2013 Honda Civic Reviews

Honda has long used its involvement in motorsport to promote an image of prestige, quality, superior technology, and a sporty driving experience in all its models.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Honda Civic sedan and hatch between 2003 and 2015 as a used buy.

Painted menacing flat black, the Civic Type-R prototypes we tested at the brand's proving ground in Japan showed it had the performance to live up to the wardrobe.

We have settled in with the Civic diesel (i-DTEC) five door hatch now and are really appreciating its strengths.

Finally some evidence Honda is not sitting on its technological hands with the appearance of a new turbo-diesel Civic. It's from Honda’s “Earth Dreams” program much like Mazda's SkyActiv and numerous other ‘green’ technology programs used increasingly by just about every manufacturer.They've had diesel Civics in the UK (where it's made) and Europe for yonks but the local Honda arm didn't think it would sell here. We'll see.At $26,990, it's a better proposition than many of the European diesels and every bit as good as the Koreans though with a six-speed manual only, broader appeal might elude it.They've fitted plenty of kit too with dual zone climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio, multiple info display, reverse camera, auto wipers and headlights and a noise cancelling system inside to reduce engine and road noise (works a treat).The Honda kicks out impressive power and torque for a 1.6-litre turbodiesel achieving 88kW/300Nm with fuel economy on the combined cycle rated at 4.0-litres/100km. It's a new all-alloy engine employing a new generation Garret turbo with variable nozzle control pressurising incoming air at 1.5bar.That partly explains why the Civic DTi-S has so much get-go. Once underway, acceleration is not a problem though it’s a little tardy off the mark. The six-speed manual is sweet enough but not in the same league as the Honda CR-Z we just had.The Civic DTi-S has plenty of systems to optimise performance and fuel economy while minimising emissions. The six-speed manual transmission is purpose-built for efficiency under the Earth Dreams program. Civic DTi-S has auto stop/start, fuel economy driver ‘coaching’ systems and economy calibrations for the engine and other mechanical functions on the car.We will have this car for three months and drive it about 6000km so the; assist driver coaching system will be an interesting experience. We are already engaged with the car's astonishing fuel economy and continually try to better it having already seen 4.0 easily. Why you'd buy the Civic Hybrid is beyond us.We like the looks outside (secret rear door handles and all) as well as inside which seems a cut above other Civics though similar in design. It's a practical thing too with Honda's clever ‘Magic Seat’ system in the back offering one touch access to numerous seat layouts.It seems this car will sip ridiculously small amounts of fuel and goes really well while having the capacity for five adults in its five door hatchback body. Perhaps we should challenge ourselves and see how much fuel we don't put in this car...Once the word gets out about the car's economy, performance and price we predict it will do well.

