2020 Honda Civic review - better than a VW Golf? | What Car?

Good to drive, a big boot, and lots of kit. Sounds like the Honda Civic has a lot going for it - but where does it rank in the family car class? Watch to find out.
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[@Colster1001]

I do think that most motoring journalist can't forgive any car that isn't a Focus or a Golf, for not being a Focus or a Golf

[@vladimirberta7657]

Especially in Britain and Germany.

[@adidamle]

Why do none of the reviewers focus on the long term reliability of these cars? How is like to drive 10 years from now? In my humble opinion, japanese cars like Camrys and Accords and Civics have lasted much longer

[@JordanReed1]

Clearly soft touch vs scratchy plastic is the most important factor according to car journalists

[@gerrycollins2335]

Not only more reliable, but cheaper to maintain and to obtain spare parts for.

[@bomoellobo]

You’ll probably have to wait 10 years to find out, unless you can find a crystal ball.

[@FlightProgramAborted]

Yeah didnt think much to that review. Very flat

[@ryanpinder9053]

But Honda's reputation for producing reliable cars has gone massively downhill in the last 5-10 years

[@blazingchris5048]

Of course the HONDA Civic is a better car than the VW Golf. The Golf is oldfashioned compared to the Civic.

[@theweeknd2725]

This car is fresh and its full value for money for what it outputs

[@Maurisje0123]

Nice review overall. But considering the Civic has much better and more advanced suspension than a VW Golf, it definately is the better ride.

[@Maurisje0123]

@@Antares2F I agree about the engine. But the suspension of the Honda is great.

[@richiebtime489]

As an owner, the feeling of being in a big car with cossetted ride is one of major pluses.

[@TasosThGr]

This is not even a 2020 model, since 2019 the volume is adjusted by a knob

[@ryadhasanahmed5443]

Only USA and Canada gets that

[@bartski6468]

the 2020 has a radio on/off volume nob, has hard buttons by the LCD, has different styling in the front and back, has electric drivers seat - this one looks more like a 2018 - and I'm talking about Europe. Plus see the number plates: it says 68 and that means it's from between September 2018 and March 2019. Period. Not nice.

[@alexandruioanmunteanu4105]

@@ryadhasanahmed5443 Honda recently made a facelift for Civic and now the European model also has a knob for volume and it has in standard LED lights.

[@tubetotto]

@@ryadhasanahmed5443 Europe gets the facelifted version as well. Sat in one last week. BTW The volume-control knob is super tiny.

[@vladimirberta7657]

When you compared Civic with Skoda Scala, that was the moment i switched off and stoped caring about what you say. Serously? Skoda Scala? Mind you i have never even took serously people who talked about Golf as more refind than civic and that that stands for any generation you care to compare. Golf and refinement? In comprison to Honda? Serously?

[@Colonel63]

I'd pick the Civic over Golf every time. I clicked to listen to car review and features and all I keep hearing is Golf, Golf, Golf, A3.... just annoying.

[@FFM0594]

She's not an expert!

[@rob3018]

So true, this woman is meant to have decent car knowledge but she sounds very idiotic and unintelligent here. Poor review.

[@nicolafertin3154]

I own a Civic and I have to disagree with alot she is saying. Sponge brakes ? I find the brakes to have excellent feedback, maybe even a bit too grabby .. actually. my bmw 220 didn't drive much better. But cruise Control and Honda sense isn't as refined as in the BMW. The Civic is also more fun to drive. Except you can't push the tail out. Wich was fun in the bmw so all in all I think a gasoline bmw is more fun to drive. But I also keep reliability and maintenance cost in check.

[@richiebtime489]

Yeah I thought that was odd. The brakes on my 2019 Civic are excellent and the handling is massively better than my previous car, an Audi A3 TDI. Good fun to drive on a twisty toad.

[@richardd5009]

Likewise, the brakes on my civic are very grabby with firm feel. Incredibly effective

[@Spookssga]

This is not the 2020 model, the number plate gives it away as being 2018/2019 model. Plus Honda has changed the look of the 2020 model

[@SadaEKE]

0:48 someone is stealing the show 😂

[@stephenfalkner4213]

Same cat that was 'featured' in a previous car video? I think it might be.

