AutoExpress: Euro Honda Civic 2014 review

Updates to the Honda Civic boost appeal, but is it enough to worry the best hatchbacks?

by Luke Madden of www.autexpress.co.uk

 

This updated Honda Civic is certainly better than the outgoing model, but the margins here are quite small – a back-to-back drive is necessary to feel the differences. But Honda should be applauded for its cycle of improvements to address customer complaints about the interior and handling because after all, those are the people who matter most.

 

The refresh to the Honda Civic for 2014 is subtle, and Auto Express has driven the new model ahead of the order books opening early next year.

It’s not quite a full-blown facelift, just a series of minor tweaks aimed at lifting quality, improving handling and boosting high-speed stability.

Styling updates are limited to the gloss black grille and wheelarch surrounds – rather than dark grey – a gloss black strip below the rear windscreen and a contrasting black diffuser, rather than a body-coloured one.

There are changes inside, too, like new piano black detailing on the dashboard and steering wheel. We tried an updated Civic back- to-back with a current model, and the changes do improve the way it drives – albeit subtly.

Tweaks to the suspension have meant that through bumpy corners the Civic now feels a lot more tied down to the road.

There’s a fraction less roll, too. Changes to the steering have ensured it now feels quicker to react to driver inputs, but it’s still not as crisp as the set-up in the Focus. The 1.6-litre i-DTEC is unchanged, so it’s as punchy and efficient as ever, if rough-sounding.

The starting price will remain at £16,995, but trim levels are likely to change. A new feature offered for the first time in a Honda is a safety package including active city braking and lane departure warning, which will cost around £800.

Key specs

• Car tested: Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC
• Price: Range from £16,995
• Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
• Power: 118bhp
• Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
• 0-62mph: 10.5 seconds

• Top speed: 129mph
• Economy: 78.5mpg
• Economy: 94g/km
• Equipment: DAB radio, 17-inch alloys
• On sale: 2014

Source;

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/honda/civic/76744/honda-civic-2014-review