Top Gear - Honda Civic Review By James May

Designed by Toshiyuki Okumoto, the exterior of the European model is the most aggressively styled; the sweeping front arc is maintained and a perspex cover resembling a lamp cluster replaces the grille. The rear tail lights are also similarly styled. Triangular accents are found front and back, with triangular fog-lamps in front and dual triangle exhaust tips at the back. The rear backglass is split into two levels, divided by a spoiler lip and the fuel filler cap is a race-inspired exposed metal effect cap. For the 5-door models, the rear door is hidden away, with the door handles tucked away at the corners of the rear windows, creating the illusion of a 2-door coupe.
Mechanically, the European Civic differs from the American and JDM variants in that it uses a simpler torsion beam suspension system for the rear wheels compared to the double-wishbone system in the American and JDM versions. The more compact suspension of the European Civic allows it to keep its large interior space, while reducing its length compared to its predecessor. Engines include a 1.4-litre i-DSI, the 1.8-litre i-VTEC(R18A2) shared with the American and JDM models (although the American and JDM cars have this engine available as R18A1), and a 2.2-litre i-CTDi N22A2 turbodiesel. A 6-speed manual transmission is available across the range. An automated manual transmission, known as i-SHIFT is available for models with 1.4- and 1.8-litre petrol engines. A 2.0-litre i-VTEC (K20Z4) petrol Type-R high-performance version is also available.
Inside, the European Civic follows the same split-level or "two-tier" instrument panel as the American and JDM Civics. However, the European Civic has circular A/C vents and switchgear. There is also a start button reminiscent of the Honda S2000. The handbrake is in a more conventional position behind the gear stick. All around there is a generous use of metallic trim. Some other features of the European Civic include "magic seats" in the rear, that not only lie flat to increase boot capacity, but also allow the seat bench to lift up and lie flat against the back rests to create a large loading area in the back behind the front seats. There is also a "hidden" storage compartment in the boot under the floor. The lid, which normally forms part of the boot floor, can be sunk down to a lower level to increase the load area, designed to allow the boot area to accommodate larger or taller items. In the normal position, the storage area can be used to hide valuables away under the floor. Some models in the range feature things like electric folding mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, dual climate control, automatic headlights, xenon lights, headlight washers, and automatic windshield wipers. The range topping EX model also has DVD satellite navigation, and allows the car's entertainment system, climate control, navigation system and hands-free telephone system to be controlled all by voice commands.

[@declansgamereview6523]

Coolest car I ever owned, regret selling

[@terry141186]

Still the best Civic Honda has ever produced and you only have to look around and see how many of them are still on the road in comparison to the competition of the era. I own a 2007 2.2 iCtdi and its absolutely faboulous to both look at and drive. I recently had the headlights and grill refinished to make it look shiny and new again. My only gripe with this model of Civic is the same as every other Civic....The ride on our rutted and potholed roads is pretty appalling but I can live with that when the car is as reliable as these are.

[@Steve-gc5nt]

There's still loads of these around. A decent, well made car.

[@danmoney9932]

Rust is the achillies heel......

[@elisabettajdj335]

​@@danmoney9932literally no rust on mine

[@HPsawus]

@@danmoney9932rust makes it lighter ! 😂😂

[@WH250398]

​@@danmoney9932All I have is small rust dents from small rocks hitting the front. It's nowhere near as bad as the 7th gen. That would rust around the doors on its own.

[@danmoney9932]

@@WH250398 rust under the car is the killer at least I the UK where they salt the roads. Mine is smart up top but rusty underneath (2011 car)

[@Snicker60515]

I just bought a hazard button like that for my GE Fit/Jazz specifically because of James' eloquent description of it. He will always be my favorite presenter of the three, ALWAYS!

[@dannyhtheretrogamingmaster9548]

I've got a 2010 Si 2.2 ctdi with 154k on the clock and still drives perfectly today - should do double that and will likely out last a lot of newer engines.

[@nunesandrew4198]

Legendary cars, 349k miles and still going. 2.2 engine.

[@coreybollington2945]

I've just bought a 08 plate 2.2 diesel and its quality 👌

[@humansnotai4912]

Bought mine brand new in 2009, done 67,000 spent nothing but tyres, service and MOT on it. Fantastic car.

[@MrIDGAF]

Thank you for uploading this in good quality and in 16:9

[@bird6691]

Imo this was the iPhone of cars. It sent the design trend for the next 20 years. Even today it looks modern.

