Honda Civic hatchback - Interior & comfort

The suspension in the Honda Civic is on the firm side, but the car manages to stay pretty smooth over bumpy roads and potholes, so it’s relaxing to drive. That was true in the previous-generation Civic as well, but that car suffered from a slightly disappointing interior. Thankfully, that’s been rectified in this new model and the interior is excellent. Versions with 18-inch alloy wheels and wide tyres do suffer from significant road noise, however.

Honda Civic dashboard

The materials inside are better than before, as is the infotainment set-up, but it’s the design that shines most. It has simple, horizontal lines with wide air vents and classy-looking switchgear. There are physical controls for the air-con and other much-needed functions, so it’s easier to use than the touch-sensitive controls in the latest Volkswagen Golf. Subjectively, we prefer the style of it too.

The infotainment screen is a nine-inch unit and it has a fairly simple menu layout, plus there’s the normal Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone functions. It’s not the best in class though: it can be slow to load, its graphics aren’t the slickest and the screen is slightly angled away from the driver – possibly because it was designed primarily for left-hand drive markets.

We really like the air-con controls as they’re satisfying and easy to use, with a reassuring click. There are digital instruments as well. It’s a 10.2-inch unit and while we wish it was as configurable as some rival systems, it does the job. Top-spec cars get this larger screen, and lower-spec models have a seven-inch display instead.

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Equipment

Trim levels are called Elegance, Sport and Advance. All models come with climate control, parking sensors, heated seats, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, a nine-inch screen with sat-nav, smartphone connectivity and 18-inch alloys. You also get wireless charging, along with artificial leather upholstery and gloss-black exterior trim. The top-spec Advance has a different style of alloys and a heated steering wheel, along with a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a panoramic sunroof.

Options

While more options may become available as the Civic matures, it appears that from launch Honda would prefer you to simply pick the trim level with the kit you need. This is pretty commonplace, particularly amongst Japanese and South Korean brands, and as the Civic is so well equipped even in Elegance trim, it’s no great hardship.