There was barely a sliver of rice paper between the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf when they matched up on technology and price in 1976. Both companies - Europe's accelerating small-car maker and its nemesis from Japan - followed similar marketing routes using similar engineering grids.But while Volkswagen created a family to sweep global markets, Honda remained a spinster. Without a family to call on for help, price cutting overtook engineering cleverness and Honda trod water. The accountants held back funds destined for development, the shareholders put their hands out, the product became bland and sales slipped.Now, with the latest Civic, huge factories in England and a refreshed view of the world, Honda is coming back. It will never again match the giant 11-division company that is now Volkswagen but it can do what it once did best - family cars that are built well, fun to drive, cost-efficient to own and affordable. But a diesel?It's all true. The Civic is a great little car and one that small-car shoppers should not overlook. It is one of the neatest, most driveable hatchbacks on the market that isn't corroded by customer grumbles, major recalls and a global wave of repetitive mechanical problems.It also spawned a diesel version and commendable though it is, Australians probably need a diesel Civic with a manual gearbox as much as we need a Jazz Hybrid. But no denying it's a competent hatch and though it has fierce opposition, enters the market from England with a decent set of equipment, pretty shape, high safety specs and a sense of fun too often missing in diesel cars.A recent Roy Morgan report that found Honda owners were the happiest with dealer service even though there's no capped-price service program. Resale value is very strong.Unmistakably a Honda, from its short shovel nose to its tall, abrupt tail. It looks good and more expensive than the ticket price which is always a bonus when snubbing the neighbours. The attractive exterior extends inside. Double-storey instrument display looks odd but works well. Some switchgear could be better placed but the quality - including soft-touch plastic dash top - is apparent. Left-hand indicator will trick some Honda players, as will the space-saver spare set in a well suitable for a full-size wheel.Like the car, the 88kW/300Nm 1.6-litre engine comes from England and is shared with the CR-V. It's a derivative of the European-spec 2.2-litre diesel but with lightweight technology. To save fuel it gets stop-start with a dash read-out reporting on your driving style. Honda claims 4.0 L/100km and I got 4.6 L/100km. There's only a manual gearbox in Australia and the UK, though the English 2.2 is an automatic.Noise-cancelling technology banishes all the nasty sounds - predominantly from the engine - from the cabin using a system shared with the Legend. It's very clever because it works even when the audio is switched off. If it's too hard to figure out, just pretend it's magic. Speaking of magic, the Civic gets the same "magic seat" flexibility of the Jazz so opens up room for lots of cargo, from a generous 400 litres (seats up) to 1130 litres.As expected from Honda, it's a five-star car with all the electronic chassis and brake aids. There's also six airbags, emergency brake display, rear camera, hill holder, LED tail lights and daytime running lights, auto wipers and headlights, a tyre pressure sensor, fog-lights and heated mirrors. The spare is a space saver.Put on your diesel-driving hat and slip into the leisurely style adopted by Peugeot, Citroen and Volvo owners and the Civic diesel makes sense. The engine is quiet (thanks to noise cancelling) and frugal. It is relatively brisk off the mark though its strength is in the 2000-3000rpm band.The gearbox is a short-shifter with positive changes and its lightness - and that of the clutch - endear it even to the rigours of city traffic. But I was expecting more mid-range oomph. Handling is very good and Honda shows mastery of good electric-assist steering feel where some Koreans fail. Ride comfort is also very good despite low-profile 17-inch rubber.The best thing about this hatch is its simplicity and ease of driving. Yes, would sell in bucketloads if it was an automatic but I fear performance would be rather sluggish. So it's for a select few who enjoy a diesel, don't mind the feel of a good manual and cover a lot of kilometres each year.For high-kilometre motorists seeking a long time between fuel stops, who thrill at the feel of a delightful gear shift controlling a six-cog box and smile at the mid-range push of a turbo-diesel, this may be the answer.