[@leeshill9142]

Was this an actual review or just a video comparing the Honda Civic to ever other car brand so frustrating when they do this just review the car

[@TX2673XA]

I am curious how are the materials under the bonet and under the car , if they rust a lot or not. Hawe a nice day

[@totcevreauesaintru]

I love your mature tone of voice and your gestures ! Good job !

[@FFM0594]

You mean her croaky, smokers growl?

[@roxdude]

Just ordered a refreshed 2020 civic sport for april in the new obsidain metallic blue... cannot wait.. 180hp from a 1.5l is 30 more than vw group gets from a 1.5 and the boot is huge.. what's not to like.

[@JackT13]

I still can’t believe how little the design has changed from 2006. That model back then was incredibly ahead of its time

[@jdmguy44]

Love the current Honda Civic. Striking to look at and a blast to drive especially in 1.5t guise . Well built and reliable. Would never consider a Euro crap box like the Vauxhall Astra or worse, the Skoda Skalla 🤮

[@fatiharica7514]

"JDM guy", Yeah that sums it all up.

[@b.z.6348]

Girl, you've missed it. That's a 2019 car. And a lot has changed since ... :) The Golf has stayed the same this millennia

[@roadrunner2710]

Can you get white or beige leather seats??

[@clocktower7]

If you buy a Honda, you are buying the most reliable car brand on the planet. No other car manufacturer can hold a candle to Honda's enviable reliability ratings. Even Toyota have long lost their credibility for producing reliable vehicles because they have been too busy cutting corners and using other Car manufacturers parts in their vehicles, just look at the new Toyota Supra - Completely Full of BMW parts (Junk) !!! ... Trust me i've owned Honda's for over 20 years and they are as reliable as the universe. I will always buy a Honda.

[@AntJoseph_]

Uh, the 1.5VTEC isn’t really the most reliable thing ever...

[@Casstel77]

Supra is a BMW Z4 with Toyota badge, and although I do like Hondas, they have had engine problems (oil dilution) especially if you live in colder parts of the world.

[@pauldarby8398]

@@AntJoseph_ but it's more reliable than its key rivals the VW Golf & the Ford Focus.

[@Amilo2000]

I agree they are a great car brand. But if you are saying they don’t use other car brands materials you are completely wrong. I have a Honda Civic 1,0T 3 cylinder and the engine is not even from Honda but rather from Peugeot.

[@richardd5009]

​@Amilo2000 not true, the 1.0 is a honda engine. Different from the 1.2 Peugeot puretech and 1.0 Ford ecoboost.

[@raymondhunt6109]

Ray H The car you drove was a 1.5 Sport with18 inch wheels not the usual 17 inch on the Sport model. The 2020 car now has a volume nob and revised grill.

[@DawleyDude]

Today I have bought the 2020 SE model. Was well impressed with the styling, I wanted the SR but it was just out of my price range🙄

[@ahmadel-sherbini5336]

Happy to see your reviews Rebecca, we missed you ☺️

[@ancientmachine9070]

weirdo

[@timhaslum7461]

I had the 1.5L for two years, not had one problem with it and it was very very quick.

[@comments7335]

The latest revised version comes with a physical knob for volume and radio control.

[@TasosThGr]

And redesigned front and rear bumpers

[@998razvan]

How can you recommend the 1.0 liter engine on a civic over the 1.5 liters? The civic handles resonably well? Is on of the best cars in terms of handling. Search for a moose test. Take both civic and ford focus on a twisty road and the you can say which has better handling and which one is more fun to drive. If you drive in a straight line for 10 km you can’t compare them.

[@FFM0594]

A civic will generally last at least 5 years longer than a Golf and will cost far less in repairs over the ownership period. I just junked my Accord after 20 years, 250,000km (My fault for blowing an O-ring in the engine) and replaced it with the 1.5 Civic. While the Civic is a really nice car which I'm very happy with, I do miss the extra usability of the old Accord hatchback. HONDA, give us back the Accord!

