEC SE – and it weighs in at £14,225. Producing 99bhp and 127Nm of torque, it’s no hot hatch, but still impresses with its refinement.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the previous-generation Civic

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69199","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The benchmark sprint from 0-62mph is completed in 13seconds, and with peak power and torque arriving high in the rev range, the engine needs to be worked hard to get the best performance – although this is a task it relishes.

The latest i-VTEC unit - new for this year - stays smooth all the way to the red line. It’s mated to a snappy six-speed manual transmission which provides quick changes. As a result, extracting all the performance available from this Civic is great fun.

If you’re doing a lot of motorway miles, the torquey 2.2-litre diesel model is likely to be a better bet. But the 1.4-litre is still remarkably economical, returning nearly 50mpg on the combined cycle. It also delivers precise, responsive steering, as well as a firm but compliant ride and plenty of grip – the Honda very nearly matches Ford’s class-leading Focus for great dynamics.

The 1.4 gets the new 2009 Civic’s redesigned front end, which incorporates a fresh grille. Inside it’s business as usual, though, with that striking split dashboard.

Material quality is excellent, as is the amount of equipment included as standard. Even though this is a base model, it still comes with climate
control and alloy wheels.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

RRP £35,780Avg. savings £2,277 off RRP*Used from £22,000
Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

RRP £22,725Avg. savings £2,848 off RRP*Used from £11,395
Honda Hr-V

Honda Hr-V

RRP £30,935Avg. savings £2,074 off RRP*Used from £18,700
Mazda 3

Mazda 3

RRP £23,165Avg. savings £2,318 off RRP*Used from £8,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card
Presidential Renault Rafale - front static

Super-luxury Renault Rafale is the French president's new trump card

The Rafale was chosen to showcase ‘French excellence and art de vivre’
News
16 Jul 2025
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams
Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition - front

Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition pays homage to the Clio Williams

The Renault 5 Monte Carlo Edition has been created by Dutch company Re-volve and is limited to just 25 units
News
16 Jul 2025