Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda Civic hatchback (2011-2017)

"The Honda Civic has an alternative and stylish design and a great reputation for reliability, making it a worthy rival to the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf."

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Price
£35,005 - £50,650

Pros

  • Generous standard equipment
  • Smooth and frugal diesel
  • Distinctive styling

Cons

  • Poor rear visibility
  • Weak 1.4-litre petrol
  • Rivals more fun to drive

Over four decades ago, the Honda Civic was one of the first Japanese cars to make a mark in the UK and it has since become synonymous with affordable and reliable family motoring. Now in its ninth iteration and now built in Swindon, Wiltshire, it’s still a solid and affordable choice.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Civic does, however, face far more competition today, with popular models like the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf all offering impressive looks, quality and technology. Many contest the Civic for value, too, with models including the practical Skoda Octavia, refined Hyundai i30, stylish SEAT Leon and Kia Cee’d with its seven-year warranty all offering low running costs.

Still, the striking looks of the Civic and its impressive engines mean it’s hardly backing down from the fight. Our favourite version is the 1.6-litre diesel, which is refined and capable of 78.5mpg, with no road tax thanks to its low CO2 emissions. It should also find favour with business customers, thanks to its 18% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rating.

You can also choose one of two petrol engines, a 1.4-litre with 99bhp or a 1.8-litre with 140bhp. These are more expensive to run, with worse fuel economy and higher emissions than the diesel. To make matters worse, while the 1.8-litre appears quicker on paper, it doesn’t feel it on the road.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The driving experience in the Civic isn’t quite as engaging as the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf, largely because the steering feels slightly remote. The Civic’s suspension is also fairly soft, but it always feels safe, with plenty of grip in reserve.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Previously, the Civic’s pricing tended to look quite high compared to its main rivals, even coming in above the Golf, but recent price reductions have made the Honda better value. Delve into the specs and the Civic also impresses, coming with standard DAB radio, Bluetooth and alloy wheels. You’re only likely to need to upgrade if you need navigation.

With a more aggressive body, privacy glass and gloss-black alloy wheels, the Civic Sport is a youthful addition to the line-up, offering some of the road presence of the Type-R hot hatchback without its considerably higher running costs.

The Civic has always been a safe car and the newest model is no exception, with a five-star score in independent Euro NCAP crash-testing. Along with the features we now all expect, like airbags and anti-lock brakes, the Civic also has standard autonomous emergency braking, which can automatically slam on the brakes if a collision is deemed imminent.

In our 2016 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, the Civic came a respectable 40th out of 150 models and managed an impressive seventh position for reliability. UK motorists also found the Civic well built, affordable to run and practical.

With a great reliability and safety record, economical engines and unique looks, the Civic is certainly worth a look, even if it can seem fairly expensive.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    2.0 eHEV Elegance 5dr CVT
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £35,005

Most Economical

  • Name
    2.0 eHEV Sport 5dr CVT
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £36,505

Fastest

  • Name
    2.0 VTEC Turbo Type R 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £50,650

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
1 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!
Carbuyer Car of the Year – Dacia Duster
News
23 Oct 2024

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!

Best used cars: our 2025 Best Used Car Award winners
Carbuyer best used cars 2025
Best cars
30 Oct 2024

Best used cars: our 2025 Best Used Car Award winners

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024