Road Test : Honda Civic Hatch

Review by Tristan Tancredi - 31 October 2012

I still remember vividly the sixth generation Honda Civic Hatch. Probably because a friend of mine still trudges around in one (Granted, there isn't a panel on it that isn't scratched). But at over 12 years old the Sixth Generation Civic is still remarkably reliable and drivable.

Enter the current generation, Honda Civic Hatch available in both Sports and Luxury variants. This time, rocking a 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine.

We spent two weeks getting acquainted with both the 5-Speed Auto VTi-L and the 6-Speed Manual VTi-S. Let's take a look at how they stacked up.

Drive: 4/5

Packed to the brim with intrigueness and excitement we began our two week journey with the Civic Hatchs' VTi-L, or in Laymans, the Luxury.

5-Speed automatic transmission is standard (and the only option) with the VTi-L range and is very capable. The Vti-L hatch doesn't exactly set a trail of fire in it's wake, in fact, it's pretty slow from the get-go.  

Unlike the VTi-L, the VTi-S we were given was a 6-speed manual and because of this (and despite sharing the same engine and performance numbers as the Vti-L) it felt alot zippier than the Luxury. The 6-speed Manual Transmission is a true delight. Add to this the benefit of Hill Start Assist which stops the vehicle from rolling back on an incline and you have a car that is easy, fun and above all else, safe to drive.

Both model variants come with a distinguished on-road class. The Civic Hatch simply cuts through roads effortlessly, no matter the conditions. Winding roads, high-speed freeways or city driving, the Civic Hatch is one smooth-mover.

A major chink in the armour of the Hatch is the lack of cruise control on entry-level models.

As was the case with the Civic Sedan which we reviewed in May 2012, the ECO guide is back to give drivers an indication on how econimical they are driving: Blue, Red or Green lights will flash next to the speedometer depending on how heavy the drivers foot is.

This is a great Honda initiative that ultimately increases driver awareness and refines driving habits. Global Warming People. You know it's happening! In saying that, the combined fuel usage figures are: Manual (6.1L per 100kms) and Automatic (6.5L per 100kms).

Engine: 4/5

The Civic Hatch is fitted with a 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine in both the VTi-S and VTi-L. This quiet and smooth SOHC i-VTECH engine barely raises a whisper cruising along the open freeways. Thus creating a peaceful cabin ambience.

The power and torque numbers are quite respectable across the Civic Hatch range. In fact it delivers maximum power of 104kW @ 6500rpm and maximum torque of 174Nm @ 4300rpm. Whilst not mindblowing, the power and torque delivered by the 1.8 litre engine is satisfactory, albeit a little lacklustre for a Sports model.

The objective from the folk at Honda was simple: Design an engine that improves operation at every stage of the drive. This includes Start-Up, Gearing up and down, acceleration and deceleration.

If we are to judge the Honda Civic Hatch 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine on this criteria set by Honda themselves, it's four thumbs up.

Exterior: 4/5

The Honda Civic Hatch measures in at 4300mm long, 1770mm wide and 1475mm high.

The style lines along the body, combined with the wheel arches, lights and frontal design all combine to create an elegant, futuristic, compact Hatchback. Both variants come with; LED Daytime Running Lights, Rear Fog Lights, Rear Sash Mounted Door Handles and a Tailgate Spoiler.

16" Alloys come standard with the VTi-S, whilst 17" Alloys are standard with the VTi-L. One of the greatest advantages of the Civic Hatch is the storage space available. Boot space with the back seats up for the VTi-L equals 390 litres. With the backseats down, the space increases to 1120 litres. For the VTi-S, simply add on an extra 10 litres.

One issue we had with the styling of the new Civic Hatch is the restricted views out the rear window. Similar to the Honda Hybrid range, the views are somewhat blocked. But hey, on the flip side to this is a head-turning car from the outside.

Safety: 5/5

With high importance placed on safety ratings, it is vital that manufacturers produce cars with a 5-star rating: Honda has achieved this in flying colours.

The Honda Civic Hatch achieved a total ANCAP safety score of 36.03 out of 37, scoring maximum points in the side crash test and a near perfect score for the offset crash test which leads to an unsurprising 5-star ANCAP safety score.

Identical in both the VTi-S and VTi-L, the safety features include: Front, Front Side, Side Curtain and Driver Dual Stage Inflation Airbags, ABS, Progressive Crumple Zones, Tyre Deflation Warning System, Vehicle Stability Assist and loads more.

Interior: 4.5/5

Practicality is the best word to describe the interior of the Honda Civic Hatch. Everything is well organised, easy to access and, you got it, practical.

The drivers positioning resembles an airline cockpit, the front dash is designed in a way to provide the driver the best access to all buttons and information displays. This is achieved by all aspects of the front dash and centre console angled toward the driver.

A Intelligent-Multi-Information Display (i-MID) is installed on the front display and provides information on Average Speed, Fuel Usage, Odometer and heaps more. Add to that customised wallpaper and you have yourself a decked out front dash.

The differences between the VTi-S and the VTi-L becomes noticable with the seating, for the Luxury is rocking Heated Front Leather Seating, whilst the Sports harbours Fabric Sports Seating. There is an abundance of space for the front passengers. There isn't an abundance down back, yet there is enough to please a couple of kids.

Other noticeable upgrades for the Luxury model include Dual Zone Auto Climate Control Air Conditioning and extra cup holders. The Luxury model also includes some finer interior detailing. Such as: Drilled Sport Alloy Pedals and Front Door Blue Accent Illumination.

Overall: 4/5

So, the Civic Hatch lives up to the reputation carved by Honda over the years. The result is a highly detailed, smooth running, user-friendly Hatch.

Despite a few quirky misgivings and a few strange decisions (lack of cruise control in base models) overall the Civic Hatch is a worthy car at a very respectable price. The Sport starts at $22,650, whilst the Luxury is a tad dearer at $29,990.

If your in the market for a hatch (a ridiculously large car segment at the moment) then check out the Civic Hatch for a test drive today.

* Prices are manufacturer list prices only, for the drive away price please contact your local authorised Honda dealer.