Honda Civic Hatchback 1.8 i-VTEC EX 5d (2006/55) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
I've just seen BMW's advert for it's new 5 series and thought "hmm... got all of that on my Civic". Quality is exceptional as is the equipment levels. No other car in its bracket can boast the features that this car has as standard for the same price.
Costs
Since I've gone for Honda Happiness which gives me 5 years servicing (including all parts and labour) for 5 years - what else could I want ? Plus a 3 year warrantee.
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On the road
Driving
I love the high seating position. The steering is exceptionally direct. It sits very nicely on the motorway. It's a real mile-eater. The suspension is rather hard though and has you feeling every bump and pot hole you drive over.
Performance
The 1.8 VTEC is very punchy but I've found to get the most from it I have to change down a gear. 0-60 is very quick and I have to say that the figure of 8.6-8.9 quoted by Honda seems conservative to me. I think it's quicker.
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Living with it
Reliability
After 3 days the driver's side exhaust has started to rattle at start-up. Minor point considering this is a totally new model and apart from that 100% perfect. However as I've come from a previous Honda Civic I know what to expect; no trouble.
Image
Wow factor to maximum. So far everyone at work has commented on it. Even my son's acquaintances on the street we live on have asked about it and said it looks amazing. What can I say? Well done Honda!
Comfort
I had a 1999 Civic (not the last shape but the one before it, aka Rover 400) and I thought that was comfortable with great seats which didn't give backache on long journeys. I was wrong. The new Civic's front seats are nothing short of wonderful.
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Security and Service
Security
Deadlocks, alarm, audio system built into the dashboard - I defy anyone to get that out inside of an hour - and even if they did it's security coded. I can't think of anything else I'd like apart from a couple of guard dogs in the boot as standard.
Service
Wonderful, fantastic, it's a Honda dealership.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Driver's side exhaust has started to rattle.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes