Name: Honda Civic Review
Item: Honda Civic
Author: Gumtree.com

A core member of the small-car scene since 1972, the Honda Civic remains one of the most reliable badges in the hatchback and urban car market. Now in its tenth generation, the 2020 iteration of the Civic has received a major overhaul. Its surprisingly spacious interior is complemented by a comfortable drive thanks to the addition of a multi rear-link suspension. Available in both petrol and diesel engines, it offers a decent power output ranging from 124 to 180 bhp. Retaining everything that’s made the model so popular, this Civic is a stylish family hatchback built for city living.

Visit the Honda Civic model page for the latest specs.

What we think about the Honda Civic

The latest Civic retains the famed sleek design, while its focused engine range delivers impressive power and reliability.

Pros

Excellent and economical petrol engines

Spacious interior ideal for new families

Smooth ride and responsive handling

Cons

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Optional add-ons can be expensive

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Lower drive frame takes getting used to

A Caption

There’s a choice of five trims and four engines on the latest generation – three petrol and one diesel. The petrol options include a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo, a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo, and a CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic. The Civic’s exterior is a daring combination of coupe and hatchback.

Driving performance of the Honda Civic

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

Honda’s engines are efficient but quiet, allowing you to glide around urban streets at ease. On country roads you’ll experience smooth handling around each turn. The suspension can be a little stiff on older models, but it’s rarely an issue on the 2020 line thanks to the new chassis. The automatic transmission on the CVT variant is a reliable option, while the 6-speed manuals move through the gears without sticking. Even with it’s larger design, the Civic is still plenty agile on the road, feeling easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces. Good news for city slickers.

Safety and reliability of the Honda Civic

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

Following its safety features’ redesign in 2017, the Civic received a full five-star rating upon re-assessment with Euro NCAP. The 2020 version is yet to be assessed, but we’d expect the Civic to keep its top marks. The latest model boasts features including camera and radar AEB (autonomous emergency braking) that slows your car if the distance with the vehicle in front reduces rapidly. Collision warning is available with pedestrian detection (but not for bicycles), while adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning come as standard to provide extra safety on the road.

Under the bonnet of the Honda Civic

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

The 2020 Civic is available with petrol and diesel engines. Its 1.0-litre petrol engine provides 129 bhp, while the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder gives 182 bhp – reaching a maximum speed of 126 mph and managing 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds. Its petrol engines certainly pack a satisfying punch, and this is no different for its 1.6-litre diesel, which produces 120 bhp and reaches 62 mph in 10.5 seconds. It’s not a bad showing at all, and the top speeds of the petrol and diesel engines range from 125 mph to 137 mph respectively. The 6-speed manual gearbox is an improvement on previous Honda Civics too, with a nice, smooth feel.

What you'll find in the Honda Civic

Our Design Rating8 / 10

Honda have made a bold statement with the exterior of the latest Civic – combining the hatchback frame with the aesthetic of a sporty coupe. It’s also surprisingly spacious for a small urban car, which is great news for families in need of that extra space. The sedan spec is slightly more elegant in its design, finding the right balance between spaciousness and power. All trims get a nice style boost from the standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

Comfort and interiors in the Honda Civic

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

The Civic’s latest facelift means the brave choices continue in its interior, with a clever and generous use of space. Though the lower frame may take some getting used to, the broader backseats turn what was once a tight squeeze into a comfortable affair. There’s no shortage of legroom, though your taller passengers might find the roof a little too close for comfort in the back. The tech features include USB and 12V ports in the 2-level lower console, while the boot provides an impressive 330 litres of space.

What features you'll find in the Honda Civic

Our Features Rating7 / 10

Honda have managed to pack the small Civic with plenty of tech, which varies depending on your trim of choice. The 2020 RS adopts auto high-beam headlights so you don’t accidentally blind oncoming traffic, and physical buttons are available for the 7.0-inch infotainment system if the touchscreen isn’t to your liking. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come as standard with the latest Civic, making it phone-friendly and well equipped to integrate your latest tech gadgets.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Honda Civic

Our Fuel Consumption Rating9 / 10

The 1.0-litre Civic adds an Eco mode for improved fuel economy, and it’ll return an impressive 49.6 mpg. Close behind is the CVT automatic, offering 47.1 mpg, and the 1.5-litre turbo at 46.3 mpg. The Civic’s diesel engine takes the top spot for efficiency though, getting up to 62.8 mpg. Honda’s cleanest petrol trim in the Civic range is the 1.0 litre, which emits 107 g/km of C02 for its CVT automatic and 110 g/km for its manual gearbox iteration. Older models won’t quite match these numbers, but the Civic’s always been a decently efficient choice.

Running costs of the Honda Civic

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

Honda’s strong reputation for reliability has been well-earned, and this will only continue with this latest iteration of the Civic. Alongside the car’s abundance of advanced safety technology, Honda offers a 3-year warranty on the model, so you remain in safe hands even if you come across issues. Servicing is recommended once every 12 months as standard, or every 10,000 miles, and while parts can be expensive (the norm with Japanese cars) you shouldn’t run into too many problems.

Our verdict of the Honda Civic

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

Honda bring some unique style and efficient performance to the small-car market, with the latest iteration of the Civic perfect for young families or urban dwellers.

Honda Civic Review