[@Harry-hk1el]

I have this car and I have to say its been so reliable and really is a great car to drive. Has good responsive steering and its really quite powerful! I feel no need to upgrade to a newer car, I just know I'll run into issues shortly after 😂

[@2002georgezacharia]

Correct 😊

[@Harry-hk1el]

@@2002georgezacharia 👍

[@oscartomlinson11]

I just bought one and it's so exciting compared to my tin can Fiesta

[@prospectmmapod]

Just bought one! Is the skirts/body work fragile? The plastic black bits around the bottom edges of the car?

[@yadsingh4615]

car in video is still in working condition, full mot.

[@BelfastBandit]

Pity their gearboxes are shit. And materials used for interior are like vauxhall / ford / dodge standard... My precious passat 2007 turns out to be premium car compare to Civic. But still like to drive it.. Even tho I'm fighting with gearbox on every journey..

[@rayhansyagibral2417]

drive...drive...drive...

[@colintang3910]

I wish the United States got the UK Honda Civic!

[@_lypacz]

It looks much cooler than the USDM

[@roycrowson8074]

Could import one. I own a 2011 2.2

[@Flo-eu3tt]

I just wish to find some Body Kits for my Type S…

[@andic6676]

I have a mk7 that needs work but is still going fine...but I have always liked the mk8. After the mk8 the Civic seemed to get too long and wide.

[@Incognito-turnip]

I have the 2.2 diesel Lovely car Annoying things are squeaky clutch and boot leak.

[@BraidedButthair]

Ive got the 1,3 litre version as my first car, paid 1500 quid for it and its got over 200k on the clock, great little car

[@QOTSAPT]

My first car too, here in Portugal they are quite a bit more expensive I forked out 4500 eur for a 155k mile car, any issues on your end?

[@BraidedButthair]

@@QOTSAPT I had an issue with the crankshaft sensor which cost me 180e to fix. I also had some water ingress issues in the boot which was pretty easy to fix too. Apart from that, nothing

[@didine3131]

Always been astonished by the level of pretention regarding Honda

[@gergoantal1066]

What do you mean by that?

[@didine3131]

@@gergoantal1066 i mean that its probably one of the most underrated car maker, especially in Europe, a Honda is generally associated with "a car for the poor"

[@gergoantal1066]

@@didine3131 That is true, it is looked down upon pretty much anywhere.I'm a Honda fan and owner, and the reason why I personally love the brand is because it's liveable, very easy to maintain (especially the older ones) but also can be made to be very fun handling track cars or everyday machines.It's perfect for average people, but most people want to be "special", so average is instantly bad in their eyes.Hence why so many people own second hand usually German luxury cars which break all the time.

[@vincentyzer1627]

@@gergoantal1066 at the moment, my family still uses a 2002 CRV for daily use, it just keeps on going. It has recently hit 230.000 km total.

[@niteblaster1]

@@didine3131 Honda is expensive lol

[@nxgn_danzodannyfelix3427]

29 Dec 2013

[@williamwood395]

What is

[@kyugiyeneku1803]

@@williamwood395 original Release date of review

[@Thomas-tf4cm]

Boards of Canada - The Beach of Redpoint

[@mrdorifto]

What's the song used in the review?

[@not_ryuka]

it’s a boards of canada song, i know that much

[@o__c]

If you are after the one at the beginning, it's Bloc party - The pioneers M83 remix

[@Thomas-tf4cm]

Boards of Canada - The Beach of Redpoint

[@WH250398]

Really wish the 2.2 diesel wasn't taxed to hell where I live. The 1.8 petrol is an outstanding engine with plenty of power, but it lacks torque.

[@ronburgundinho3929]

Stage 1-2 map?

[@WH250398]

@@ronburgundinho3929 That would mean 190nm of torque, against 350nm of torque.

[@ronburgundinho3929]

@@WH250398 easily doable though to remap isn’t it? No idea on cost but should be worth it. I’m looking at the 2.2 now, tax is only £190 for the year.

[@WH250398]

@@ronburgundinho3929 I meant 190nm for the 1.8 petrol, when stage 1 tuned. Stock it's 174. The 2.2 diesel has 350nm, stock. The diesel simply isn't an option in the Netherlands. Taxes for a diesel are three to six times higher than an equivalent petrol car in The Netherlands, depending on its age. My 1.8 costs 600 euros per year. A 2.2 diesel would be 1780 euros per year. Yeah. The Netherlands hates diesel.

[@kdpwt]

Imperial march lmao

[@rey6450]

Out of its time

[@charisma7268]

Ahead of it times

[@user-dp8ud7yn5v]

boc

[@TruthDefender]

Creepy review

[@kdpwt]

wait why lol