Honda Civic eHEV review

This is an easier process than it used to be. Only one engine and three trims to choose from: base Elegance, mid-range Sport and range-topping Advance. Prices start at £33,795, which looks pretty punchy when, say, a Seat Leon starts at under £26k. 

But that higher price is a reflection of there now being no ‘entry level’ powertrain, whereas almost all the rivals offer a 1.0-litre turbo triple with a temptingly low sticker price, Honda says its Civic options start in the middle of the range. For similarly powered hybrid rivals, you’re looking at £30k upwards, where the Civic is right in the mix.

What do the different specs look like?

Elegance trim has a strong kit list for your £33,795: you get Honda’s ‘Sensing’ driver assistance package thrown in – that’s lane keep assist and a self-drive-in-traffic function for the cruise control. You also get front and rear parking sensors, 17in rims and the smartphone-ready infotainment.

Sport costs £1,600 more, adding faux leather seats, 18in alloy wheels, a heated wheel and some sportier pedals. Sounds a bit limp, but it’s actually a handsome bit of kit in this spec.

Top of the line is Advance, at £38,695. To tempt you away from the lesser-specified Audi or BMW you’d have to settle for at this price, Honda’s thrown in a 12-speaker Bose hi-fi, panoramic sunroof, matrix LED headlights, the larger driver’s info screen, ambient interior lighting and full leather seats. At this stage, it's worth noting, you're only a couple of grand off getting the same powertrain in the much slinkier new Honda Prelude...

What will it cost a month?

Honda's own financing starts at £309 per month for a Civic Elegance on a 36-month PCP with a £2,000 Honda deposit contribution. Add another £20 per month for Sport trim, while Advance weighs in at £379pm.