Honda Civic (2012 – 2017) Review
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Honda Civic (2012 – 2017) At A Glance
Punchy and efficient diesel engines, class-leading practicality, excellent reliability record.
Interior lacks polish, rather dull to drive, petrol engines are a bit weak.
The Honda Civic is the family hatchback you buy if you’re after practicality and reliability. Launched in 2012, and facelifted in 2015, the Civic is a rival to the likes of the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra. Although the regular five-door hatchback is the volume seller, the Civic is also available as a cavernous estate (Tourer) and bonkers Type R hot hatch. All except the Type R will be cheap to run, with the diesel engines a particular high point. It’s let down by a lacklustre cabin, a so-so driving experience and some interior quality issues.
Practical, reliable and dependable. If we were writing a dating advert for the Honda Civic, these would be the first words out of the block. It’s the M&S oversized sweater of the family hatchback segment. The Sunday afternoon in front of a black and white movie.
All of which is perfectly acceptable. Some people need little more than the knowledge that a car will be totally reliable between services, not cost a packet to run, and be comfortable and quiet on the move. These people should buy a Honda Civic.
Launched in 2012, this generation of the Civic picked up where the old model left off by boasting bold and interesting styling. You won’t mistake the Civic for any other car in the segment. It’s a sector that includes sales heavyweights like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. Hats off to Honda for taking a different approach.
A facelift was rolled out in 2015, with the Civic looking even more striking. One thing was unchanged: practicality. The boot is one of the largest in its class, with the famed ‘Magic Seats’ making this a truly versatile and flexible hatchback. For even more space, you could opt for the roomy Civic Tourer (estate), but this review focuses on the hatchback.
This is a car that feels well-engineered, but it won’t impress you with its flashy interior. If you appreciate tight panel gaps and narrow shut lines, the Civic is an engineering treat. If you’re after soft-touch plastics and plush materials, this isn’t a car for you.
On the plus side, the Honda Civic offers a generous level of kit, regardless of the trim. It’s also incredibly safe, with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating to its name.
Later models come with an City-Brake Active System as standard, along with the option of a larger Driver Assistance Pack. This comprises forward-collision warning, high beam support, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and cross traffic monitor.
It’s one of the reasons why we’d recommend a post-facelift Honda Civic. The only problem is that the excellent 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine was dropped from the range and replaced by a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel. The 2.2-litre diesel is a peach, offering punchy performance, superb efficiency and smooth running. The 1.6-litre diesel is fine, but it lacks the refinement of the 2.2.
We’d avoid the 1.4-litre petrol unless you’re looking for the lowest running costs. The 1.8-litre petrol offers greater flexibility, but needs to be revved hard to get the best from it. The same is true of the bonkers Civic Type R, which is the hardcore member of the Civic range.
Elsewhere, the Civic is less memorable to drive. It’s fine, but nothing more. You just feel detached from the driving experience, which isn’t something you could say about older Civic models. It’s all very pleasant, like that aforementioned M&S sweater.
Reviews for Honda Civic (2012 – 2017)'s top 3 rivals
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Honda Civic (2012 – 2017) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.4 i-VTEC to 2.2 i-DTEC
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 27–81 mpg
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017): Handling and ride quality
The Ford Focus is the family hatchback to buy if you can’t get no satisfaction from your Honda Civic. It’s just a bit dull, with the driver feeling detached from what the car is doing.
The suspension can feel unsettled over Britain’s notoriously pockmarked roads, and while there’s plenty of grip when cornering, the steering feels vague. The Civic isn’t a bad car to drive, it’s just so unremarkable.
Which makes it all the more amazing that Honda managed to create the Civic Type R. This is the Civic with the volume turned up to 11, but while the Type R is fast, frantic and frenzied, the ride quality is bordering on painful. You might need a cushion.
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017): Engines
We’d struggle to recommend the 100PS 1.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. While it’s fine for town duties or for running a car on a strict budget, it feels underpowered in the Civic. The 142PS 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol is better in almost every way, offering more pace and more rounded performance. It needs to be revved hard to get the best from it, which won’t suit some people.
Which is where the diesel engines come in. The 150PS 2.2-litre i-DTEC is a particular highlight, offering more punch than the petrol engines, with the power delivered in a smooth and relaxed nature. It also settles to a quiet idle at motorway speeds, making this the best engine for the Civic.
