4. 77.7% - Honda Civic
The second surprise to come from the result of this comparo test is where the uber popular Honda Civic ended up. At the onset of the test, a few of us guessed the final order of the cars and only one correctly positioned Canada’s favourite compact in 4th place.
How could this be?
This be because the compact segment is massively contested from a huge number of manufacturers, all betting on volume, quality, economy, and value. The Civic represents all of the above criteria; however, it truly only does one thing well and that is drive.
In other important aspects, it is no more than average. Actually, and like the Corolla, the Civic’s name is a huge part of its success.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Honda Civic
Honda tripped up when they launched the renewed 2012. Although they’ve tried to correct the car’s visual trajectory in both 2013 and 2014, the damage has been done. Not one participant in our group thought the Civic looked either good, sombre, modern or young. Most of us aren’t even sure the car looks like a Civic…
The cabin, on the other hand, is very contemporary but almost too much so. Our Touring trimmed sedan was loaded to the hilts and featured no less than three displays, one being the massive one that holds the tachometer and various driving info menus. As with all Hondas, fit and finish are good while materials feel durable. Seats are comfortable and supportive.
Driving the 2014 Honda Civic
High marks are generally always awarded to Hondas for the way they drive. The 2014 Civic gives off the impression that it is much smaller and far more nimble than its exterior and interior dimensions dictate. If it was possible to drive with ones’ eyes closed, the Civic would be tops if not near it. Kudos go to the superbly thick smaller diameter steering wheel, too.
On that note, steering is very light but highly precise. The 1.8L engine is more than adequate for daily use and powerful enough to support spirited driving. The optional CVT is, like in the Corolla, well suited to car. Its smart programming won’t peg engine revs to redline and will actually “shift” like an automatic.
The 2014 Honda Civic’s ride is right where most if not all of the compact cars should stand. Well judged between reasonable levels of comfort and grip, the Civic maintains its standing as a fine handling compact car. Thing is, there are others that manage to better on both points. Brake pedal feedback and response are very good.
The second surprise to come from the result of this comparo test is where the uber popular Honda Civic ended up. At the onset of the test, a few of us guessed the final order of the cars and only one correctly positioned Canada’s favourite compact in 4th place.
How could this be?
This be because the compact segment is massively contested from a huge number of manufacturers, all betting on volume, quality, economy, and value. The Civic represents all of the above criteria; however, it truly only does one thing well and that is drive.
In other important aspects, it is no more than average. Actually, and like the Corolla, the Civic’s name is a huge part of its success.
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| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
Inside and Out of the 2014 Honda Civic
Honda tripped up when they launched the renewed 2012. Although they’ve tried to correct the car’s visual trajectory in both 2013 and 2014, the damage has been done. Not one participant in our group thought the Civic looked either good, sombre, modern or young. Most of us aren’t even sure the car looks like a Civic…
The cabin, on the other hand, is very contemporary but almost too much so. Our Touring trimmed sedan was loaded to the hilts and featured no less than three displays, one being the massive one that holds the tachometer and various driving info menus. As with all Hondas, fit and finish are good while materials feel durable. Seats are comfortable and supportive.
Driving the 2014 Honda Civic
High marks are generally always awarded to Hondas for the way they drive. The 2014 Civic gives off the impression that it is much smaller and far more nimble than its exterior and interior dimensions dictate. If it was possible to drive with ones’ eyes closed, the Civic would be tops if not near it. Kudos go to the superbly thick smaller diameter steering wheel, too.
On that note, steering is very light but highly precise. The 1.8L engine is more than adequate for daily use and powerful enough to support spirited driving. The optional CVT is, like in the Corolla, well suited to car. Its smart programming won’t peg engine revs to redline and will actually “shift” like an automatic.
The 2014 Honda Civic’s ride is right where most if not all of the compact cars should stand. Well judged between reasonable levels of comfort and grip, the Civic maintains its standing as a fine handling compact car. Thing is, there are others that manage to better on both points. Brake pedal feedback and response are very good.