Asset Finance Berkshire - <b> Honda Civic Review

Honda Civic Hatchback

ON THE ROAD

Performance

We've only driven the 138bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine so far, which is responsive and eager to rev, providing strong performance. Plentiful pulling power minimises the number of gearchanges you have to make through the standard six-speed gearbox to keep up with motorway traffic.

Ride & Handling

The Civic drives reasonably well, but is unable to match the comfort and sharp handling of the VW Golf and Skoda Octavia. Stiff suspension means bumps and potholes are felt in the cabin, while there's a slightly skittish feel on faster roads. The steering is a little slow to react to inputs, too.

Refinement

The 1.8 is a refined engine, with no untoward vibrations or sounds to disturb the peace, but we were disappointed by a fair amount of wind and road noise that filter into the cabin. It isn't too much of a problem around town, but on longer, faster journeys, it becomes annoying.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning

The Civic is competitively priced against rival products from Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen, but don't expect to find as big discounts as at these mainstream brands' dealers. Company car drivers with an eye on their tax bill will benefit from impressively low carbon dioxide emissions, which compare favourably with rivals'.

Quality & reliability

Honda's build quality is legendary – and the new Civic continues the fastidious attention to detail. It feels well built and high-quality materials are used throughout the cabin. Only a few of the softer fabrics on the door trim and seats made us question their longevity.

Safety & security

Every Civic is equipped with twin front, side and curtain airbags, which protect passengers in an accident. Stability control is fitted across the range to prevent skids and many models come with active head restraints, minimising whiplash injuries. An immobiliser, deadlocks, remote central locking and alarm are fitted as standard to prevent theft

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel

Like the exterior, you'll either love or loathe the Civic's futuristic cabin design. It's full of clever touches: the switchgear is clustered together by theme; the digital speedo is mounted high up near the driver's line of sight; and the controls work with a slick precision. However, smaller drivers will struggle to read some of the dials

Space & practicality

Front-seat passengers will be comfortable but those in the rear suffer from poor headroom. Blame that wedgy coupe shape, which also restricts rear visibility. There is no rear wiper, either. The vast 485-litre boot is a good shape, with a usefully low lip to ease loading. The rear seats fold up to create a second boot in the rear footwell.

Equipment

All models come with a clever trip computer, full steering wheel adjustment, four electric windows and a host of safety equipment (see above). However, the base models are very spartan, doing without a CD player, alloy wheels or air-conditioning. All models come with a get-you-home puncture spray and no spare wheel.

PRICE £12,685 - £18,100