FIRST DRIVE All-new version of family hatch is better in every way. We see if it’s a class leader.
LAST December, Honda built its 100 millionth car. While the CR-V retained its title as the world’s best-selling SUV, of the 4.7m models that rolled off the manufacturer’s production lines in 2016, more than 620,000 wore the Civic badge.
Now in its 10th generation, the family focused hatchback has come a long way since it was first launched in 1972. Each incarnation has seen various region-specific models come and go, without any real cohesion between what you buy here in the UK and what sells in showrooms across America or elsewhere.
With the latest version, however, Honda pooled resources to establish a dedicated team for the very first ‘global’ Civic. A third of the firm’s entire research and development budget has gone into this car, to create a vehicle that large project leader Mitsuru Kariya describes as “solid, sleek and fun to use”.
The brand’s Swindon factory in Wiltshire is the international hub for the new Civic. It will be built here, with other countries also offered a choice of four-door saloon and two-door coupé variants. The hatch gets a completely new platform, as well as engines and transmissions. There is loads of fresh technology, while the shape of the Japanese-designed body pulls it into line with the latest HR-V and Jazz models. Styling is subjective, of course, but the distinctive nose and wide, squat profile give it much more presence on the road.
With no diesel engine available from launch, it’s this 127bhp 1.0-litre turbo petrol that Honda bosses reckon will be the biggest seller in this country. Only a third of buyers are expected to stump up the extra in monthly PCP payments and fuel costs for the 180bhp 1.5-litre petrol version.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PEUGEOT E-2008 GT
Our Peugeot EV and classic BMW may be the perfect two-car garage
SHOW 'N' TELL
Our 2024 Performance Car of the Year, Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N EV, takes on the revamped Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
F1 EXHIBITION IS GO GO GO
Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill shows us around a celebration of the greatest sport on Earth
BYD Dolphin Active
Lower power means a more affordable price, but the new entry-level Dolphin is left wanting in other areas
Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé
FIRST DRIVE We get behind the wheel of new CLE that aims to offer both comfort and a scincillating driving experience
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ergonomic improvements are a welcome enhancement to VW's iconic hot hatch, but there's still no manual version
Toyota Prius
FIRST UK DRIVE Toyota's hybrid pioneer finally returns to these shores in fifth-generation guise and exclusively as a plug-in hybrid
INSURANCE SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
INSURANCE FRAUD BUREAU EXPERT GIVES US THE LOWDOWN ON THE LATEST SWINDLES
Honda's updated HR-V sports sharp new look
Brand's best-selling model in Europe has also received some interior revisions and extra safety kit
Audi sets £70k start price for new A6 EV
ORDER books for the new Audi A6 e-tron are open now, with prices from just under £70,000 and deliveries starting next February.