Futuristic Civic makes a refreshing change (LTT)

Arriving after a masterclass performance from our former long-term fling, a diesel Ford Focus hatch, it’s fair to say that our Honda Civic could face a tough task measuring up.

Nothing has matched the Focus’ broad breadth of abilities, but as accomplished the Ford hatch is, something was missing. Churlish as it might sound, when you’re not tearing along B-roads the car felt ever so slightly dull, which isn’t a word you could associate with the Honda that replaces it. In a world where futuristic concepts are watered down beyond recognition, the Civic is refreshing and looks as though it has rolled straight off a motorshow stand.

Inside, things are very much Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. From the moment I set eyes on it, the clear LCD display had me declaring brashly to colleagues that the Civic possesses the finest interior of any lower medium hatch, although this judgement altered dramatically as soon as I found that my particular driving position meant the top half of the steering wheel obscured the speedometer [1]. Some of the materials [2] employed also let the side down, feeling below par in terms of quality. However, nothing could stop the overall feeling of the cabin being a special place to be [3].

Out on the road the 140PS 2.2 impresses, offering an even spread of power and greater refinement than competitors such as the VW Golf and Focus. Handling was sharp, too, but the Focus ultimately leaves it for dead for sheer driving pleasure through the corners. The Civic also suffers from a ride that’s constantly upset by poor road surfaces.

Road manners aside, the biggest gripe we had was the rear screen [4] that is, quite frankly, a design flaw. Not only does the split-screen distort following traffic, it lacks a wash-wipe facility. Honda says aerodynamics would clear the screen; we say time it’s for a rethink. Anyone living in a city would never work up enough speed, and dirt and grime quickly accumulate. Adding to visibility woes were the thick rear pillars that could make reversing a potentially hazardous affair and rear parking sensors an essential option.

City living meant fuel economy took a hit, but consumption was still good, hovering around 40.1mpg, with the last five fills avaraging almost 44mpg.

We also racked up just enough miles for our Civic to make its first service. The dealer, Chiswick Honda, impressed, booking the car in with practically no notice. On collection not only had they remembered to provide the requested estimates for the odd parking scar, they’d valeted the Civic too. Only a £160 bill (£40 more than our diesel Vauxhall Zafira’s first service that took place in the same week) ruined a five-star dealer performance.

The Focus, a consummate all-rounder, still remains our favourite hatch, but overall the Civic is the more rewarding to run.