Honda Civic 2019 Review

Earlier this year Honda announced changes to its Thai-built Civic sedan range, an overhaul that saw Civic VTi-L and RS variants fitted with Honda Sensing safety technology as standard fare.

This means autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam previously offered only on the top-grade Civic VTi-LX is now available across a broader share of the Civic line-up. Win-win.

And while the changes to the Civic VTi-LX tested here are less exciting – limited to new alloy wheels, interior finishes and minor MMI updates – they’re relevant nonetheless. The Civic remains a strong seller that represents solid value for money.

The 2019 Honda Civic sedan range is priced between $22,390 and $33,690 (plus on-road costs), a modest increase of a couple of hundred dollars over the previous model year.

The Civic hatch also begins at $22,390 but tops out at $33,590 – unless of course you include the sizzling Civic Type R at $51,990.

For the flagship Civic VTi-LX sedan the only option is metallic paint. This adds $575 for all hues excluding Rally Red and Crystal Black. All the other bells and whistles are included.

Honda passenger vehicles are offered with a par-for-the-course five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Service intervals for the model on test are set at 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), though most rivals in this space offer 12-month/15,000km service intervals.

Honda offers a service price guide as part of its Tailored Service Program for the first five years or 100,000km. For the model on test that currently equates to a total of $2839 for servicing plus an additional $783 for air, fuel and cabin filters, brake fluid and spark plugs.

When it comes to capped-price servicing deals, we recommend you always read the fine print.

As we’ve noted in the past, Honda’s direct injected and turbocharged 1.5-litre engine is a highlight of the Civic range.

With 127kW/220Nm it’s an energetic and engaging unit that matches comfortably to Honda’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering performance comparable to most of the 2.0-litre engines offered by Honda’s competitors.

That’s not to say the CVT is perfect, however. Its staged ratios feel somewhat artificial and can slur under heavy acceleration, or when reapplying the throttle quickly after slowing down.

It’s a transmission that prefers daily duties and that doesn’t like to be rushed. That said, most Civic sedan buyers shouldn’t be too concerned by it.

The Civic’s strut front/multi-link rear suspension carries the sedan’s 1345kg kerb weight reasonably well and steers with acceptable accuracy given its standing.

This isn’t a sporty sedan and it doesn’t pretend to be one. It does, however, offer predictable and comfortable carriage with just a hint of tyre noise to spoil the show.

The Civic VTi-LX is fitted with 215/50 profile Yokohama Advan dB tyres and 17-inch alloy wheels (and a space-saver spare wheel).

Otherwise the experience at the wheel is pleasant. The updated trim joins a logical layout and sound ergonomics that provide the driver with a confident sense of control.

It’s an easy car to drive and to place on the road. Visibility is very good, and both primary and secondary controls and switchgear are wonderfully easy to understand and operate.

The same can’t be said for the infotainment array, unfortunately. In spite of the inclusion of a volume knob the interface is still a little clumsy. Some of the touch-screen controls are difficult to use on the move, as are the menu tables.

The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a far better alternative over Honda’s proprietary system. Don’t forget your cable!

The current (10th) generation Honda Civic has been on sale locally since May 2016. It’s the latest in a small-car lineage that dates back to 1972, and one that has continued to challenge what’s arguably the busiest and most hotly contended of all passenger car segments globally.

The Civic nameplate is one of just a handful that has stood the test of time, and locally rivals only the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf for longevity in the segment.

In the time the Civic has been sold here, Ford and Holden’s small car ranges have had at least three name changes, and Mazda, Hyundai and Nissan two apiece. The Mitsubishi Lancer (nee Chrysler Lancer) and Kia Cerato continue under their original appellation.

Once thought of as a first car, station runner or retiree special, the Civic sedan is now a genuine family car contender.

Boot space for the Honda Civic VTi-LX on test is listed at 517 litres – or 22 litres more than the last locally-built VF-series Holden Commodore – with 60:40 split-folding seat functionality expanding flexibility considerably.

Cabin space is likewise generous with Civic’s front-wheel drive configuration allowing liberal front seat legroom. Seating is acceptable for five, but better for four adult passengers, while the rear bench provides ample knee and shoulder room.

Entry and exit is easy thanks to large door apertures front and rear. Hip height is likewise very sensible; a Honda speciality, it seems. In fact, the only real downfall for cabin space is the slight degradation of rear-seat headroom that comes from the Civic’s rakish roofline.

As we mentioned earlier, the small-car segment is crowded and hard-fought. Pricing and specifications are competitive, as are warranty and service provisions.

Quality and reliability is also ever-improving, making a decision between contenders here very difficult indeed. Or so it would seem… Take a look at the sales ladder and a few competitors stand tall.

Of the 20-odd small cars available locally under $40,000, just three throw shade over the remainder of the field in the first third of 2019 – led by the Mazda3  (10,323), Toyota Corolla  (9415) and Hyundai i30 (8132, or 9126 if you include the Elantra sedan).

The Kia Cerato places fourth with 6517 sales ahead of the Volkswagen Golf (4840), Honda Civic (3579) and Holden Astra (2497).

The new Ford Focus (1521), long-serving Mitsubishi Lancer (1408) and Subaru Impreza (1136, or 1472 if you include the WRX) are the only other small cars to reach four-figure sales so far this year.

It’s refreshing to jump in a small car and find everything works to expectations.

The Civic’s adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane-keeping assist and auto headlights and wipers are better than we’ve experienced in many prestige cars. Build quality is similarly impressive.

When viewed against its nearest rivals it’s easy to see why Civic is again climbing the sales charts. It might have a niggle or two, but these are minor and easily forgiven.

As a family car it has all the bases well covered – perfect for keeping Honda in the small sedan sweet spot.

How much does the 2019 Honda Civic VTi-LX sedan cost?
Price: $33,690 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 127kW/220Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 6.0L/100km (ADR Combined) / 6.1L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 140g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP (2017)