Unfortunately, tougher emissions standards meant that it was replaced by a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel. It’s economical, but it lacks the refinement of the 2.2-litre. In all cases, the automatic is best avoided, as it robs the engine of power and puts a dent in the economy.
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017): Safety
The Honda Civic was awarded a five-star safety rating when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2012. The individual scores were impressive, including a strong 94 percent rating for adult occupant protection. The testers also praised the Civic for its safety assist features.
In 2014, a Driver Assistance Safety Pack was added to the range as an option. The pack includes automatic city braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition. A year later, the Honda City Brake Active became standard on all Civics.
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017): Towing
The Civic is suitable for light to medium towing duties, with a maximum towing capacity of 1400kg, depending on the engine. Avoid the 1.4-litre petrol, as capacity drops to 1200kg. Similarly, avoid the automatics, as capacity is just 1000kg. It’s worth considering the old 2.2-litre diesel, as the towing limit is slightly higher, at 1500kg.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 i-VTEC | 51–52 mpg | 13.0–13.5 s | 128–131 g/km |
| 1.6 i-DTEC | 76–79 mpg | 10.5 s | 94–98 g/km |
| 1.8 i-VTEC | 44–49 mpg | 8.7–9.6 s | 136–145 g/km |
| 1.8 i-VTEC Automatic | 44–46 mpg | 10.9–11.5 s | 148–150 g/km |
| 2.2 i-DTEC | 64–67 mpg | 8.3–8.8 s | 110–115 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Honda Civic (2012 – 2017)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
84%
Real MPG
27–81 mpg
MPGs submitted
1330
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017) interior
- Boot space is 467–1210 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4300–4370 mm |
| Width | 1770–2065 mm |
| Height | 1470–1590 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2595 mm |
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017): Practicality
A 401-litre boot makes the Honda Civic one of the most practical cars in its class. But it gets better, because the rear seat-fold mechanism is superb, creating a totally flat load space in one easy movement. Honda doesn’t call them ‘Magic Seats’ for nothing. Overall, there’s 1210 litres of space available with the rear seats folded down.
The Honda Civic Tourer is even more cavernous, making it a genuine rival to the Skoda Octavia Estate. There’s loads of room for rear-seat passengers in the Civic, with a bench that can seat three adults without a problem. Up front, the low-slung driving position feels sporty, but the deep windscreen provides a good view of the road ahead.
Only the rearward visibility lets the side down, with the split rear window restricting the view out of the back. The rear pillars are also thick, so we’d recommend a Civic with a reversing camera.
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017): Quality and finish
Quality is a bit of a mixed bag. Like other Honda models, the Civic feels exceptionally well screwed together, with tight panel gaps and a cabin that feels tight and engineered to perfection. The company doesn’t have a reputation for delivering long-lasting and reliable cars for nothing.
Even the paint quality lags behind many of the Civic’s rivals. It’s not poor quality, it just feels that way, which is a big issue when rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3 are battling for your attention.
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017): Infotainment
The infotainment system is another weak point. Don’t be fooled by the I-MID display on the spec sheet, because this is little more than a trip computer and a dated screen. Civic models without a sat-nav come with a basic radio which is controlled by physical buttons and dials. How quaint.
Models with sat-nav get a colour touchscreen, but the display looks straight out of the 1990s and the system is fiddly to use. The Android-based Honda Connect system arrived in 2015. It’s an improvement, but it still lags behind what we’ve come to expect in 2020.
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017) value for money
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017): Prices
Because the Honda Civic is a fleet favourite, there are plenty of used examples to choose from. Indeed, a 2012 example could cost as little as £4000, but you’ll have to put up with a few scrapes and scratches, plus around 150,000 miles on the clock. That said, if the car is backed by full service history, a 2012 Civic is likely to be more reliable than many rival hatchbacks.
Facelifted examples start from around £5500. Again, you’re looking at something with high mileage – 100,000 miles is typical – but these cars make more sense than an earlier example. Alternatively, you could consider a 2017 example. Some will have the remainder of Honda’s three-year warranty, with prices starting from £7500.
The latest cars cost as much as £13,500, but it’s worth noting that this is enough to secure an early example of the current Honda Civic. Whatever, we’d recommend buying a Civic via Honda’s approved used scheme, as this provides the reassurance of a 12-month warranty and a new MoT.
