Honda Civic VTi-L 2012 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $29,990
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Nil
Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: 95 RON PULP 
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 6.5
CO2 emissions (g/km): 155
Also consider:Ford Focus (from $21,990); Hyundai i30 (from $20,990); Mazda Mazda3 (from $20,330); Volkswagen Golf (from $21,990)

The Australian small car sector is in the middle of something of a renaissance. In recent times we’ve seen an updated Holden Cruze, and new models from Ford (Focus), Hyundai (i30), Subaru (Impreza and XV), plus the return of the artist-formerly-known-as the Holden Astra, this time wearing an Opel badge. 

Before the end of the year we’ll also see Nissan re-release one of its biggest selling nameplates in the form of a Pulsar hatch and sedan; Toyota will introduce its all-new Corolla; and Volkswagen will try to keep the hits coming with its seventh-generation Golf.

And then there’s Honda.

The ninth-generation Civic hatch takes on the body style familiar to previous-gen Civic Si and Type R hatch, while sedan models gain an equipment and technology overhaul.

But is it a case of too little too late? Honda’s previous Civic hatch was too expensive to sell in serious numbers and, while the sedan is a capable commuter, its aging body style lags behind more recent arrivals.

What, then, to make of the new Civic hatch?

The good news is that the car itself is refined and economical, bolstered in the case of the upper spec VTi-L model tested here by a handsome array of equipment.

Honda’s aerodynamically shaped body (0.27Cd) contributes to improved fuel consumption and lower emissions, while technology rises to the fore, literally, in the form of a split-level instrument panel.

These are all good things and, when you factor in just how safe the little hatch is – with six airbags, rigid body structure and the latest driver assist systems – you’d be forgiven for thinking it ticks all the boxes.

Until you drive it.

As pleasant as the Civic is to commute in, its breathless 1.8-litre engine suffers from gearing clearly tuned for economy. The single cam four-cylinder develops a competitive 104kW/174Nm and is mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic, but at 1336kg the Civic hatch is at the heavier end of the scale.

Weight dulls performance and in any of the Civic’s three drive modes -- ECO, Drive and Sport -- the car fails to show any vigour, even when shifting manually.

Indeed, in ECO mode the Civic feels positively listless, its fly-by-wire throttle system dulling inputs to such an extent that even a stomp of the right foot fails to elicit much reaction.

The combination of an engine that’s reluctant to rev, a dozy transmission and heavy kerb weight creates the overriding impression that the Civic is asthmatic.

This lack of pep is made more disappointing by the fact it feels quite solid on the road. There’s good grip and capable cornering on offer from the MacPherson strut (front)/torsion beam (rear) suspension, blended nicely with a comfortable ride and the confident stopping power of all-wheel disc brakes.

It’s a shame, too, that the electrically-assisted steering is too light and devoid of feel to make the most of the car’s handling prowess. The steering requires constant input, even in the straight ahead position at freeway speeds, creating an annoying distraction.

The thick-rimmed leather wheel does at least create a nice touch point in the intriguingly-designed cabin, and it’s well positioned for most drivers with adjustment for angle and reach.

The interior is expansive in its use of black plastic, an effect exaggerated by our test car’s black upholstery. Despite this, there’s an interesting array of angles and shapes on display, punctuated by colourful instrumentation and faux metal highlights.

Visibility is a mixed bag. Thinner A-pillars and an expansive windscreen assist the driver’s view of the road ahead, but thick C-pillars and a horizontal bar across the glass-rear-hatch obstruct rearward vision. Fortunately, this model grade comes equipped with a reversing camera.

Front seat space is generous and the seats themselves are a fine blend of comfort and support. The driving position can be adjusted adequately in all directions except height, the seat failing to retract low enough for taller drivers.

Similarly, taller passengers suffer in a rear seat that compromises headroom in deference to an admittedly stylish raked roofline. Knee, foot and shoulder room is generous for two adults, however, and there’s a useful 400 litres of boot space.

The European-style back-to-front positioning of the indicator and wiper stalks is odd in a car built in the UK and primarily aimed at right-hand drive markets. The handbrake position is likewise oriented toward the passenger seat.

Other gripes include wing mirrors that don’t offer enough vertical view; a Bluetooth system we couldn’t get to connect without serious consultation with the owner's manual; and headlamps aimed too low, despite the manually-adjustable thumbwheel being set to its highest level.

On the plus side, the dual-zone climate control system distributed air and maintained temperature with aplomb; the thermostatically-controlled heated front pews added some welcome winter warmth; and the electrically folding wing mirrors proved handy in tight confines. 

Our week’s driving included extensive freeway commutes and a lot of time spent in stop-start traffic, for an impressive average fuel-consumption figure of 7.4L/100km. An array of lights flanking the speedometer offer a guide to how economically you’re driving, transitioning from blue to green when you’re easy on the gas.

In all, the new Civic hatch is well presented and well screwed together. It’s just a shame it lacks the pep to match its appeal.

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