That's what style will do.
There's a lot going on with this style. Like with the Toyota C-HR I reviewed recently, the Civic has a bunch of striking shape elements making up the views from virtually every angle. I guess Japanese car-makers are peeking over each others' backyard fences a lot.
Civic is one of the icon nameplates. It has reached its tenth generation by being a reliable buy for all of its iterations. It's the Corolla of Honda, if you wish, with the underpinning of Honda's engineering reputation. Though the last couple of generations didn't excite the market, so getting this one right is critical.
The engineering here is a lot of new stuff. A new platform, designed in the US where this car is the second-best seller in its class behind that afore-mentioned Corolla. New engines to the model, including the 1.0 3-pot of my review car. New electronics ranging from improved instrumentation to a rake of safety and semi-autonomous technology.
New comfort too. As long as you are supple enough to get in and out easily of what is a relatively low-slung car. Once in, the front occupants have as good a space as anywhere, while those behind have possibly exceptional legroom for the class. The hatchback provides big boot space too.
While on the boot, there's room for a spare wheel, an item which will cost €200 extra unless your dealer is prepared to sweeten a deal if you haggle. Otherwise you get a goo-sealant system to get you home after a flat.
The driving mode can be set for 'Eco', designed encourage less push-on motoring. After a day or so, I just left things in normal, liking the stimulation of giving the little engine its head from time to time.
The engine might be small, but packs 129hp out of its turbo-assisted three cylinders. It churns enthusiastically with a distinctive sound when you boot it. The 6-speed manual shift is classic Honda, tidy and seamless to operate.
There's handling capacity way beyond the one I was driving, and we'll see how that works when the even more stealth-fighter looking Type R arrives in my driveway. I did feel the car to be a tad light, but that's the way of all now in the pursuit of lower fuel consumption and emissions.
This version of the Civic may well make the diesel version a less attractive option for Irish buyers. Which is why this small capacity engine could well be a winner.
The new Civic overall has winning prospects too.
ENGINES: 1.0 129hp, 1.5 170hp petrol turbos; 1.6 diesel coming.
EQUIPMENT: Collision mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more.
PRICES: From €23,750 (Review car €26,250).
STAR RATING: 4.2/5
