Some model updates are minor and some are extensive, well, the latest Honda Civic is
certainly an example of the latter.
Under its slightly tweaked front-grille, front and rear bumpers and rear spoiler, sits changes
to its steering, suspension, trim line-up and interior.
With its latest Civic iteration, Honda isn’t holding back when it comes to tackling the
class leaders, and in fact, the changes to its suspension set-up are aimed specifically
at challenging the likes of the Ford Focus for driving dynamics.
But before getting on the road, let’s start by looking at an entirely new addition to
the trim line-up, the Sport model, which sits in the middle of the range.
Don’t get too excited with the term Sport though, this isn’t in the same ballpark
as the Civic Type R. Instead of adrenaline-pumped technical enhancements, you get a colour coded
rear spoiler, 17-inch alloys and a slightly lowered grille mesh.
Also, as this will be aimed at those who want their car to look as cool as possible, it
is a little disappointing that a Sport badge isn’t slapped on the rear.
What isn’t disappointing though is the Civic’s interior.
Those who know the outgoing Civic will no doubt remember its outdated infotainment set-up
that featured an overload of buttons.
That is no more thanks to the latest Honda Connect system, which also adds some stylish
gloss and is much sharper in its responses.
If you go for the optional sat-nav system we have, you also get smartphone-inspired
pinch and swipe features.
A highlight in terms of new standard kit across the range includes the City-Brake Active system,
which can pull off emergency stops autonomously at up to 20mph if your attention strays.
There are no complaints in the rear.
There’s plenty of space all-round and even the extra wide-opening rear doors make life
easier for you and your passengers.
Boot space remains impressive as well, with 477 litres, much bigger than you get in a
Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus.
The highlight is still Honda’s clever magic seats, which can be configured in lots of
different combinations, freeing up 1,378 litres of storage space.
The suspension of the outgoing Civic was on the firm side, so I was surprised to hear
that it was going to be even more so.
However, with Honda retuning the front and rear dampers, the Civic is now more composed
in the corners with less body roll.
Not as thrilling as the Focus, but better than before.
And to be honest, the ride is comfortable enough, it certainly doesn’t distract you
from your journey.
The Civic’s electric power steering has also been reworked, and it now feels sharper
and more responsive at higher speeds, but overall it still lacks a bit of feedback.
These power steering improvements sit alongside a new Agile Handling Assist system, which
essentially helps maximise traction by applying the brakes to certain wheels when necessary.
Although there are 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrol units available, the 1.8-litre being
the most powerful with 140bhp, it 1.6-litre diesel remains the pick of the bunch, with
a fairly potent 118bhp, plenty of low down pull and, when mated to the snappy six-speed
manual gearbox, it’s a pleasure to drive.
The highlight of the diesel though is without a doubt its efficiency, emitting just 94g/km
of CO2 and realistically it will return around 70mpg.
As I mentioned earlier, the Civic is an example of a more extensive facelift, so the question
is, does its plethora of changes make it more expensive?
The answer is no, there has actually been an average price reduction of £1,600 across
the range.
But it is still pricier than the Ford Focus and still hasn’t quite matched the blue
oval-badged car for driving pleasure.
But have the latest Civic changes swayed you?
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