Review of the new Honda Civic Range

Once an old person's runabout, Honda's Civic family hatchback is these days something of a technological showcase, this a transformation achieved in just a couple of generations. This current generation model has been with us since 2006 and has needed just mild improvements since. Most recently, this has amounted to a sportier front grille and a range of more up-market interior finishes. Great design, sharp driving manners and excellent dealer backup all come as standard whichever model you choose.

Four engines are offered. The entry level powerplant is a 100bhp 1.4-litre i-VTEC petrol unit, quicker, cleaner and quieter than the old 82bhp i-DSi engine originally offered at this car's launch. Emissions are 134g/km of CO2 and if you want to get that down still further, there's the option of Honda's hi-tech 6-speed i-SHIFT automated manual transmission which returns 132g/km. 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.

If you want a bit more punch, there's a 139bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine (with the option of a conventional 5-speed auto 'box), with a 2.0-litre version of this unit offered on the flagship Type-R. The most popular engine in the range is the 139bhp 2.2-litre diesel unit. All units are mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, making the Civic one of the only cars in the family hatch sector to be equipped with six-speed gearboxes across all of its range.

"A car that's marked out a new generation of family hatches."

The torquey 2.2-litre diesel unit remains a real star and the slick, wristy six-speed manual gearbox will have you punching up and down the ratios just for the sheer fun of it. When this Civic hatch was first launched, many thought it was a case of style over substance, as the complex and expensive multilink rear suspension of the previous model was replaced by a more rudimentary torsion beam arrangement. While the torsion beam isn't quite as adept at the very limit as a decent multilink, it's very very good and 99% of the Civic's clientele will appreciate the space benefits it brings.

You'd have to be a real Honda anorak to notice the changes that have been made to this car. You're probably most likely to notice the smarter front grille, its look borrowed from that of the sporty 'Type R' model and intended to create a more upmarket feel. There are freshly designed alloy wheels too and colour-coded side skirts on the mildly sporty Type-S variant. Inside, the previously rather plasticky interior has been improved with a series of slicker interior finishes. Even affordable models feature half fabric and luxurious Alcantara trim and smarter finishes are used across the board.

All of this is very welcome window dressing but it would be worth very little in the absence of basically clever design. And that's just what this eight generation Civic can offer. Like the smaller Jazz supermini, this car 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. Both three and five-door bodystyles are on offer, but just because you opt for a three-door model doesn't bring any penalty in luggage carrying ability: the 485 litres of loading space is identical in both variants.

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.

The Civic's 138bhp diesel engine is one of the best of its ilk and it's cost effective too, weighing in at either Group 10 or Group 11 insurance, dependent on trim level. With an average fuel consumption figure of 55.4mpg it's certainly not going to cost the earth in terms of ongoing running costs. All Civics perform well in terms of fuel consumption. Even the racy 2.0-litre Type R is good for 31mpg and unlike many of its rivals, it's quite easy to replicate this figure as long as you're not revving the engine hard.

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 and the Type R GT a massive 57%, compared to 45% for an entry-level Ford Focus ST. Some of that margin will be lost due to higher servicing costs for the Honda but Civics remain cars that, once you've swallowed the stiff purchase price, are then not exorbitant to keep on the road.

Some have never bonded with this model's styling while others claim that it will date very rapidly but these are subjective points. What's beyond debate is that in the eighth generation Civic, Honda has brought to market a bold, groundbreaking vehicle that continues to set standards. The range of engines offered might not be the broadest but each is extremely good and these days, even the entry level 1.4 i-VTEC powerplant is worth seeking out.

As for the most recent changes, well this car probably needed a more premium feel. Now that it has just that, it may be time for family hatchback customers to give this Honda a second look.

TOP 5 CIVIC DEALS

The results below show the top CIVIC deals on buyacar

Honda Civic 1.4 i-Dsi ES 4dr IMA CVT Auto [Leather] saloon
Price £7,000 Read Civic Reviews	Save
Honda Civic 2.2 i-DTEC ES 5dr diesel hatchback
Price £19,561 Read Civic Reviews	Save £1,934
Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC SE 5dr Auto hatchback
Price £17,938 Read Civic Reviews	Save £1,637
Honda Civic 2.2 i-DTEC EX 5dr diesel hatchback
Price £21,767 Read Civic Reviews	Save £2,308
Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC SE 5dr hatchback
Price £15,679 Read Civic Reviews	Save £1,276
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