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

The modern automobile story of better fuel economy with sparkling performance just keeps being told. Now Honda adds a new chapter to the tale with the Civic Hatch DTi-S diesel.Available in one extensive specification level, albeit without sat nav, Civic DTi-S is on sale now for $26,990, plus on-road costs. Honda Australia says potential buyers are mainly expected to be male and in their 40s, while the closest rivals look to be the Ford Focus and VW Golf. Volkswagen is particularly strong in the diesel market in Australia and it will be interesting to see how the Japanese brand fares against it.Born of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology philosophy ‘to balance environmental efficiency with the dynamic performance expected of a Honda’, the made-in-Britain, 1.6-litre engine produces 88 kW of power and up to 300 Nm of torque. The latter is 126 Nm more than the equivalent 1.8 litre non-turbo petrol engine.Mated only with a six-speed manual transmission – ruefully, there is no auto on the horizon – Honda calculates the Civic diesel uses a miserly four litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle.And, boy, does the small-capacity i-DTEC walk the torque. On an introductory foray into the Blue Mountains west of Sydney the Civic diesel came up with a relaxed drive, eating up the steep ascents with ease - and minimum gearshifts - thanks to the 300 Nm on tap from 2000 rpm. The underbody changes still leave room in the cabin for Honda’s clever Magic Seat system which allows for 18 different configurations to carry passengers and cargo.A six-speaker audio with AM/FM radio and MP3/WMA CD player has speed-sensitive volume compensation, auxiliary jack and USB and iPod connectivity with i-MID integration, plus Bluetooth hands-free phone with audio streaming, all operated through steering wheel-mounted controls.However, Honda believes drivers operate best in quiet surroundings and engineers have come up with active noise cancellation which works on low frequency drivetrain and road noise entering the cabin.Microphones pick up the noise and send a signal to the ANC control unit which in turn responds by creating a reverse phase audio signal that is sent to an amplifier powering the door speakers and the subwoofer on the rear parcel shelf.  Honda says this result in as much as a 10 decibel reduction in interior noise.The dashboard incorporates a version of the Honda Eco Assist function, which uses ambient lighting of the speedometer to tell drivers how their driving style is impacting on fuel economy. Green indicates efficient driving; blue not so.  For added efficiency there is also the Econ mode, which is brought into operation by pressing an Econ switch on the dash. The result is a gentler accelerator map to ensure smooth increases in torque for a more relaxing drive and greater fuel efficiency. It also detunes the air-conditioning system slightly, though we didn’t notice any difference during our drive in relatively mild conditions.The Civic diesel hatch is not lacking in quality additions and adornments, taking on a majority of the features of the good looking petrol model, plus technical innovations from its hybrid stablemates. Like the standard Civic hatchback the DTi-S shape is predicated on optimal aerodynamics with a low-drag design reinforced by a full-length bumper-to-bumper under-tray with flared leading edges to direct the flow of air efficiently under the car.The Civic diesel rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels. A spoiler is integrated into the tailgate too, while daytime running lights increase visibility to oncoming traffic.As a member of the latest Honda Civic family, the DTi-S has earned a top five-star safety rating and includes Honda’s pedestrian protection system featuring windscreen wiper pivots designed to break away on impact, energy absorbing front wing mounts and bonnet hinges, as well as an unobstructed area beneath the bonnet allowing greater space for deformation.The MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension ironed out all but major blemishes in the bitumen while the steering, with a ratio sharpened from 15.5 to 14.5 compared with the standard Civic Hatch, provided better response and a more positive feel to driver input through the many twists and turns of the mountains.Disc brakes all round, the front ventilated, hooked up to an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, pulled up the Civic confidently on steep descents, while hill start assist had the car setting off on inclines without rolling backwards.All this was accomplished with a minimum intrusion of engine and road noise into the comfortable cabin. With the humans ‘refuelled’ at a delightful lunch stop at Leura, it all added up to a particularly pleasing day out.Aerodynamic shape of the body is a feature of all Honda Civic models, the aero package is now complemented by a very economical turbo-diesel engine.

