CarWale
    AD

    Honda Civic Review: Pros and Cons

    Authors Image

    Santosh Nair

    133,812 Views

    Introduction

    Yes, the Honda Civic is back in the Indian market. In its 10th generation, the Civic is undoubtedly larger and sportier-looking than the earlier one. And this time around, it gets both petrol and diesel engines. 

    The question is, though, will Honda’s new Civic give its competitors, the Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Altis and the Hyundai Elantra sleepless nights? Well, to answer that question, we list out four things that work for the Civic, and two that don’t.

    Positives

    Exterior Looks

    Well, we don’t usually talk about looks, but we’d just have to admit that the Civic is quite a looker, I mean look at those curves! That brutal swooping roofline is complemented by a low-slung profile with edgy body-lines, and aggressively etched headlamps and tail lamps. And if that weren’t enough, the minimal overhangs and that wide stance just nails it. I’ve got goose-bumps already!

    Diesel Engine-Gearbox Combo

    The new Honda Civic gets two engine options. A 1.8-litre petrol with a CVT gearbox, and a 1.6-litre diesel engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, like we have here. Performance in the diesel is more than adequate and there’s a strong tug when you get on the move, which is then followed by a fairly linear power delivery. 

    The icing on the cake, though, is the slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission with closely-stacked gates, and a short gear lever. It’s just a joy to use on the go! But what’s surprising is the refinement of this diesel engine, which, when combined with the superior cabin insulation, makes for a rather calm and serene drive.

    Ride

    The Civic just shines when it comes to ride quality. It remains plush over most broken surfaces at all speeds, and it doesn’t get harsh even at the damping limit. Besides that, there’s hardly any suspension noise, and importantly, unlike the earlier car, it’s got adequate ground clearance too.

    Handling

    On the handling front, the tight road manners are courtesy of the great chassis balance which uses a superior suspension setup. Also, the light and quick steering offer an accurate response, which is further aided by very few turns from lock-to-lock, and this makes it easy to manoeuvre within city limits.

    Negatives

    Rear Seat Best for Two

    The rear bench in the Civic is definitely comfy, but space is optimum for two passengers. So accommodating a third passenger will push the others to the corners where the sloping roofline will constantly brush their heads.

    Petrol Engine-Gearbox Combo

    Sure, the 1.8-litre petrol engine is smooth and refined like any other Honda motor, and it gets off the line with more than enough grunt, which is okay for commuting within city limits. But it is the CVT gearbox’s prominent rubber-band effect that spoils the show as the revs take too long to build, especially when you mash the throttle for an overtake. And sadly, even the paddle-shifts can’t really help speed things up as you’d imagine.

    Conclusion

    The new Honda Civic has a lot going for it. The engines are refined, it is dynamically sorted, and the cabin is not only comfy but silent too. All the right ingredients, you’d say, for being both the proficient city commuter and an accomplished mile-muncher. Quite the all-rounder!

    Featured Cars

    • Popular
    • JUST LAUNCHED
    • Upcoming
    Maruti Suzuki Fronx
    Maruti Fronx
    Rs. 7.51 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Mahindra Scorpio N
    Mahindra Scorpio N
    Rs. 13.60 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Hyundai Creta N Line
    Hyundai Creta N Line
    Rs. 16.82 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    11th MAR
    Hyundai Creta
    Hyundai Creta
    Rs. 11.00 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Mahindra Scorpio
    Mahindra Scorpio
    Rs. 13.59 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
    Maruti Grand Vitara
    Rs. 10.76 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Tata Nexon
    Tata Nexon
    Rs. 8.15 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Hyundai Exter
    Hyundai Exter
    Rs. 6.13 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Lexus LM
    Lexus LM
    Rs. 2.00 Croreonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    15th MAR
    Hyundai Creta N Line
    Hyundai Creta N Line
    Rs. 16.82 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    11th MAR
    BYD Seal
    BYD Seal
    Rs. 41.00 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    JUST LAUNCHED
    5th MAR
    Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupe
    Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupe
    Rs. 1.85 Croreonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Mercedes-Benz GLA
    Mercedes-Benz GLA
    Rs. 50.50 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Porsche Macan Turbo EV
    Porsche Macan Turbo EV
    Rs. 1.65 Croreonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Rolls-Royce Spectre
    Rolls-Royce Spectre
    Rs. 7.50 Croreonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Tata Punch EV
    Tata Punch EV
    Rs. 10.99 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Mahindra XUV300 facelift
    Mahindra XUV300 facelift

    Rs. 9.00 - 15.00 LakhEstimated Price

    Mar 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor
    Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor

    Rs. 12.00 - 16.00 LakhEstimated Price

    3rd Apr 2024Unveil Date

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Maruti Suzuki New-gen Swift
    Maruti New-gen Swift

    Rs. 6.50 - 10.00 LakhEstimated Price

    Apr 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    MG Gloster facelift
    MG Gloster facelift

    Rs. 40.00 - 45.00 LakhEstimated Price

    Apr 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Nissan Qashqai
    Nissan Qashqai

    Rs. 25.00 - 30.00 LakhEstimated Price

    May 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Volkswagen ID.4
    Volkswagen ID.4

    Rs. 50.00 - 60.00 LakhEstimated Price

    May 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Mahindra Five-door Thar
    Mahindra Five-door Thar

    Rs. 15.00 - 16.00 LakhEstimated Price

    Jun 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    Skoda Superb
    Skoda Superb

    Rs. 28.00 - 35.00 LakhEstimated Price

    Jun 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch

    Get Launch Alert on WhatsApp

    AD
    • honda-cars
    • other brands
    Honda Elevate
    Honda Elevate
    Rs. 11.57 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Honda City
    Honda City
    Rs. 11.74 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city
    Honda Amaze
    Honda Amaze
    Rs. 7.18 Lakhonwards
    Avg. Ex-Showroom price
    Show price in my city