The Car Auto Review: Honda Civic 2014 Car Auto Review

With its outlandish design, the Civic isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there is no denying that it sticks out in the hatchback segment against rivals like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. But let’s take a closer look. The cabin has a futuristic vibe thanks to this dual-level dashboard. There are however a few features that seem a bit dated, like the sat nav, but this is likely to get an update in the Civic’s next face-lift. Speaking of equipment, there is a rather confusing list of trim levels to choose from in the Civic, with the entry level S trim offering air-con, USB connectivity and steering wheel mounted controls, but if you add sat nav and Bluetooth it becomes the S-T trim. This trend continues throughout the range.

We have the flagship EX Plus model which has everything from parking sensors to leather seats and 17-inch alloys to headlights that dip automatically when oncoming traffic is detected. Comfort is really good up front, although you are limited to how low you can have your seat as the fuel tank is under here. Space is pretty good in the back, providing you’re not over six-foot, but one of the best things about the back is its wide opening doors, making it incredibly easy to get in and out and also much easier for our camera guys to film. With the fuel tank under the front seats, there is more boot space than your average hatch, with 477 litres, that’s much bigger than both the Ford Focus and VW Golf. The seats also fold completely flat, and when I say flat, I mean flat, allowing for up to 1,367 litres of storage.

The Civic is very composed on the road, with little body roll and great grip in the corners. Its steering isn’t the most responsive, but if you are after a family car this may not faze you. The suspension is also more comfortable than the last model, although it is still firmer than the golf. Engine options in the Civic include a 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrol, but to be honest, the new 1.6-litre diesel is your best bet as it delivers a great balance of power and efficiency. Although it only has 118bhp it feels more powerful and is good for a 0-62 sprint of just 10.5 seconds. Fuel economy wise, it returns an average of around 70mpg, great if you spend a lot of time on the motorway. The Civic may not be quite as exciting to drive as the Ford Focus or VW Golf, but it’s still a good all-rounder. So, it’s practical, efficient and decent to drive.

Unfortunately, it is quite expensive, costing more than all of its key rivals. But if you want something a bit left-field when it comes to looks, then the Civic is a great choice.