Honda Civic (2012) review

by Graeme Lennox (19 November 2011)

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Honda's attempts to unleash a new Civic upon the British public have been beset with delays, setbacks and tragedy. Initially due to arrive early in the New Year, the ninth-generation hatchback has endured the sort of hardship you would not wish on your fiercest rival.

The phrase "circumstances out with our control" is often associated with unscrupulous airlines that cancel flights at the drop of a hat. In Honda's case, however, only sympathy is called for. First came the devastating Japanese earthquake that claimed 16,000 lives, including one at Honda's research and development facility in Tochigi, 60 miles north of Tokyo.

Bosses at the Swindon plant, where the Civic, CR-V and Jazz are made, were forced to slash production by 50% as suppliers in the north of Japan were washed away in the resulting tsunami. Honda sent a delegation of 500 experts to the disaster zone for two months to help partners get back up and running. But, just when things looked like they were on track, this month's floods in Thailand devastated firms who supply microchips for the new car. Mass production had just returned to Swindon but staff were suddenly forced to return to a three-day week.

Despite all the setbacks, the Civic is only five weeks behind schedule. Early versions of the car will arrive in showrooms by the end of the year but you wont be able to get behind the wheel until the start of February.

We got to grips with the first batch of Civics to roll off the line in Spain last week, and despite being pre-production models they were notable for a high degree of polish and felt every inch the final product. Unlike its radically styled predecessor, the new Civic takes an evolution over revolution approach.

Honda claims to have listened to feedback from existing customers (plus those who opted to go with rivals) to pinpoint flaws in the car. Chief among them was a ride quality that suffered as road surfaces deteriorated. As a result, one of the main areas for attention was the suspension, which has been tweaked for our poorly maintained roads. Honda's PR team seemed intent on guiding us across some of the harshest roads southern Spain has to offer in order to witness the improvements.

The car soaked up uneven surfaces admirably and retained its poise through fast bends. Handling and balanced high-speed performance are spot on, thanks in no small part to input from Honda's former F1 team, who worked closely on the project.

Improved ride quality can be attributed to fluid-filled bushings that are far better at absorbing bumps that the old rubber ones. In the absence of a hardcore Type-R - which is not due to arrive until 2013 - Honda is relying on the sporty characteristics of standard models to win customers over from rival brands.

The wedge-like shape's aerodynamics have positive implications for fuel economy and noise levels as well as performance. Clean lines and a low-slung profile give it a very contemporary look, but it's easier on the eye than its predecessor.

Another criticism of the old model was its compromised visibility. In response, the distinctive rear window bar has been lowered and a heated screen added to improve your view. It's not perfect but at least you can now see the indicators of the car behind.

If the exterior looks impressive, the interior is where owners will take greatest pride. This is the cleanest, most contemporary and stylish cabin Honda has made.

Again, customer feedback proved pivotal. The strong points of the last dash were retained and refined to produce a flowing design that sits snugly around the driver and create a cockpit-style feel. Clever additions, like the speedometer that sits atop the dash so it is always in the driver's peripheral vision, are typical of this common sense approach. High-grade, soft-touch materials are used throughout, elevating the Civic from mass market to the premium end of the C segment.

Three engines are available from launch - two petrol and one diesel. The range kicks off with a 98bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit that completes the 0-62 mph sprint in 13.5 seconds. Those wanting more oomph would naturally look to the larger 140bhp 1.8-litre petrol that manages 0-62mph in a shade over nine seconds. However, the model tested here lacked any real grunt and had to be worked hard while accelerating uphill. The most versatile option is the 2.2 i-DTEC diesel that does 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and sips fuel at a rate of 67mpg.

All models also come with a suite of eco measures to improve environmental performance. Eco Assist has magically found its way over from Honda’s hybrids. By changing the speedometer lighting from soothing green to angry red, it aims to change the way we drive. Honda reckon this guilt-trip effect could lead to as much as a 15% saving in fuel.

Meanwhile, a start/stop ignition and economy mode - which alters throttle response and air-conditioning – go even further. The 1.4-litre diesel pencilled in to join the range in 2012 could be a game-changer.

In terms of comfort and versatility, the Civic is more than a match for its rivals. The 477-litre boot space is around 100 litres bigger than the nearest competitor. Magic Seats give you countless options for transporting loved ones or less precious cargo. And, while not quite magic, they certainly make life easier.

Prices start at £16,495, but specify the range-topper and you are looking at shelling £26,595 – nearly four grand more than the equivalent Ford Focus but with a lot more equipment.

Getting the Civic to showrooms has been an epic journey in itself but on this evidence it was worth the wait.

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