Honda Civic Hatch 1,8 I-VTEC

0 to 100 km/h: 10,39 sec Top speed: 212 km/h Power: 104 kw Torque: 174 N.m CO : 150 g/km CAR fuel index: 7,56 L/100 km

2 It was the Jazz that introduced us to Honda’s Magic Seat design, made possible by moving the fuel tank to under the front seats. This opened up volume for the rear seats to fold completely at and resulted in a big increase in load space. The Civic inherited this clever system, providing it with a boot capacity of 320 litres and a utility gure of 1 152 litres.

While there is a 1,5-litre available in sedan form, the majority have the 1,8-litre with 104 kw and 174 N.m of torque, making the Honda the most powerful of the three listed here. Honda engines have always been free-revving with little low-down pull, instead coming to life at the top end. Not everyone enjoys this trait but, especially with its short-throw, six-speed gearbox, enthusiastic drivers may appreciate it (admittedly, though, our Case Study subject is unlikely to be such a driver). Like all Hondas, mechanical reliability is high and fuel consumption acceptable.

Unlike the previous-generation Civic, this model’s interior was redesigned to be less space-age but still eye-catching, and Honda seat comfort is always a strong point, too.

There were a few available on Gumtree and most were automatic and rather pricey, so nding a good buy at a good price could take time. Civic pricing is nevertheless a lot keener than the smaller Jazz models that are highly sought after due to their compact size and clever packaging.