The company line
Honda imports two variants: the L, with 16-inch wheels, and the S, with larger alloys and a premium sound system, a reverse camera and heated leather seats.
Honda aims to pitch Civic hatch as the driver's choice when it goes on sale on July 27 from $32,900, with the Insight hybrid electric for those more eco-minded.
What we say
Honda research and development chief Katsushi Watanabe may employ dynamic and energetic watchwords, but our launch drive suggested Civic is anything but. However, it is very well designed for everydayliving, my favourite feature being the clever back seats. You can fold up the bases to liberate space for low-loading heavy items or to accommodate your big dog. Or fold the seatbacks in one easy movement, the bases sinking to deliver a flat load floor and expanding the boot's standard 400 litres to a capacious 1210.
Fuel-frugal is a favoured Honda catchcry. This car even trains you to drive more economically, with an eco button altering engine and cruise control response, plus climate control. It also changes the instrument lights to signal green or blue, according to your throttle action.
On the road
Performance didn't quite match the sharp looks, The engine is competent rather than lively, and sometimes feels it needs another open-road cruising gear, while the steering felt as light and lifeless as a cheap arcade game. That will bother a keen driver, but not the everyday punter seeking a sensible runabout in a sharp suit.
However, the suspension seemed efficient enough, as a result of tweaks to improve the sport-comfort ride compromise and cornering stability.
Why you'll buy one
Sharp looks inside and out that reference attack planes; super-flexible rear seats/boot; and it's quiet.
Why you won't?
It doesn't drive as energetically as it looks.