Review of the new Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC

The entry-level petrol engine was always the weak link in Honda's Civic family hatchback line-up. Since the old 82bhp i-DSi unit was replaced by the 100bhp i-VTEC 1.4-litre version we're looking at here however, things have changed. With that sorted and some interior upgrades included, we're free to properly appreciate the Civic's many virtues.

All too often, entry-level cars are just depressing. Stripped of the desirable titbits that caught your eye in the brochure, devoid of the panache that marks out models from further up the range, their sole purpose, it often seems, is to provide a rock bottom entry-level price for the manufacturer to trumpet in their advertising. The only feature consistently included as standard on an entry level model is a tangible sense that you're missing out on something. Honda's 1.4-litre i-VTEC Civic could be a little bit different. It is the bog standard model in the range but, crucially, it still features the one thing that attracts buyers to Honda's family hatch most strongly - that spaceship styling.

As well as new i-VTEC valve-train technology, a whole range of enhancements have made this 1.4-litre engine quieter and cleaner than its i-DSi predecessor. There's also the option of Honda's next-generation 6-speed i-SHIFT automated manual. Here, the driver can choose between either Auto Mode for a more relaxed driving style, or Manual Mode for a more involving drive, using the sequential gearshift or steering wheel mounted paddles - the left paddle controlling down-shifts and the right paddle for up-shifts.

What it all boils down to in everyday use is a package much as you would expect from a 1.4-litre family hatchback offered in this case with either three or five doors. The engine is quiet and competent but not particularly exciting, though with significantly more pulling power than its predecessor, something that you really notice in urban use or when overtaking. Indeed, this Civic is very at home in city areas where the light touch of its controls and its tight turning circle make it a pleasure to punt about. The thick C-pillar hinders visibility out the back as does the split rear screen but you get a good view around the front of the car.

"Choose this Civic and you may find that its running costs are low enough for you not to have to consider paying more for the diesel version.."

You'd have to be a real Honda anorak to notice the changes that have been made to this model in recent times. Uprated exterior plastics and a restyled rear combination light cluster have been used to make the car's overall appearance more premium, while changes to the grille have been made to aid cooling. Inside, uprated plastics and better quality trim materials have been used, including a brushed metal effect trim and matt finish, as seen in the Type R. Smarter seat fabrics have also been introduced.

Although the MK8 Civic is significantly smaller than the previous generation version on the outside, the company claims that room inside is just as generous as before. Instead of trying to understand how Honda has warped the time-space continuum, it's easier to spot the simple engineering solutions they've employed. Like the Jazz, the Civic features a fuel tank that's centrally-mounted along the cross member below the front seats. This means that the seats in the rear can fold flat and there's no intrusion into the cargo bay floor. Just because you opt for a three-door model doesn't bring any penalty in luggage carrying ability, the 485 litres of loading space identical to the more family-friendly five-door car.

All versions of this Honda are generously specified, with the top models featuring equipment usually only found on far bigger cars. Standard across the range are features like climate control air-conditioning, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), trip computer, front, side and curtain airbags, rake and reach adjustable steering column and rear 'Magic' seats. High grade models feature innovations such as automatic lights and wiper functions, high intensity discharge headlamps, Dual Zone Climate Control and retractable door mirrors, in addition to options such as alloy wheels, DVD satellite navigation and leather trim. The popular Type-S variant is fitted as standard with silver-stitched black alcantara seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel. Peer into the footwell and you'll spot a natty aluminium pedal set too.

Previous Civics have built a reputation for Honda as being amongst the safest cars in their class and this car continues the theme. With a stronger body structure and subframes, recessed pedals, double pretensioners on the front seatbelts and side curtain airbags, this car has achieved a Euro NCAP five star result for front and side impact safety, three stars for pedestrian safety and four stars for child protection safety.

Choose this Civic and you may find that its running costs are low enough for you not to have to consider paying more for the diesel version. The economical and torquey 1.4 i-VTEC powertrain has low CO2 emissions pitched at about 135g/km and can fall as low as 132g/km if you opt for the semi-automatic i-Shift gearbox. Fuel economy is 47.9mpg (combined), though again that's slightly worse than the i-Shift version (at 49.6mpg).

Prices aren't cheap, pitched well above those of mainstream rivals, so it's just as well that depreciation is another area where the Civic excels, a base 1.4i model clinging onto 50% of its value after three years. Some of that margin will be lost due to higher servicing costs but Civics remain cars that, once you've swallowed the stiff purchase price, are then not exorbitant to keep on the road.

Honda's Civic 1.4 i-VTEC is an entry-level family hatch that doesn't constantly remind you of the fact. The engine is refined, economical and reasonably sprightly, build quality is good and there's a surprising degree of practicality to the interior. Its £15,000-£16,000 price point is a shade above the base Focus, Megane and Golf models but the bog standard Civic feels a more complete car. Specify some additions from the options list and your 1.4 will look nine tenths as good as a range-topping derivative. Looking good, after all, is what the Civic does best.

TOP 5 CIVIC DEALS

The results below show the top CIVIC deals on buyacar

Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC Type S-T 3dr i-Shift Hatchback
Price £14,624 Read Civic Reviews	Save £2,926
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Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC SE-T 5dr i-Shift Hatchback
Price £15,144 Read Civic Reviews	Save £2,971
Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC Si-T 5dr Hatchback
Price £15,190 Read Civic Reviews	Save £2,975
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Price £15,972 Read Civic Reviews	Save £3,043
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