Prices quoted are drive-away prices for Sydney postcode 2000. Honda prices also include a seven-year, unlimited KM warranty and roadside assistance. VTi-S models and upwards also include 12-month registration and CTP insurance. Prices shown are for flat paintwork since metallic finishes carry an extra charge.
2017 Honda Civic Review
The comprehensive Honda Civic review
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finder score: 78.60%
Avg. critics score: 78.60%
5 critics
5 critics
How did we calculate this? We analysed and aggregated the scores of Cars Guide, WhichCar and Car Showroom, Car Advice and Practical Motoring to bring you the finder.com.au score. This is a comprehensive score that brings together the four different expert ratings you see below.
Finder.com.au is personal finance comparison site that provides you with the tools you need to make better decisions. Learn
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What's in this guide?
Critic reviews
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Showroom | 80% | "If this is Honda’s first go at a new direction, their next ones are worth standing up and paying attention to as buyers, and fearing as a rival automaker." | Read more |
| WhichCar | 80% | "he dramatically styled Honda Civic is unusually big and roomy for a small car." | Read more |
| Cars Guide | 70% | "Energetic and engaging (if not quite sporty), the Civic hatch is quiet and comfortable around town, but it can more than hold its own on a twisting backroad, too. It’s looks will either appeal or not, but a lack of comprehensive safety equipment on the cheaper models is sure to ruffle some feathers." | Read more |
| Cars Advice | 80% | "On the whole, the all-new Honda Civic hatch offers the practicality we’ve come to expect from the Japanese brand as well as convenience features and tech that see it among the best in class. It’s a good thing, worthy of putting on your shopping list." | Read more |
| Motoring | 71% | "The Civic hatch is a major step up on its predecessor, but in many respects, it feels about 10 years too late." | Read more |
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How does the Honda Civic compare with its peers?
The complete Honda Civic review
Honda Civic pricing
Prices start at $24,990 for the VTi Civic hatch. Honda has fit the VTi model with a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an automatic transmission. This base model features steel wheels and halogen projector beams as well as cruise control and phone connectivity.
The top of the range VTi-LX model has a 1.5 litre, turbocharged petrol engine and automatic gearbox. This model possesses LED headlights and fog lights, a leather interior and a premium 12-speaker sound system.
The Toyota Corolla range
| VTi | VTi-S | VTi-L Turbo | RS Turbo | VTi-LX Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L Petrol automatic – $24,990 | 1.8L Petrol automatic – $27,855 | 1.5L Petrol automatic – $31,254 | 1.5L Petrol automatic – $35,889 | 1.5L Petrol automatic – $37,228 |
Overview
For anyone mulling over buying a hatchback, you should at least consider the Civic. With its dramatic and modern styling, excellent equipment levels even on base models and spacious interior, the Civic is a practical daily driver. The steering and handling is generally praised by reviewers, as are equipment levels, though the lack of active safety assists on lower spec Civics knocked off a few points and the noisy CVT gearbox received little fanfare from journalists.| Pros | Cons | Notable quote | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars Advice |
|
| "On the whole, the all-new Honda Civic hatch offers the practicality we’ve come to expect from the Japanese brand as well as convenience features and tech that see it among the best in class." |
| WhichCar |
|
| "Just like its sedan-shaped sibling, the new Honda Civic hatch makes a compelling argument for itself in what is a hotly-contested segment." |
| Motoring |
|
| "This is a thoroughly competent and competitive small car. Certainly, there are plusses and minuses, but it’s headed in the right direction." |
| Cars Guide |
|
| "Energetic and engaging (if not quite sporty), the Civic hatch is quiet and comfortable around town, but it can more than hold its own on a twisting backroad, too." |
Engine and performance
The Honda Civic hatch is sold with either a 1.8-litre petrol engine or a smaller displacement, higher power and improved efficiency 1.5-litre petrol engine. The smaller block trumps the 1.8 thanks to a turbocharger.
Generally, the motoring media community favoured the turbocharger-equipped model over the naturally aspirated model. They extolled the engine, describing it as willing, eager and perky. This engine was lauded for delivering plenty of oomph with minimal lag over the rev range.
The larger 1.8 offers 104kW of power at 4,300rpm and 174Nm of torque at the same revs. In simple terms, torque is the rotational force an engine produces. The kW power rating is how quickly an engine can generate the torque. You feel torque in terms of acceleration. Power generally results in higher top end speeds.
