Now in its eighth generation the Civic is a proven big seller since its launch in 1972. The Japanese firm has notched up sales in excess of sixteen million worldwide. The outgoing car was all too easy to ignore (2001-05), as it was very bland. Its only saving grace was a massive cabin that could shame an E Class Mercedes. Apart from the new suspension set up, the new car is all good news. It is striking on the outside while inside more versatile than ever thanks to the Honda Jazz-like folding rear seats that are very clever.
The 5 door’s boot is huge (415/485 litres) and has a split level (there is no spare wheel just a repair kit). The cabin is vast but the best feature of the new Civic is the stunning dashboard layout. The dash is split into two arcs with the digital speedometer readout now mounted superbly high, almost touching the base of the windscreen. This is the closest thing to the ‘heads-up’ speedo display found in the awesome BMW M5. You hardly have to move your eyes off the road to check you progress – brilliant.
Mounted below the speedo in another driver orientated arc is a big round ‘rev’ counter dial inside which is a multi-function trip computer display. The illumination makes use of a gorgeous blue that highlights the car’s ‘Star Trek’ like cockpit. The steering wheel is a designer’s dream, also that in my test car featured cruise control and stereo controls. The new Civic is clearly pointing the way for the competition by being truly innovative.
On the go the Civic can be a little lumpy at slow speed on anything other than decent roads while on the twisty bits the suspension loads up a little too quickly for enthusiastic driving. In the main the Civic is very comfortable but the Ford Focus is still the best handling car in its class. In every other aspect the Civic is superior.
The model engine range at the moment features just two fuel-efficient petrol units with diesels and a 1.3 litre hybrid planned. The 1.4 litre produces 83bhp and 119nm of pulling power while my test car has a really useful 1.8 litre with 140bhp and 174nm of torque that delivers a lively 0-100km/h time of 8.6 seconds.
The Civic has a new six speed manual gearbox as standard and 16 inch wheels. The Civic is expected to do extremely well in NCAP testing also. Available in 3, 5 or 4 door Civic prices start at €22,825 (5 door 1.4 SE) and rise to €27,155 for the 1.8 SE-S saloon.
The baseball hat brigade will adore once again the Civic thanks not only to the new look inside and out but little things like the stop/start button or twin sunroof. So Mums and Dads you have been warned, prepare for your teenagers to want a big say in you next car purchase once word gets out on how fit the new Civic is. The nice thing is you won’t have to compromise as you’ll already have the Civic top of your list!
Michael Sheridan
