Are Honda finally coming out of their slump? While the Japanese firm has long been a reliable choice for the standard driver, there has been little in the way of excitement to put fire in the bellies of the enthusiast. Well, at first glance, the Honda Civic Sport looks like it could win over a few serious drivers. So let’s take a closer look.
The basics
Looks-wise, the latest Civic is sporty looking, but also has the air of a small armoured car about it. It’s unique to look at, and you will either love it or hate it. That said, there’s nothing wrong with dividing opinion. It’s certainly a more exciting move for Honda, given that their previous efforts have been more than a little ‘meh.’ Boot space is good, although anyone with more than a couple of kids will probably want to get something bigger.
Interior
But, on the inside, things are definitely more pleasing to the eye – and the curvature of your spine. The seats are comfortable and sturdy, and give your back a lot of support. The dashboard is classic with a modern twist, and there’s plenty of airspace for optimal road viewing. That said, things can get a little distracting. There are a few too many screens to take in, all positioned in different places. There’s a lot to look at, which may be OK for motorway driving, but less so for busy city traffic. It might cause a few problems for the tallest members of our society, too, because the head space is a touch confined.
The specs
The new Civic’s engine ‘s a fast and powerful 1.6-litre diesel drive that can clock up to 129mph, and has 118 brake horsepowers. The suspension is comfortable, and acceleration hits 60 at around 10 seconds. It’s a six-speed manual – ideal for keeping those fuel costs down – and it does a very impressive 78.5 miles per gallon. It’s not in the same league as the Civic Type R – but then, it will cost you considerably less.
The drive
Let’s not beat around the bush: the Honda Civic Sport is a pleasant drive, and extremely smooth with it. Steering is controlled and accurate, although there can be wobbles around bends. The pedals feel great and give you a definite sense of mastery, and once up to a decent speed the Civic can manoeuvre well and brake quickly.
Price and availability
A quick glance over at Honda specialists www.harratts.co.uk reveals the Civic Sport is available at prices starting below £20,000. That’s not a bad price for a comfortable, brand new car. There are optional extras to beef up your experience, of course. But all come with a three year or 90,000-mile warranty.
Conclusion
The Honda Civic Sport is an excellent option for anyone seeking a happy balance of style, comfort and practicality. While it isn’t the fastest car you will ever drive, it has a zippy nature that lends itself well to city or motorway driving. We rate the latest Honda as ideal for getting to and from work, and also for families of four. It’s sturdy, well-appointed, and will do the job for you.