Features
Honda's new angle
No such problems for front-seat passengers, because they have the wonderful dash to look at. All big shapes and multi-levels, it feels like one of those handheld computer games I had as a kid.
Even better, it actually works, your eye falling to the major sources of information more easily than a conventional set of cowled dials. Like a semi-sentient form of head-up display. It's also very well made, even if some of the plastics are a bit like props from an early Doctor Who episode.
It also sometimes gives the slightly unsettling and exciting feeling that you've commandeered the bridge of the Enterprise after drugging Sulu's Ovaltine and locking him in a toilet. Takes a bit of getting used to, what with all the 'economy' and 'rev-progress' lights flashing on and off, but the sculpting and driver focus impress.
The way it all disappears into a black panel when you switch it off is pretty cool too - just the kind of things that you need to impress friends and family with. Even the voice activation system actually works. But not if you swear at it, or try and ask the woman inside if she'll go to the pictures with you on Saturday.
'It has the same power as the 1.8-litre petrol at 140bhp, but a shedload more torque'
Engines-wise, there's only one choice if you're being sensible and that's the 2.2-litre i-CDTi diesel. It has the same power as the 1.8-litre petrol at 140bhp, but a shedload more torque (251lb ft vs 128).
Stick with the lovely, accurate (and standard) six speed manual and you'll be on to a winner.
The robotic, paddle-operated i-Shift mated to the petrol engine we were driving for most of the time hunted through the gears like a beagle with Alzheimer's and made the petrol engine sound loud and coarse - with papery little paddles having seemingly little effect on what gear you're in.
It's not the best way to sample a Civic and could put you off the car altogether if you drive it on the right (or, should I say, wrong) kind of road.
It may not sound like it, but I love the new Civic.
It's the one I'm going to start recommending when that generic dinner party question un-failingly rolls around. There are things wrong with it. There's no denying that. Rear vision is appalling, the rear seats aren't as comfy as they might be and the ride will be too stiff for some.
But it's bloody interesting - to look at, to drive and to play with - and right now, there are not many hatches you can say that about.
If the predicted forthcoming 250bhp, three-door Type-R is as far ahead of this model as the last one was from its progenitor, then the future's very bright indeed. Nice work, Honda.
Tom Ford
Read Honda Civic Car Review
Honda Civic road tests
Honda Civic Type S 1.8 i-VTEC - November 17, 2006
Honda Civic Hybrid 1.4 ES Leather - May 9, 2006
Honda Civic Type R - January 9, 2004
Honda Civic facelift - December 1, 2003
Honda Civic Type-S - June 3, 2003
Bookmark with:
What are these?