Civic Tourer prices are roughly in line with the hatchback, but because the estate variant wasn’t launched until 2014, the cost of entry is slightly higher. You’ll need to find at least £6000 for the practical load-lugger.
You’ll pay even more for the privilege of owning the bonkers Civic Type R. Prices start from around £18,500. This is for a 2015 example with up to 50,000 miles on the clock, so it represents a significant saving over the price when it was new.
When looking at prices, it’s worth taking into account the Honda Civic’s excellent reputation for reliability.
Honda Civic (2012 – 2017): Running Costs
The diesels are particularly good, although the official figures are based on the old NEDC testing standard, so you’re unlikely to see the same results in the real world.
The 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel offers a claimed 76.3mpg to 78.5mpg, but Honest John Real MPG data suggests the reality is closer to 65.2mpg. That’s still an impressive result. Officially, the 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel could return 64.2mpg to 67.3mpg, but you’ll see something in the region of 55mpg.
As for the petrol engines, the 1.4-litre i-VTEC is a great choice if you’ve got one eye on the fuel gauge. The official 51.4mpg to 52.3mpg is a tad unrealistic, but 44.3mpg is still a great result.
We’d prefer the flexibility of the 1.8-litre i-VTEC, which offers 40mpg, according to Real MPG data. Avoid the automatic gearbox, which reduces fuel economy by around 5mpg.
There’s no Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) to pay on a 1.6-litre diesel, but even the 2.2-litre costs just £20 a year. You’ll pay £125 a year for the 1.4-litre petrol, rising to £150 on models with larger alloy wheels. The 1.8-litre petrol costs £150 in manual form or £165 as an automatic.
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SE is the entry-level model and comes with climate control, engine stop/start (on manual models), 16-inch alloy wheels, USB port, LED daytime running lights, a rear wiper, electric windows, electric mirrors, hill start assist, an alarm and the I-MID information display.
ES models add Bluetooth, cruise control, dual zone climate control, a rear parking camera, front fog lights, automatic lights, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, a leather steering wheel, leather gear lever (on manual models only) rear armrest, auto up/down electric rear windows, ambient lighting and alloy pedals.
EX trim has leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium audio system plus HDD sat nav.
EX GT is the top model and gets a panoramic glass sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, smart entry and start, 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights with high beam assist, driver and passenger seat power lumbar support, plus an auto dimming rearview mirror. As an option there is adaptive cruise control (ACC) along with Honda's Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) which costs an extra £1900.
T Grade package is available on SE and ES models from March 2012 and adds Bluetooth plus an integrated sat nav with full European mapping and a touchscreen display It costs an extra £995.
From February 2015:
S grade features 16-inch alloy wheels, headlight auto on/off, LED daytime running lights, USB/AUX Jack (iPod compatible), one touch magic seats, power windows and heated power mirrors, alarm, immobiliser, deflation warning system, hill start assist and vehicle stability assist. In addition the all-new Honda Connect system with Navi (optional) and City Break Active system will become standard.
SE grade incorporates features found in the S grade models but adds a leather steering wheel and gear stick, parking sensors (front and rear), cruise control with speed limiter, remote retractable door mirrors, 17-inch alloys, climate control dual auto A/C.
Sport derivative to the Civic range offers distinctive alloy pedals, black roof lining, 17-inch black alloy wheels, privacy glass (rear doors and tailgate window tinted), colour-coded tailgate spoiler and unique body colour-coded lower mesh grill.
SR grade boasts ultrasonic sensors, leather interior, heated front seats, glass roof, auto dim rear view mirror (as standard), driver seat power lumbar adjust and high power audio with 8 speakers.
