Thanks to our local Manchester Honda dealer, Swansway (based on Chester road), for organising the demonstrator pictured here – the Honda CIVIC Diesel Hatchback 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus 5dr [Nav] Manual. We are currently using this car as a showcase for some of our nationwide fleet customers, who are looking at replacing their mid-range company cars.
The car pictured is based on the following specification:
· Metallic Paint – Twilight blue
· Cloth – Black
· 16″ alloy wheels
The Honda Civic is very much a unique car; it is something you will either really adore or something which just isn’t for you. Even this model, which is the recent facelift, is very individual and bespoke. Honda have continued along the lines of futuristic design – in truth it looks like a car which should be electric or hybrid given the unique styling!
The specification on this car represents the most popular model. With automatic wipers, tinted windows, cruise control, rear parking camera, power foldback mirrors, Garmin sat nav, automatic lights, LED daytime lights, climate control, alloy wheels and a spacious boot, you have a fairly comfortable car. For those drivers needing more aggressive styling, you need to upgrade to the “Sport” range. For those needing more features and comfort, the “SR” model with a panoramic glass sunroof, front/rear parking sensors and additional safety systems may be more suitable.
Where Honda do have an advantage is with the company car tax position. The car pictured has reasonable P11d values of circa £22,425.00 for a standard car coupled together with CO2 of 94g/km and MPG of 78.5. However, don’t expect lightening speeds – the 120ps engine will get you to 62mh in circa 10.5 seconds. Not quite the 2.0 turbo petrol engine in a Type R which offers 310ps and 0-62mph times of circa 5.7 seconds! However, if you are covering the high mileages, the frugal MPG is going to be massive cost-saving for you, or the company.
The only real issue we have with the Civic Hatchback is the finishing quality; when you compare some of the interior features and finishing quality to an equally priced VW Golf, Mercedes A Class or Volvo. Even the latest generation of Vauxhall Astra vehicles, with the Elite Nav, offer a more luxury environment. We would have thought Honda would have addressed this when they carried out the facelift…
So, what do you think to the facelifted Civic – would you lease one?
Check out the webs best deals on the new Honda Civic by clicking here…