[@alexhickey5633]

Those 90s and early 2000's accords were in their own leagues

[@thealiniki]

the specs are different from Civics in Australia, there are two engines options available in down under 1.8L -140 Hp and 1.5-170hp Turbo , and from 2019 upwards Volume knob added to infotainment system.

[@stephandolby]

The 1.8 sounds like the old unit from the previous two generation Civics, good for low 40s in terms of fuel consumption.

[@metitan1398]

Hahaaa same as Malaysia market,but we here just sedan model no hatchback. I love the sedan look

[@jamiep61]

Honda recently revealed the revised 2020 year model

[@gardini100]

or just get a good used one ,:) and have no problems for the next ten years i have 2012 sport 1,8 and it runs and looks like it came from the factory last night , but get the ones with leather and prem Soundsystem it makes it so much better :)

[@SurferKroky]

The 1.6 I-DTEC diesel is far more fuel efficient than the 1 litre

[@bobjones-hs5nc]

What about reliability, build quality, agility, precise steering, etc. ??

[@becheriksen]

I have had mine for almost 3 years and it’s a great car. Golf is just a boring car

[@jdmguy44]

Martin E Agree. Civic is a cool car. Golf is a tedious box made by a cheating and corrupt company.

[@MrMoa-lv4lm]

How is the turbo lag in 1.5 civic manual

[@gardini100]

I have had Golf in the past and they are pretty nice , but have a Civic right now and must say i like it way better :)

[@konliner9286]

How reliable is it ?

[@rafaelmurithi]

@WhatCar which trim is this?

[@whatcar]

1.5 VTEC Turbo 182 Sport+ Manual 👍

[@stefanhowarth2715]

Would it be possible to edit a 'Drivers Version'!

[@ok-rh4vp]

“2020 Civic” *68 plate*

[@christianljung6600]

What do you do with soft interior materials , when then you have gearbox problems , engine problems, etc, etc as you have with the golf (DSG gearbox)

[@endzmeetmusic9053]

Rubbish. The Golf is very realiable. Never heard of anyone having dramas with anything you have have stated. As as matter of my sister is at 220 000 km with no issues. I bet you have never driven a Golf or own one. Your comment is a typical jealous comment. I can comment on the Civic as iv e never driven one or own one

[@jayjay378378]

@@endzmeetmusic9053 golf and reliable cant go in the same sentence ,I had a golf before the Civic and the golf was in the garage more than a 20 year old Renault

[@yelord2167]

Golfs without the DSG are better more reliable

[@onthedry8386]

i have a civic 21 years now....40 tyres 3 exhausts 2 batteries oh and 21 services.. ok man on same street vgolf after 5 years car trouble no end .. hard to get rid of a honda' because they give little trouble as a foot note my friend has a civic 8 years not one bit of trouble .. hondas are beyond great....

[@azamchaudhri]

Like others have said. What the heck. That's a 2018, 68 plate car. Title says 2020. Um. I don't think so.

[@Gunman1628]

3 year 90 k mile warranty? is this correct? seems like a lot of mile coverage

[@robertgraham5486]

Whyme. 36000mi

[@hrvojekrsnik6572]

Really good, objective overview. Thank god Rebecca is back (I'm not sure where she went buy haven't seen her in awhile)

[@Firemarioflower]

She mentions the FR-trim level but then they don't show it in the survey of EX, Sport, Sport+, SR etcetera

[@BobK5]

Why are you demoing the 2019 model?

[@bonzobanana1]

Strange not to mention the much better reliability of the Civic compared to some of its rivals. For those who keep the car beyond the 3 year warranty period it could save them a huge amount of money compared to the Golf for example. Shame the Civic infotainment system is so crap.

[@justpassingthrooo3505]

I've owned a civic for nearly 7 years and haven't had a single issue. I've owned a Merc, Saabs, Ford, Vauxhall. . All failed mot at some point and repair costs that'll make anyone faint. I want to get a new car, but can't decide what to get now.

