- For: Bold styling, drives well, efficient, reliable
- Against: Looks aren’t for everyone, gets expensive
- Verdict: A bold alternative that is great to live with
Even without the backdrop of family SUVs and crossovers, the Honda Civic would stand out from the crowd.
Angular, sporty styling gives the Civic a USP among midsize hatchbacks – nobody will mistake it for another Volkswagen Golf clone. However, the divisive design won’t appeal to everyone.
Nor will the fact that you sit low in the car, which seems at odds with the growing trend for high-riding vehicles. Fair play to Honda for taking a different approach, not least because the Civic is a really decent drive.
The range has been slimmed-down recently, losing both the efficient 1.6-litre diesel and fantastic (and even more extrovert) Civic Type R hot hatch.
That leaves the 126hp 1.0-litre petrol and 182hp 1.5 petrol. Both are smooth, punchy and reasonably efficient. We prefer the six-speed manual to the CVT automatic gearbox, though.
Spec is generous on entry-level SE trim, so there’s no need to get carried away. Things start to get expensive at the top end.
KEY INFO
- Launched: 2017
- Facelifted: 2019
- Due for replacement: 2022
Rivals: Volkswagen Golf, Seat Leon, Ford Focus