Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda Civic hatchback (2011-2017) - Engines, drive & performance

The diesel Honda Civic offers the best blend of performance and economy

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Engines, drive & performance Rating

3.5 out of 5

The current Honda Civic has fluid-filled rear suspension that makes it a lot more comfortable than the old model and almost as comfortable as a Volkswagen Golf. The car's electric power steering system is smooth, but it doesn't have much feel at higher speeds. Although the Honda doesn't lean a lot in corners, the Ford Focus' steering inspires much more confidence and makes that car more fun to drive.

The Honda Civic engine range includes a 99bhp 1.4-litre petrol, a 1.8-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel. All models come with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the 1.8-litre petrol can also be specified with five-speed automatic transmission.

Honda Civic diesel engine

The 1.6-litre diesel is our pick of the engine range, thanks to its blend of performance and fuel economy. Despite being capable of more than 78mpg, it can get from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds, but it feels faster than that. A top speed of 129mph makes it a relaxed cruiser at 70mph on the motorway. Our only gripe is that this engine has a tendency to stall at low revs if you're not careful.

Petrol engines

With 0-62mph taking 9.1 seconds, the 1.8-litre petrol is slightly quicker than the diesel, but you're unlikely to notice much of a difference in the real world and it's more expensive to run. The 1.4-litre petrol is cheaper to run than the 1.8-litre, but 0-62mph takes 13.4 seconds, so overtaking on A-roads requires a degree of planning not needed with the other two engines.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Although the sportily-styled Civic Sport doesn't have any more power than the standard Civic, it definitely looks the part. Those after genuine performance should seek out the fast and aggressively styled Honda Civic Type R. This produces 302bhp thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. It’s a seriously swift hot hatchback that’ll go from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds – and we’ve reviewed it separately.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    2.0 eHEV Elegance 5dr CVT
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £35,005

Most Economical

  • Name
    2.0 eHEV Sport 5dr CVT
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £36,505

Fastest

  • Name
    2.0 VTEC Turbo Type R 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £50,650

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25
Car tax
Tips and advice
4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?
Ford Puma EcoBoost front
Tips and advice
5 Nov 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?

New Jaguar GT teased: upcoming EV looks like no Jag that’s come before
Jaguar Design Vision Concept teaser
News
21 Nov 2024

New Jaguar GT teased: upcoming EV looks like no Jag that’s come before

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024