Why do you think the Civic has been so popular with drivers for so long?
The Civic was first launched in 1972 with the promise, “We’ll get you where you’re going.” That slogan still rings true today. Honda’s hatchback is known for being affordable, versatile, and incredibly reliable. While there’s also a sporty Type-R version, our focus here is on the long-term hybrid model, which is more about fuel economy than speed.
But this isn’t a plug-in hybrid, right? It captures energy during braking and stores it in the battery?
Yes, exactly. And the system works remarkably well. Unlike most hybrids that run alongside a small engine, the eHEV features a relatively large 2.0-liter petrol engine. This allows for an exceptionally smooth driving experience.
Most passengers probably won’t even notice that there’s a battery involved. The larger engine capacity means the car doesn’t roar when you push it, yet it still manages an impressive 50mpg. Honda claims it can cover over 500 miles on a single tank, with emissions as low as 89g/km.
And your first impressions?
They’re positive. I also appreciate the styling – it’s a bit more refined compared to the previous model. The Civic doesn’t need to boast about its credentials; it’s already a proven success. However, it doesn’t exactly stand out in a crowded car park. It’s not bland, but it’s not a head-turner either.
Inside, the cabin is well-designed for a car in the £40,000 range. It’s clean, unfussy, and includes some physical buttons for commonly used controls like the ventilation system, which is a nice touch.
The infotainment screen, however, is a bit too sensitive for my liking, and the Honda can be quite talkative – it’s constantly alerting you to potential dangers.
Including something as minor as a blade of grass when you’re reversing into a field or when you take a hand off the wheel to scratch your nose. Is that why we’ve got a post-it note on the dashboard?
Exactly. The note is there to remind me to turn off the road sign alert, which bongs incessantly if I happen to go over the speed limit, even if just for a moment. And frustratingly, you can’t turn it off once the car is moving, not even if a passenger tries to help.
I do love a good post-it note. I’m surprised they aren’t stuck all over the dashboard!
I did consider it, but let’s not go down that road. All new cars come with these safety systems now, but some are more discreet – or at least easier to disable.
