This is the tenth-generation Honda Civic hatchback – and gone is its plump body shape of old,
in place of a much leaner silhouette.
But as you can see, it’s still as polarising as ever, Honda has really gone Full Metal
Jacket with this one – it’s like they’ve said to the designers, let me see your war
face, and they’ve come up with this – I mean just look at it, it’s mental.
And having a bit of vibrant character in the hatchback segment does go a long way, I mean
the VW Golf, the Ford Focus, Mazda3 – all good-looking cars, but neither of them are
quite as overt, or divisive as this.
And with its new shape comes new dimensions, as it is now longer, lower and lighter, and
as a result its centre of gravity has been lowered by 34mm, which makes it drive better
according to Honda.
But let’s see if they are just all talk.
As well as the new Civic being lower and lighter, it’s torsional rigidity is also up by 52
per cent, and all of these factors should make it more engaging to drive, and they do,
which will be a welcome change for Civic fans because the Civic has always just been a bit
vanilla, especially when compared to the likes of the Ford Focus and Mazda3.
The main difference is how well it corners as it just feels more up for it, like it doesn’t
mind being chucked about.
Of course, the extra rigidity helps here, but its new multi-link rear suspension makes
things a bit more naturalistic too, as each rear wheel can move independently and contort
to the road.
This is also a massive plus side when it comes to comfort, as it is now capable of carrying
itself over uneven ground without shuddering due to an imbalance, and that was certainly
a problem with the old model.
Unfortunately, the steering still lacks feel and doesn’t quite communicate what is going
on with the front wheels, but it is a bit sharper when plodding about and it’s still
easy to manoeuvre in town.
Now although the steering does lack feel, its variable rate actually means you have
to turn the steering wheel less when cornering at speed on twisty roads – and that makes
it easier to drive like a maverick - which kind of makes up for the lack of feel.
The engines are one of the biggest new additions though – with a new 1.0-litre 3 cyl turbo
petrol and a 1.5-litre 4cyl turbo petrol, with a 1.6-litre diesel to be added at a later
date.
The one that’s supposed to be the bestselling though is this 127bhp 1.0-litre we’ve got.
And thankfully, even though it is the smallest engine on offer, it doesn’t lack punch and
require to be worked incredibly hard like the existing 1.4 petrol the Civic offered.
Sure, to get the most out of it you’ll probably have to cane it, but the low-down torque you
get from it is great.
You do get quite a bit of noise from this 1.0-litre though, which is typical of three-cylinder
units, but rivals with similar units manage to thwart engine roar a bit better.
This 1.0-litre is mated to a slick, very Honda, six-speed manual gearbox as well – plus,
CO2 of 117g/km and 50mpg plus sounds pretty good to me.
So what about the interior, well first off, the dashboard isn’t as garishly split into
two shelf-like sections like the last model, but it does still offer distinctive layers
which looks quite cool.
You’ve got a familiar Honda Connect touchscreen, which does still come across a bit dated,
but functionality wise I can’t really complain.
This system also comes with the option of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – a must
for any new car at the minute.
Aside to the touchscreen though, I love the animations behind the steering wheel, I mean
they look great and they are so easy to use and follow – and in fact I’ve found myself
using this instead of that for go-to infotainment stuff.
And quality in here is noticeably better than the last model, as it feels less plastic-heavy,
and just all-round feels solid.
Kit’s good as well, with all models getting Bluetooth, climate control, LED daytime running
lights, 16-inch alloys and active cruise control.
Go for this SR trim though, which is expected to rake in the most sales, and the Honda Connect
system gets added, as does a rear parking camera, dual zone climate control and leather
trimmings.
The Civic doesn’t skimp on safety kit either, there’s some really sophisticated tech on
board like Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring.
The cabin’s quite practical as well, there’s loads of little storage compartments dotted
around, and the seating position is comfy too, and you sit slightly lower than the last
Civic.
The material on these seats isn’t up to much though.
Now with sleeker style usually comes hindered practicality, and unfortunately that is the
case when it comes to head room in the new Civic.
Leg room is fine though, there’s plenty of wiggle room.
Now, the big deal practicality wise for the Civic was always its cinema-style, folding
magic seats, but Honda’s decided to get rid of them for the new model.
Danny: Ay?
Why have they got rid of them?
Rich: I dunno.
Danny: Wasn’t that one of the best bits about the old one?
Rich: Yeah.
Danny: Isn’t that just counterproductive then?
Rich: Yeah I mean…
Are we still rolling?
Come around to the boot though and the Civic is still the flexible contortionist we’ve
come to love, with an even wider boot opening than before for easy access and a massive
478 litre boot, together with underfloor storage and the best parcel shelf I’ve ever seen.
You see you can unclip one side of it, when loading bigger objects, or just simply take
it off and, put it in your pocket and take it with you, if you’re a bit odd or, trying
to make a point like I am.
There are a few niggles, like the small loading lip and hump in the middle when you fold the
seats down, but these are easily overshadowed.
So, the new Civic looks different, it drives different and it, well, it feels different
– which in our opinion is great.
And for a car that is sold in over 170 countries, Honda has done a pretty good job on the packaging
front.
And for those in the UK, entry-level models start from £18,335, which is more than something
like a Golf, but kit is generous and you also get those standout looks thrown in.
Yes, the gnarly looks may put some people off, but some of the best cars are like that
– so good on you Honda for having the balls to just go for it.
I can’t wait for the new Type R. Click on the enquire button to find out more
details about this car or for any other models, visit Carkeys.co.uk.
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