EX Plus tops the range with smart entry and start, passenger seat power lumbar adjust, driver seat power adjustable side support, interior clue ambient lighting, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4300–4370 mm |
| Width | 1770–2065 mm |
| Height | 1470–1590 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2595 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1184–1487 kg |
| Boot Space | 467–1210 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 90000 miles |
| Servicing | 12500 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £16,435–£27,090 |
| Insurance Groups | 5–20 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–F |
| Official MPG | 44.1–78.5 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until November 2018
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus Navi 5dr | £22,075 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC Sport 5dr | £21,515 | 76.3 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC SR Dasp 5dr | £24,690 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
On sale until September 2017
On sale until October 2015
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 i-VTEC S 100 5dr | £16,995 | 52.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.4 i-VTEC S-T 100 5dr | £17,990 | 52.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC EX Plus 120 5dr | £26,460 | 76.3 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC S 120 5dr | £20,375 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus 120 5dr | £21,960 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC SE Plus-T 120 5dr | £22,505 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC SR 120 5dr | £24,360 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC S-T 120 5dr | £20,920 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC EX Plus 142 5dr | £25,255 | 46.3 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC EX Plus 142 Automatic 5dr | £26,655 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC S 142 5dr | £19,255 | 48.7 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC S 142 Automatic 5dr | £20,670 | 44.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SE Plus 142 5dr | £20,955 | 46.3 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SE Plus 142 Automatic 5dr | £22,355 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SE Plus-T 142 5dr | £21,500 | 46.3 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SE Plus-T 142 Automatic 5dr | £22,900 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SR 142 5dr | £23,350 | 46.3 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SR 142 Automatic 5dr | £24,755 | 44.1 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC S-T 142 5dr | £19,800 | 48.7 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC S-T 142 Automatic 5dr | £21,215 | 44.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
On sale until January 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 i-VTEC SE 5dr | £16,955 | 52.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.4 i-VTEC SE-T 5dr | £17,990 | 52.3 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC ES 5dr | £20,780 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC ES-T 5dr | £21,775 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC EX 5dr | £23,585 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC SE 5dr | £19,575 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.6 i-DTEC SE-T 5dr | £20,570 | 78.5 mpg | 10.5 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC ES 5dr | £19,570 | 47.1 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC ES Automatic 5dr | £20,970 | 44.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC ES-T 5dr | £20,565 | 47.1 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC ES-T Automatic 5dr | £21,965 | 44.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC EX 5dr | £22,375 | 47.1 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC EX Automatic 5dr | £23,775 | 44.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC EX GT 5dr | £24,980 | 46.3 mpg | 9.6 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC EX GT Automatic 5dr | £26,380 | 44.1 mpg | 11.5 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SE 5dr | £18,350 | 48.7 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SE Automatic 5dr | £19,765 | 44.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SE-T 5dr | £19,345 | 48.7 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC SE-T Automatic 5dr | £20,760 | 44.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC ES 5dr | £21,680 | 67.3 mpg | 8.5 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC ES-T 5dr | £22,675 | 67.3 mpg | 8.5 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC EX 5dr | £24,485 | 67.3 mpg | 8.5 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT 5dr | £27,090 | 64.2 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC SE 5dr | £20,475 | 67.3 mpg | 8.5 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC SE-T 5dr | £21,470 | 67.3 mpg | 8.5 s |
On sale until March 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.2 i-DTEC SE 5dr | £20,300 | 67.3 mpg | 8.5 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC SE-T 5dr | £21,295 | 67.3 mpg | 8.5 s |
On sale until January 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 i-VTEC S 5dr | £16,855 | 52.3 mpg | 13.0 s |
| 1.8 i-VTEC S 5dr | £18,070 | 48.7 mpg | 8.7 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC S 5dr | £20,200 | 67.3 mpg | 8.3 s |
Model History
- July 2011: New Civic revealed
- August 2011: Civic engine details announced
- September 2011
- September 2011: Prices and specifications announced
- September 2012: Civic 1.6 i-DTEC shown for the first time
- September 2012: 'Limited Edition' Ti BTCC lookalike announced
- November 2012: 1.6 i-DTEC goes on sale
- July 2014: Civic Black Edition launched
- September 2014: Enhanced Civic revealed
- February 2015: Prices for revamped 2015 Civic announced
- January 2016: Civic Black Edition launched
- April 2016: Honda Civic Sport 1.4 i-VTEC introduced
July 2011
New Civic revealed
Honda claimed that the ninth generation Civic hatchback would offer stand-out looks combined with class-leading space for passengers and luggage – and would continue to deliver peace of mind with low running costs, through Honda’s famed and unparalleled reliability. Quality and comfort levels have improved dramatically over the outgoing model.
Honda’s new small family car was been designed exclusively for Europe and has been extensively tested on the region’s roads. It's on sale from January 2012. Honda engineers concentrated a huge amount of time and effort improving ride quality and handling of the Civic, and through significant changes to the suspension set-up they enhanced both comfort and body control.
To give customers the biggest cabin and boot space in the C-sector, the Civic retains a rear torsion beam suspension system – but the latest set-up uses clever fluid-filled compliance bushes to improve overall ride performance and handling. It has also been strengthened to give better stability, particularly at high speeds.