[@pauldarby8398]

@@justpassingthrooo3505 what did you end up with? I'm looking at the Civic, Focus, Golf, Mazda 3 or the Toyota Corolla but can't decide.

[@EppingForest304]

Oh no… the fold-up back seats have gone, they were awesome on the Mark 8/9

[@abelisraelcruzayuso4682]

The cat is back!

[@honda3372]

❤Honda❤

[@vijaymistry4169]

Did someone else see a cat at the start

[@kuddin9021]

No we are all blind

[@oopscanada]

Excellent Review. Thanks again.

[@aadi8568]

Civic is nicer than the golf

[@keithisaacs6092]

But its not better

[@aadi8568]

@@keithisaacs6092 yes it is

[@jayjay378378]

@@keithisaacs6092 wrong ,i had a golf before and was in the garage more than a 20 year old Renault

[@adamchase1517]

My good the infotainment screen is slooooooow did they pick up the processor from an Atari game console

[@jayjay378378]

Android auto and apple car play are fast on it though

[@bhill252]

And the head rest is set that high why???

[@gbthegreat]

I’d buy it of there was a power pack option to boost the 1.5 output and a 360° camera array for parking. You do get a lot for your money but I think Honda could do that little bit more to satisfy customers such as myself wanting a little extra. Also, CVT? Why not DSG or similar?! The 11 speaker sound system would be worth a mention if it this review model had one.

[@gregc2467]

I consider myself lucky,I bought my 2018 Sport Plus from a Honda dealer Swansway Bolton,it was their pool car and came fully loaded,14k miles and cost £17.5 k,its a manual,my choice,I smile everytime I get in it,it has every upgrade possible and its a dream to drive,you are right about the camera though...it sucks.

[@valleysofneptune]

The car looks great but here is what I found after driving it everyday for 9 months and 23 thousand miles. I had a 68 plate 1.0 Vtec turbo EX 5dr. Spec was great with sunroof, leather , heated front and rear seats, wireless charging and Apple car play., lane assist etc etc Sat Nav was rubbish, many times taking me into bad traffic and round the houses un-necessarily. Engine was great for a 1.0lt, a little noisy but ran out of 130bhp puff at just over 5k revs, shame, I’m used to the old Vtec engines that ring round to 7k or 9k with the type R . The main issue with this car was the SEATS, shockingly uncomfortable on long journeys, especially after 2 hours behind the wheel I would have horrendous sciatica, lower back pain, and only stopped once I changed the car, not great for company car drivers doing long journeys and high miles. Disappointed as I always held Honda in high regard having sold them for a while back in the late 2000’s . I would never consider one again, only a different seating position like the CRV , but those are horrendous on price these days.

[@GustavoFAlmeida]

No, it's not the 2020 model.

[@hondamanvtec2894]

0-62 mph in 9.8 What have they been smoking Im doing 7.8sec with the CVT

[@peternap82]

In my opinion you give not to much credit for a very wel build car. The competition like a Ford, or as you say the Golf and A3 are on a higher platform, but that dream will vanish after owning it for 4 or 5 years. In the US and Canada you see the Civic everywhere simply because it's actually a reliable car, the gearbox is like day one, the interior is not warn off, the suspension doesn't need to be replaced nor the engine's (thats very common with Ford or VAG products)!

[@jayjay378378]

Typical British car reviewer's only care what the car ls like for the first few years ,i would never want to own a Ford or vw out if warranty

[@manolachealexandru6168]

Change the title . This is not a 2020 facelift model, it's the old model from 2017. Also, my civic 0-60 mph is 7.9(8.0 avwrage) . Don t know how you got it 2.5 seconds slower.

[@bomoellobo]

“2020 civic review... let’s use a 68 plate!”

[@meridiancrap]

Isn't that the 1.5 with the twin tail pipes.

[@serbanhv9338]

She has the looks but not the brains ahaha

[@mrrsmith2761]

Not the prestige

[@SEBASTIACOful]

Cheaper but really Reliable ! And fun to drive to a point!

[@ryanpinder9053]

Not this generation

[@guitarjem2670]

Love your accent!