Because the 1.5-litre turbo engine produces more power, 127kW at 5,500rpm and more torque, 220Nm across a broad rev range from 1,700rpm to 5,500rpm, it was preferred by journalists. They said the 1.8 was adequate, though some reviewers exclaimed it was asthmatic, while the turbocharged engine delivers a more engaging drive.
Critics unanimously said the CVT transmission was loud and humdrum. The 1.5-litre engine models receive a CVT with more conventional gear shift programming that imitates the fixed ratios of a traditional transmission. This was preferred to the standard CVT paired with the 1.8, which was pronounced as soggy and power sapping.
Features and Statistics
Engine type- 1.8L: Single Overhead cam, i-VTEC
1.5L: Single Overhead cam, i-VTECDrivetrain- 4x2 or 4x4Engine size/displacement- 1.8L, 1,799cc
1.5L, 1,498ccFuel type- PetrolCylinders- Inline fourFuel tank capacity- 47 litresMax. torque- 1.8L: 174Nm @ 4,300rpm
1.5L: 220Nm @ 1,700-5,500rpmFuel consumption (best model 1.5L turbo) – urban- 8.1L/100km
1.5L: Single Overhead cam, i-VTECDrivetrain- 4x2 or 4x4Engine size/displacement- 1.8L, 1,799cc
1.5L, 1,498ccFuel type- PetrolCylinders- Inline fourFuel tank capacity- 47 litresMax. torque- 1.8L: 174Nm @ 4,300rpm
1.5L: 220Nm @ 1,700-5,500rpmFuel consumption (best model 1.5L turbo) – urban- 8.1L/100km
Max. power- 1.8L: 104kW @ 6,500rpm
1.5L: 127kW @ 5,500rpmCombined CO2 emissions- 1.8L: 150g/km
1.5L: 142g/kmAcceleration- N/AEmissions standard- Euro 5Top speed- N/ASecurity- Engine immobiliserTransmission- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automaticTowing capacity (braked/unbraked)- 800kg/500kg
1.5L: 127kW @ 5,500rpmCombined CO2 emissions- 1.8L: 150g/km
1.5L: 142g/kmAcceleration- N/AEmissions standard- Euro 5Top speed- N/ASecurity- Engine immobiliserTransmission- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automaticTowing capacity (braked/unbraked)- 800kg/500kg
Fuel efficiency
Fuel economy is a claimed 6.4L/100km for the 1.8 and 6.1L/100km combined for the turbo 1.5. These figures are pretty comparable to rivals like the VW Golf – a petrol Golf hatch with a dual-clutch auto uses 5.4L/100km, or 16% less fuel. The Hyundai i30 burns 7.3L/100km combined, or 14% more petrol. Rivals like the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus all beat Honda’s hatchback on economy as does the Renault Megane, Peugeot 308 and Audi A3. That said, many of these models are diesel and some of the manufacturers offer hybrids too, where Honda only packages one of two petrol engines into the Civic.
While the Civic is no teetotaller when it comes to consuming fuel, it’s certainly not an excessive drinker either. Remember though, that in real-world testing and driving conditions, you’ll probably struggle to meet the factory’s claimed fuel economy levels. The reason? In fuel economy assessments, technicians strictly control the conditions. Out on real-world public roads, the weather, other drivers, traffic, your driving style and road surface all play into your fuel usage.
Handling
Although the Civic hatch weighs 28kg more than its sedan counterpart, journalists heaped adoration on the steering and handling. Review drivers found the Civic holds corners well and has accurate and responsive steering with controllable understeer when hustled. Thankfully, the sharp handling doesn’t come at the cost of comfort; the supple suspension smoothes out road bumps. Even normally firmer riding models with lower profile tyres deliver a pleasant ride.
Some testers felt the steering set-up on base-model Civics didn’t offer the same positive response as higher grades. Generally, reading several reviews, you can see that the Civic is fun to drive and though not perfect, it’s certainly up there with the best in the small car class.
Interior and other features
Let's start with the base model VTi. The entry spec Civic package comes with 16” steel wheels, electrically adjustable door mirrors and Halogen projector headlamps. Drivers receive LED daytime running lights and LEDs integrated into the rear tail lights. The interior is finished in black cloth. As standard, buyers get cruise control, single-zone climate control, an eight-speaker audio system and a large 7-inch touchscreen entertainment system. This includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as USB and Bluetooth connectivity. VTi models also benefit from a reversing camera, ABS, hill start assist, SRS airbags, low tyre pressure warnings and vehicle stability assists among others. All-in-all, it’s pretty well appointed for the entry grade.
