Honda's Civic sets a new standard on UK roads
Honda’s new Civic has arrived in the UK, and Darren Cassey has been finding out what it’s like to drive here in Britain
What’s new?
The Honda Civic has undergone one of its most comprehensive reworks ever. The new model is lighter than before and has a stiffer chassis, which help economy and drivability respectively – Honda wants its new hatchback to be appreciated by keen drivers.
It also has a new multi-link suspension at the rear, which is a first for the Civic, while Honda Sensing – the company’s suite of advanced safety technology – comes as standard.
Looks and image
Like before, the Civic gets a bold, angular design language, but the traditional hatchback shape has been ditched in favour of a more saloon-like silhouette.
Inside, the cabin feels light and airy, with good quality materials used throughout – everything from the steering wheel to the gear and dashboard switches feel premium. The leather seats in our test car were comfortable if lacking lateral support.
Space and practicality
The new shape has contributed to a larger cabin, which Honda reckons now offers class-leading space. From the driver’s seat it certainly feels like a valid claim, with the large windows and spot-on driving position contributing to the overall feeling of space.
However, one black mark against the Civic is that it only achieved a four-star EuroNCAP crash test rating, because one of the child dummies in the rear took a whack to the head from an airbag. Honda is pretty switched on when it comes to safety, so expect this to be addressed soon – though it’s worth bearing in mind if buying an early model for family duties.
Behind the wheel
At the launch of the new Civic Type R – the hot hatch version of the Japanese hatchback – engineers told us that the standard car was built with sporty driving in mind so that the performance version wouldn’t be so compromised.
The results are excellent, with the standard Civic being an absolute joy to drive – it’s up there with the best in the segment to drive. The steering is perfectly weighed and the car corners with very little body roll, while the new multi-link suspension at the rear was put in place for the benefit of the Type R but is welcome on the standard car as it improves the ride considerably.
Value for money
The Honda Civic goes head-to-head with hugely popular hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, and it offers great value for the segment. The base model starts at £18,475, a few hundred more than a base Golf but with fewer budget concessions.
The Focus is more expensive at entry level, but equivalent mid-level specs are a bit cheaper in the Ford. The Honda feels more modern and premium though, and is much better to drive.
Our ‘EX’ grade car cost £23,300 and came with a leather interior, heated front seats, a sunroof and keyless go. It also gets an adaptive damper system as standard, which further improves the ride.
Who would buy one?
The Honda Civic is targeted at young families, particularly those who want something that stands out from the crowd. It should also be the car of choice for car enthusiasts looking to get into something economical and practical without losing their enjoyment for driving.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Model: Honda Civic 1.0 Turbo EX
Base price: £18,475
Engine tested: 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol
Power: 127bhp
Torque: 200Nm
Max speed: 126mph
0-60mph: 11.0 seconds
MPG: 55.4mpg
Emissions: 117g/km
