Honda Civic Hatchback (06-11) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 31 March 2011
Honda wanted to attract younger buyers when it launched the Civic - the carmaker was keen to lose the dull image of the previous car and aimed to develop something that would appeal to style-conscious drivers. It certainly succeeded and the result is a daring and ground-breaking design that is unlike anything else on the road. It's not just style over substance though because the Civic is practical, great to drive and user-friendly while the interior is just as futuristic as the exterior. Add in the option of the most refined diesel engine available in a hatchback in the form of the excellent i-CTDi, a superb dealer network and bullet-proof reliability and you've got the best family hatchback on the market.
4.5 out of 5

Other Honda reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

Disappointingly the Civic only scored four stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests when the majority of new alternatives have gained a maximum five-star rating. The organisation highlighted structures in the dashboard that present a potential hazard to the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger. All cars comes with four airbags as standard and SE models and upwards have active front head restraints. Seatbelt pre-tensioners, Isofix child seat mounting points and an electronic stability programme which can help avoid accidents in the first place are also standard.

NCAP Test

Euro NCAP logo Euro NCAP

Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    3 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

Honda's reputation for reliability is bettered by no other manufacturer and the Civic is superbly built and durable. Problems are incredibly rare and you should expect superb service from Honda dealers should anything go wrong. There was a recall in 2006. The electrical power steering warning lamp may illuminate, and power assistance to the steering will be lost. The driver will not experience any symptoms prior to the failure.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

Some owners reported a fault where the handbrake might not apply properly if pulled up when pushing the release button. Applying the handbrake without pushing the release button will keep the car stationary, but Honda is offering customers an upgraded handbrake free of charge.