First drive in new generation Civic

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Friday, February 03, 2012

With what is claimed as the highest level of standard specification in its class, Honda in Ireland are directly targeting the mainstream players in the compact family car arena with their new generation Civic, writes Brian Byrne.

In style terms it has evolved from the very high-tech look of the outgoing car to something a little smoother, but still highly distinctive. Interior upshifts in quality will also help the distributor to extend market share.

In powertrains there has been a shift too, in efficiency and improved refinement. The engines are 1.4 and 1.8 petrol, both Band B, and a Band A 150hp 2.2 diesel which is being competitively priced against the 1.6 diesels of its competitors from VW, Ford and others.

That will be maintained until a new 1.6 diesel with 120hp is made available this time next year.

A few relatively short drives in and around the drumlin county of Cavan last weekend showed me a car that is arguably the best built in its segment, certainly it feels that way.

The improved interiors also challenge seriously the so-called 'prestige' brands. Honda has always considered premium to equate with quality and engineering rather than bling and swank.

In both versions experienced, the new Civic handled very well indeed, Cavan is a good test area for such things.

The diesel is certainly the punchier of the two, but I was quite happy with the performance of the 1.4.

It was just a taster, and I'll be lining up opportunities soon to give the car a more extensive trial.

Prices from €21,395 in petrol and €25,445 in diesel.