Honda launched its first diesel this week, the aptly named Civic Hatch DTi-S. Like other manufacturers before it the Civic diesel is available with a manual transmission only, at least for the time being there is no auto, we're told.That's going to weigh heavily against the car's longterm chances of success, but you've got to start somewhere. Of note, Honda is one of the few makes to offer both diesel and hybrid versions of the same model (in the same market). Other players, notably Toyota, have placed all of their economy eggs in the one hybrid basket.The Civic Hatch DTi-S is priced from $26,990 plus on road costs. It's better equipped than the VTi-S petrol model, with features such as Magic seats, fog lights, daytime LEDs, 17-inch alloys, cruise control/speed limiter, auto lights and wipers, dual zone climate air, tyre pressure monitoring, auto start/stop, Hill Start Assist, ECON Mode and a Multi-Information Display.Bluetooth with phone and audio streaming is also standard, but satnav is not included and not available as an option.The Civic scores a maximum five-star safety rating from the ANCAP organisation, with six airbags and a full complement of safety systems including vehicle stability assist, hill holder, rear park sensors and a reversing camera.The 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbo diesel engine is the first diesel in Honda Australia's range and delivers 88kW of power and 300Nm of torque.It's not as powerful as some rivals with engines the same size, but mated to a 6-speed manual produces more torque which is more important anyway.Fuel consumption is rated at a very low 4.0 litres/100km and it produces CO2 emissions of 105g/km. The diesel is also equipped with auto start/stop that shuts off the engine when the car is stationary plus an Eco mode button that is designed to reduce fuel consumption.The new 1.6 litre engine is light, with individual components redesigned to minimise weight and size. A newly designed lightweight and compact six-speed manual transmission delivers class-leading transmission efficiency, a smooth and accurate feel when changing gears and a new reverse system which delivers improved operation load and quietness.It's chief competitor will funnily enough be its petrol self, because the petrol hatch is cheaper and offers the option of an auto. But if you're after a long distance commuter, this could be the one. It's cheaper than its hybrid siblings and manages to outgun all of them in terms of fuel consumption even the smaller Jazz hybrid.Confining the field to Korean/Japanese rivals, you could also take a look at the Mazda3, Hyundai i30 and maybe the Kia Soul not to mention Ford Focus or Holden Cruze (plus a swag of Euros). The Mazda is manual only too, but the very good i30 offers an auto and takes some beating.Likeable. Gets moving quickly after an initial hesitation and the shift, though manual, is extremely light and easy to use. A shift indicator prompts the driver to change gear at the appropriate moment to maximise economy.If you're not stuck in traffic frequently, then changing gears shouldn't be a drama  but give it some thought otherwise. To take advantage of the the auto off function, you need to take the car out of gear. If you're lazy like me and keep the clutch pushed in, then it's not going to shut down. Also, lifting off prematurely in anticipation of the lights changing disengages the system.The striking design of the European designed hatch sets it apart from others. It's quiet and comfortable, with cloth seats and big, easy to use controls. But the diesel is certainly noisier than a petrol engine even though it features active noise cancellation technology in the cabin just like a seat of headphones.The car has a sporty feel with direct steering and suspension that has been tuned to accommodate the engine. And, with a 50-litre tank, it has a theoretical range of 1250km.Honda is one of the few makes to offer both diesel and hybrid versions in the same range. Nothing dull about the way it drives, but as good as it might be, without an auto in the mix  the car is likely to receive limited attention.

It's almost time to take back the hybrid. But before doing so we thought we'd throw in a tank of the good stuff to see whether it made a difference.Although 98 RON Premium fuel is more expensive, it's better for your car and delivers more kilometres per litre. Would it have the same effect in a hybrid car we wondered?Priced from $35,990 the new Multi-Information Display (i-MID) is pretty cool, but unlike the Insight it misses out on satnav which is not available as an option either (different buyers we're told). Bluetooth is standard along with a USB Audio Interface for music players.The 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine is the primary source of power, assisted when necessary by a 17kW electric motor. Together, they produce 82kW of power at 5500 revs and 172Nm of torque between 1000 and 3500 revs.Unlike an electric car or plug-in hybrid you can't recharge this car with from a wall socket. The lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery is recharged as you're going along.It uses a claimed 4.4 litres of fuel per 100km, slightly more than the Toyota Prius at 3.9 litres/100km.It's a biggish small car that doesn't compromise on space. The seats are comfortable and the instruments all large and easy to read/use. The styling however is conservative, apart from the multi-layered dash with its large digital speedo set above the other dials.The Civic gets a full five stars for crash safety, with a long list of standard safety gear including six airbags, next-generation Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist and a new Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering.It's surprisingly torquey thanks to the quick response electric motor. The electric motor is designed to provide extra oomph during acceleration, but once you're up and running it cuts out as the system goes into charge mode.Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT continuously variable auto with its characteristic slur. After a couple of thousand kilometres the Civic Hybrid is starting to show some real promise.Fuel consumption dropped to a low 5.3 litres/100km and that has something of a halo effect on the rest of the drive experience. After all, the main reason for buying a hybrid is the lower fuel consumption and the lower impact this has on the environment isn't it?The Honda Civic Hybrid offers enough to satisfy undemanding drivers, but those buyers attracted by this car will be more interested in the technology than performance.