HONDA CIVIC 4 DOOR 1.6 I-DTEC SR MT

First Drive

HONDA CIVIC 4 DOOR 1.6 I-DTEC SR MT

Written by Richard Gooding

Building on the strengths of its diesel-powered hatchback sibling, Richard Gooding finds that the new Honda Civic 4 Door adds more practical – and low emission – appeal

What is it?

The Honda Civic name has over 45 years of heritage and the first-generation of the Japanese hatchback launched Honda as a mass-market brand in the UK. Over the intervening four-plus decades there have been nine further generations and body styles, with the more traditional four-door saloon introduced during the car’s third iteration in 1983. The latest tenth-generation model arrived in the UK in 2017 with the debut of five-door fastback-styled hatchback. The fourdoor saloon tested here joined the range in July 2018.

How does it drive?

The largest single model global development programme in Honda’s history, the Civic 4 Door is, like the hatchback, a completely new car engineered from the ground-up. The bodyshell is 23 per cent stiffer than before, and while wider and longer than its predecessor, it is lighter, too. One of Honda’s aims was to reclaim back the Civic’s sporty character and a lower centre of gravity aids dynamics. The 4 Door handles well and enjoys good grip levels, while precise steering ensures for accurate placing on the road. The six-speed manual transmission has a very positive feel, too, which aids the Civic’s engaging feel.

The sophisticated new suspension system – lower-arm-type MacPherson struts at the front with an all-new rear multi-link set-up at the rear – feels softer than the hatchback, but it still leans towards the comfortable side of firm. Noise levels are commendably low, thanks in part to a seperate boot. The rear seats fold down to reveal 519 litres, a useful 41 litres more than the hatchback. The body shape demanded by the added practicality – and 130mm length – is neat, with an integrated, more flowing tail and coupé-like rear end which some drivers may prefer.

The 117bhp, 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine is more efficient than before and was one of the first to be put through the new Real Driving Emission (RDE) procedure to validate NOx and particulate emissions. As a result, the Civic 4 Door is one of the cleanest models in its class. The i-DTEC manual car boasts a low 91g/km, thanks in part to a new NOx Storage Converter (NSC) system which aids emission levels. With 221lb ft (300Nm) of torque, there’s also plenty of pace fromthe 1,597cc unit. Punchier in the lower to mid-RPM ranges, the slight roughness disappears at higher speeds, and the Civic 4 Door is a comfortable cruising companion. Inside, the cabin will be familiar to those who have driven the current Civic hatchback. A more conventional layout than its predecessor features plusher materials as well as a higher level of quality, while there is ample headroom in the rear. For added convenience, the rear seats can be folded down from the boot via a simple lever.

Arguably better-looking than its sibling, the Civic 4 Door is a good value and wellequipped addition to the range

How economical is it?

Honda quotes an official 83.1mpg for the i-DTEC diesel Civic 4 Door manual on the combined cycle, with the nine-speed automatic transmission car said to be capable of achieving 68.9mpg. The 1.0-litre i-VTEC turbocharged petrol engine – the only other power unit option – achieves a claimed 58.9 and 60.1mpg on the same cycle with manual and CVT transmissions respectively.

What does it cost?

A trio of trim levels makes up the Honda Civic 4 Door range. SE starts things off from £19,395 and equipment includes auto headlights, adaptive cruise control, climate control, a five-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth/DAB/USB/AUX connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels as well as a raft of Honda’s ‘Sensing’ safety systems.

Priced from £21,240, the SR builds on the SE and adds auto wipers, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, a seven-inch Honda Connect with Garmin touchscreen navigation and infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power-folding door mirrors, a reversing camera and 17-inch alloy wheels.

At top of the Civic 4 Door tree sits the EX. Available from £24,100, extra kit over the SR includes an auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated front and rear leather seats, keyless entry and start, LED head and fog lights, wireless smartphone charging, as well as blind spot and cross traffic monitoring systems.

Prices quoted are for the six-speed manual 1.0- litre models – expect to pay an additional £1,670 for CVT and nine-speed automatic transmissions.

How much does it cost to tax?

Its impressively low 91g/km of CO2 emissions sees the Honda Civic 4 Door i-DTEC attract VED of £145 in the first year, dropping to £140 thereafter. Automatic transmission adds 17g/km, which means a first-year rate of £165, the same as both 1.0-litre versions.

Why does my fleet need one?

In a market which has a love affair with hatchbacks and SUVs, the introduction of the Civic 4 Door initially seems a strange move by Honda. With few rivals but many of the appealing strengths of its five-door hatchback sister, the three-box Civic is a conservative choice for drivers who prefer a more traditional look. Arguably betterlooking than its more mainstream sibling, the Civic 4 Door is a good value and wellequipped addition to the range, and its low emissions add to its fleet driver allure. L

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.honda.co.uk/cars

HONDA CIVIC 4 DOOR 1.6 I-DTEC SR MT

ENGINE: 1,597cc four-cylinder diesel

CO 2:NOx: 91g/km52mg/km

MPG (Combined): 83.1

VED: £145 first-year, £140 thereafter

BIK: 23%

PRICE (OTR): £22,590 (including VAT, £23,115 as tested)