[@nikolaoscharisoglou9985]

The first mistake that Rebecca said is other competitors is more fuel efficiency that's wrong I thnik because there is only one hatchback that have the same hp to civic and that's ford focus and they have almost the same fuel efficiency and the other hatchback that's over 180hp kia ceed gt 200hp it has worst fuel efficiency

[@reinterpret_cast]

How is this different from the previous generations?

[@GeordiLaForgery]

It can do warp 9.4.

[@jdmguy44]

The engines are all boosted in this gen Civic (in the UK at least). Previous gen they were all NA.

[@reinterpret_cast]

@@jdmguy44 Here in Norway the current generation has 1.5l turbo

[@onlyme6479]

Good bodys on both Models

[@nupash6135]

...has always been and always be best in class

[@Porretta28]

What possessed them to dump the brilliant magic seats of previous generations. They're so good it's a deal breaker for me

[@M.Vardy82]

The magic seats were only possible because of the torsion beam rear suspension of the last generation civics, the new generation has gone for a better independent set up but means the magic seats had to go

[@Porretta28]

@@M.Vardy82 Thanks for info. Here was me suspecting cost cutting :) Personally I'd still choose magic seats over new suspension but now can understand why allegedly most previous owners didn't mind seeing them go.

[@JackKing12.]

This is all I need. Cheaper than the German brands...

[@diogosimoes79]

This civic is the best car in the segment on performance and handling.... First reviewr i hear saying it isn't

[@sailur]

The cats just checking it out

[@adrianwilliams717]

You missed its more reliable than the others!!!

[@gngan]

Adrian Williams nope, it’s not. Oil dilution is affecting lots of civics.

[@adrianwilliams717]

@@gngan but only in very cold climates. We do not have oil dilution issues, here in the UK.

[@jayjay378378]

@@gngan not in the uk and only the 1.5

[@endzmeetmusic9053]

The Golf is super reliable.

[@jayjay378378]

@@endzmeetmusic9053 when did that start happening🤔

[@NeillyVille]

That blue colour is stunning!

[@paulgriffiths8488]

So is Rebecca!

[@jacobthompson8507]

NV Brilliant Sporty Blue, I had it on my HR-V, lovely colour

[@fred3831]

Literally everyone other that this lass screams about how good the car is to drive? Don’t understand why she’s slamming it

[@alfatech8741]

You forget to mention the Mazda 3

[@gerrycollins2335]

I just hate the fake bling styling: it's the one thing that deters me from getting a Civic, which is a decent car in all other respects.

[@ALEXDEE5]

SR not FR and this isn’t the 2020 model as the new model has different infotainment, different wheels and different grill

[@GeordiLaForgery]

So... that's pretty damning if true.

[@sensiblewombat]

Different infotainment?! Where can I find more info?

[@ALEXDEE5]

Honda website will be updated on the 1st of January. It’s added a volume knob and buttons on the side of the screen for direct shortcuts

[@BenzinioB]

Yeeee banana is back :) 5.4 and a half and banana - that's a complete review!

[@SRBN4EVER]

I'll take you for ride Rabecca.

[@Henrytwm01]

Miss that banana review. I think Honda Civic more like a liftback rather than a hatchback.

[@GeordiLaForgery]

That is not a 2020 for starters? :P

[@victorfu5979]

I can’t stop looking at Rebecca.

[@kernowrock555]

She sounds more relaxed now.. and always ..'Gorgeous' ...

[@instasingingvids3529]

Victor Fu as a gay man I don’t have that problem 🤣

[@test-em9ge]

@@instasingingvids3529 lol you were thinking about camera man then!

[@harithahmed104]

Bro she doesn't even know you exist

[@FrightfulAccountant]

It does quite everything good, it might not be class leading in any box but it manages to tick of every box so we end up with a big car that is well equiped, handels ell enough and performs well enough. aAnd for looks? Not as good looking as a Mazda 3 but for sure less boring than a Focus or a Golf. I would consider.

