Honda Civic Hatchback (2006 - 2011) 2.2 i-CTDi EX 5d Owner Review

This particular generation of the Honda Civic is such an excellent practical car which has definitely surpassed my expectations. I went for the 2.2 ctdi model which combines excellent mpg and performance. There is slight turbo lag in-between changing up gears but nothing a map can't sort out. With this being the EX model it came with pretty much every optional factory extra which includes heated leather seats, panoramic sunroof, sat nav, rain sensitive wipers and heated mirrors. Touching on the practicality again - it's massive inside. I've even managed to fit a two seater sofa in the boot due to the excellent fold flat rear seats. The rear bench also folds up (magic seats) so you can fit bikes/ filing cabinets ... The list goes on. It's just a well thoughtout and brilliantly engineered car. The gearbox is another part of the car which is worth mentioning. It's got a mechanical feel. It just seemlesly slots into gear. Combine this with great handling and it's a joy to drive on B roads, even for a diesel. Gripes - some of the electrics are a bit "iffy". For some reason the rear windscreen demister interferes with the radio, so when it's on the frequency crackles. Also, the sensor on the drivers door is a bit dodgy and the sat nav brings up an error now and again but I think it just needs the disc cleaning. Conclusion - buy one! The VED tax is cheap (roughly £12 a month on direct debit) Cracking mpg - I've 63mpg on a run to Cumbria, it's practical, it's fast and it also looks like nothing else on the road. The dash is like something out of the spaceship, the shape of the car is unusual and it also has triangular exhaust tailpipes!!!