| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| A clever small family hatchback that fits in passengers and luggage brilliantly. Pleasant to drive, with a good standard level of equipment plus Honda's reputation for quality and reliability. |
| Handling |
|
| Comfort |
 |
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
|
| Value for Money |
|
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
 |
| NCAP |
| 4 |
| Best Models |
| 1.6 S, Type R |
| Worst Models |
| 1.4 |
| Replacement |
| 2006 |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| Many families need look no further than the Civic. Space is always a priority and the five-door Civic manages to provide a lot of it in a very compact package. Simply repositioning the gear lever on the dashboard creates a big floor area and the high roof adds to wonderful feeling of spaciousness. Five adults can sit comfortably yet there is still room for luggage in the sizeable boot. Civic is pleasing and easy to drive. There are also a sportier three-door versions, especially the 2.0 Type-R, which is a very characterful performance hatch. The 1.4 engine is adequate enough for carting family and luggage about, but the 1.6 petrol and 1.7 CDTi turbodiesel are more rewarding choices. A further Civic variant is the high-tech hybrid 1.3 IMA saloon with economical petrol/electric power. But significantly the more popular 1.7 diesel hatchback delivers similar mpg figures (57 mpg) at lower cost. |
| Positive Points |
- Five-door hatchback is far roomier than most rivals
- Refined ride, precise steering, well mannered handling
- Very reliable; holds it value well
|
| Negative Points |
- Three-door cars have less rear space
- 1.7 CTDi is not that smooth around town
- Some road noise; engines get loud at speed
|
|