[@raresmoldovanu7673]

I usually like your reviews but your way of, the only it's rivals are superior is noise at highway speed and the infotainment system which you do get used to. Other than those 2 things the Civic is better, it drives better than a Golf, much more engaging to throw around a corner, the engine is better, the space is better, the looks are a lot better it's just a better all-rounder

[@Calculus99]

I wish they did the 2.2 diesel of this model.

[@mathsunmasked56]

I would have thought the 1.6 twin turbo with 160hp would fit right it. That would be quite quick.

[@Calculus99]

@@mathsunmasked56 yeah but the 2.2 has more potential with stock components when remapping etc

[@thelethargicponderer6793]

@@Calculus99 absolutely correct Dear....

[@pb5x5]

Rebecca doesn't work for what car any more this video is rehashed old one. See reg plate of September 2018!

[@robocopvn]

3:01 for anyone who's looking for her BANANA!!!

[@kdparabic7394]

how would a japanese reviewer describe a VW golf ? that doesn't really matter. people buy Hondas for one reason, it is the reliability

[@adminbooble]

Who planted the Banana, she looked surprised lol

[@callumfreebairn8082]

it's awesome. well done honda!

[@batmanecstasy501]

I Got the New 2016 Had air coolant problem.. Sold it out.. bought again in 2018 faced problem in steering assembly within a year.. Shape is superb.. Dimensions and curves are amazing.. But reliability does not meet the expectations it’s a piece of shit for me.. Stay away it’s good shape is trap 😓

[@jayjay378378]

Was yours the hatch

[@hectorheath9742]

A turbo on a one litre engine?

[@adamewart2655]

I need a civic

[@FFM0594]

I've had mine a couple of months and have never owned a car which was so easy to drive.

[@r2stik]

2.0 naturally aspirated? 37MPG!

[@kjayk]

this is NOT the 2020 refreshed model of civic!

[@Benzknees]

I was wondering that, as it seems exactly the same as in reviews dating back to 2017. What’s differences are there in the new one?

[@kjayk]

@@Benzkneesnot much, a couple of plastic trims on bumpers and a volume knob and ... a new price tag! Just wondering if the girl even knows what she's driving or just reciting a scripted car review.

[@Benzknees]

K Jay - That’s disappointing (but not as much as the whatcar review!). As I hardly ever see one on the road, it seem to need a lot of changes to increase its appeal.

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

this review wasn't filmed recently

[@dontpanicblink]

sounds like she is saying FR not SR

[@gavinscott5943]

Yeah I'd have an Astra. The Civic appears to be quite a let down.

[@jayjay378378]

Having driven both you'd get a Astra 😮, I would rather a Japanese car than a GM , also they are showing the pre facelift

[@jdmguy44]

LOL Anything with a Vauxhall badge is POS in every way. Fine for Mr Avis or Mr Hertz.

[@peterosullivan7723]

pro the focus just for a change eh Rebecca ......

[@javali6545]

Poor infotainment system poor seats and weird styling. I went with a focus in the end felt more premium and better all round

[@liamcurrie4011]

Good man

[@TheKramzuth]

Nothing wrong with the seats or info system, ive had a focus in the past and there so overated plus the styling is sporty where the focus is boring.

[@adamchase1517]

Mark Wigley info system drives me mad! So slow to respond takes a few at least 10 seconds to respond and the climate control is all touch.

[@jayjay378378]

having used both short term the Honda interior quality is leaps ahead the focus , the door cards when leaned on sound like a insert from a box of milk tray focus feels cheap and tacky

[@jdmguy44]

Ford Focus interior is plastic fantastic and doesnt look very interesting either. The exterior is bland and generic plus I would question the engineering integrity and longevity of the "Ecoboom" engines.

[@Nick84Gr]

Rebecca and civic in the same video... O thank u god

[@captinbeyond]

Wont buy any car with the steering wheel on the wrong side

[@malfan]

Luckily on this car, it's on the "right" side.

[@leonk.190]

wtf is this 😂

[@vkgiotis]

How about a car with the steering will in the middle line a McLaren F1?

[@regal_7877]

@@malfan Eyyyyyy