VTi-S builds on the VTi models. The steel wheels are switched with 16” alloy wheels. Door mirrors feature LED indicators and these cars get smart keyless entry. Buyers also now get push-button starting, front halogen fog lights, a premium black cloth interior and leather-wrapped steering wheel. An additional LaneWatch driving assist is unlocked and confined-space parking is made easier with front and rear sensors.
Next up is the first of the turbo cars, the VTi-L Turbo. In addition to a turbocharger and smaller, higher power engine, VTI-L buyers receive gearshift paddles on the steering column, auto sensing headlights, rain sensing front wipers, DAB radio, privacy glass for rear occupants and dual-zone climate control. The alloy wheels jump up one-inch to 17”.
The RS Civic branches off from the VTi-L, bringing a touch of sportiness to the Civic hatch. The 17” rims are upgraded for a more aggressive “sport” design. Door handles are now finished in chrome, with piano black side skirts. Honda also installs a front and rear spoiler and central twin exhaust. Halogen headlights become more efficient LED lamps and the car’s LED headlights are given auto-levelling abilities. A sunroof makes summer day driving more bearable and cloth seats are exchanged for leather trimmed, eight-way power adjustable, heated seats. RS models have aluminium sports pedals and a powerful 452-watt sound system with 12 speakers, one of which is a subwoofer.
The range-topping VTi-LX brings more luxury comforts and driving assists compared to the VTi-L. This model has LED front fog lights, an electric sunroof, LED headlamps with auto levelling and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The gear shift is clad in leather as are the seats and the VTi-LX gets the same 12, rather than 8, speaker sound system. Front seats are heated and adjustable electrically in eight directions. Finally, this model gets a suite of Honda Sensing driver aids, including the following:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW).
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM).
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF).
If you’re after comfort, safety and luxury, the VTi-LX model is the one for you. If you want a balance between value and performance, opt for the VTi-L, the first model in the range with the 1.5 turbo engine. If you have less to spend, the VTi entry model has plenty of equipment and features as standard.
Reviewers summed up the interior as spacious, comfortable and well appointed on all models. With an array of safety assists and solid construction, the entire Civic range was awarded a five-star crash rating by ANCAP.
Honda Civic hatch features
| VTi | VTi-S | VTi-L Turbo | RS Turbo | VTi-LX Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L inline four-cylinder | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 1.5L inline four -cylinder | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Continuously Variable Transmission | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| With steering wheel paddle shifters | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Honda Civic hatch features
| VTi | VTi-S | VTi-L Turbo | RS Turbo | VTi-LX Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body coloured door handles | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Dark chrome door handles | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ |
| Electrically adjustable door mirrors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Folding mirrors | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Side skirts | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ |
| Front and rear under spoiler | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ |
| Rear spoiler | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Single exhaust | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Twin exhaust | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Central twin exhaust | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sunroof | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rain sensing wipers | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fog lights - Halogen | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Fog lights - LED | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fog lights - Halogen projector | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| LED headlights | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
Driver Aids
| VTi | VTi-S | VTi-L Turbo | RS Turbo | VTi-LX Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Adaptive Cruise |
| Eco assist and economy mode | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Steering wheel mounted controls | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Honda sensing (with FCW, CMBS, LDW, LKAS, RDM, ACC and LSF. | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Front parking sensors | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear parking sensors | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reversing cameras | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Comfort and convenience
| VTi | VTi-S | VTi-L Turbo | RS Turbo | VTi-LX Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-zone climate control | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Dual-zone climate control | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electric parking brake with auto hold | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Power windows front | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Power windows rear | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Auto dimming mirror | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Keyless entry | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Seating and interior
| VTi | VTi-S | VTi-L Turbo | RS Turbo | VTi-LX Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual height adjustment | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 8-way electric adjustment | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fabric seats | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Premium fabric seats | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Leather | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heated front seat | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather steering wheel | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather gear knob | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Alloy sports pedals | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ |
Multimedia
| VTi | VTi-S | VTi-L Turbo | RS Turbo | VTi-LX Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7” touchscreen | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| DAB | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Four speakers/Four tweeters | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 12 speakers premium sound system plus subwoofer | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
The verdict
The Civic is a serious contender for the best hatch trophy. The 1.5-litre engine is punchy and efficient, though some journalists longed for more engine options and a manual gearbox. The noisy CVT auto box was a sticking point for most reviewers. It’s by no means perfect, but overall, it’s a well-rounded and sensible proposition for those looking to purchase a hatchback car.
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