A lot has been said about the Civic since its 2012 model-year redesign. The media criticized the car for not having changed enough compared to the last-generation model, especially since the competition is coming up with much-improved machinery.
|
| The Civic’s production has been handicapped this year by disasters in Japan and Thailand. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
The
Hyundai Elantra is one of them. In a cat fight with the Civic since last spring for the bestselling car in Canada title, the Elantra is a total departure from the previous version, and Canadians quickly adopted its striking bodywork and well-appointed interior.
Yet despite the earthquake in Japan and the flooding in Thailand, which have both taken a toll on the Civic’s production in Canada and in the US, it’s still ahead by a couple of thousand units, and should retain its bestselling crown for a 14th consecutive year.
Why? Because even though you won’t be buying the most exciting car in the compact category, purchasing a Honda Civic is a no-risk choice. Don’t look for direct injection, blind-spot monitors or a complex infotainment system; the Civic delivers on what counts: reliability, high resale value, low maintenance costs and great fuel economy.
Comfortable and airy cockpit
If you have a successful car on your hands, you shouldn’t mess it up, and Honda didn’t. As with the previous-gen Civic, occupants benefit from a cockpit that feels bigger than it actually is. You sit low in the Civic, while the expansive use of glass allows a great view of the road ahead and excellent rearward visibility, too.
While most manufacturers are switching to a rougher, more rugged seat fabric, Honda continues to offer mouse-fur upholstery, which is a nice touch. Said seats are supportive, perfectly bolstered for long rides and despite their minimal adjustment possibilities, they prove comfortable for just about anyone.
 |
| The cockpit feels bigger than it really is, and outward visibility is excellent. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