August 2011
Civic engine details announced
The new 2012 Honda Civic features a cleaner, more powerful and economical diesel engine to deliver lower running costs for owners. Improvements to Honda’s 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine, coupled with a low-drag body design, mean the new 2012 Civic emits only 110 g/km of CO2 – while producing a 150PS and 350Nm of torque.
This new lower CO2 figure signals a drop of 29g/km over the 2006 - 20011 Civic and enables customers to benefit from free road tax for the first year (and only £20 per year from then on), as well as cheaper fuel bills. Meanwhile, company car drivers can take advantage of BIK tax rates among the lowest for a small family car.
The improved engine also shows that customers do not need to sacrifice on power to achieve better economy – the 2.2 diesel delivers a 10PS boost over the outgoing engine.
Honda’s advanced i-DTEC engine received a number of enhancements in the quest for lower emissions. The oil flow through the engine has been carefully managed to reduce circulation loss, while engine materials and components have been revised to reduce friction. A five g/km reduction in CO2 was also achieved with the addition of Idle Stop (start/stop) technology.
Extensive wind tunnel testing was carried out to improve the car’s aerodynamics, reduce drag and refine high speed stability, all of which contribute towards lowering emissions.
September 2011
While it is an entirely new car with no common sheetmetal, the new Civic is an evolution of the 2006 Civic. The new 2012 Honda Civic offers a quieter and more refined driving experience to ensure comfortable journeys on all road conditions.
Every change was made for a reason. In project leader Takehko Masuda’s words, “form follows function”. It is much more aerodynamic than the old car with 12.6% better CDA which brings a big improvement in high speed fuel economy. It also has much better high speed stability.
At the front the grille incorporates flaps that close for engine warm up, open to cool the engine at low speeds, then close again to improve the aerodynamics at high speed. But the most important and most significant aerodynamic changes are at the rear. The spoiler is thinner and slightly lowered. The wing shaped rear lights clusters channel airflow and reduce turbulence. And small ‘spoiler’ strakes stuck to the rear sides have an important aerodynamic effect.
Visibility is better than the previous Civic, with slightly deeper side windows, and a rear wiper (at last). Suspension retains a rear torsion beam, but with oil filled bushes and softer springs to improve the ride quality. The front suspension is hung from a new square subframe.
The 2012 Civic retains the previous Civic's magic seats and the largest loadspace in its class of 470 litres. It has a line of sight digital speed display under the same cowling as the information display and satnav screen. The information display is controlled by steering wheel buttons.
The driver interface (for driving the car) and driver/passenger interface (for operating the radio, heating, airconditioning, etc.) are clearly separated.
The new 2.2 iDTEC engine offers 150PS and 110g/km CO2. The 1.8i petrol is up to 142PS, with emissions of 137g/km. And there will also be a 1.4iVTEC, with a “smaller diesel engine” arriving towards the end of 2012. Some more small details include a switchable passenger airbag and a misfuel prevention device. The third of five films on the development of the new Civic features Honda engineers discussing noise and refinement .
September 2011
Prices and specifications announced
Prices start from £16,495 OTR. Every Civic gets ECON driving mode – as seen on Jazz Hybrid and Insight – and Idle Stop (only on manual variants) to help drivers save fuel and drive down running costs.
Prices for the new 2012 Honda Civic range from £16,495 OTR for the entry-level 1.4-litre 100PS i-VTEC SE and from £26,595 OTR for the top of the range Civic 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT. The car is available in the familiar SE, ES, EX and EX GT trim levels offering customers generous equipment as standard.
Standard equipment new to the Civic includes, Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) 5-inch dashboard screen which displays relevant driving details such as mpg, the idle stop status and climate and audio settings. Other new additions include a rear wiper, daytime running lights and a headlight-off timer that maintains illumination for 15 seconds after the car is locked.
In addition, every 2012 Civic comes with Idle Stop fuel-saving technology (manual transmission only) and an ECON switch for the first time. The ECON switch is already found in the Insight and Jazz Hybrid and activating it tells the car’s management system to adopt specific settings to improve fuel consumption. It does so without affecting overall safety levels or the general usability of the car.
The entry-level SE trim also includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning and USB connectivity for compatible MP3 audio devices. However, for an extra £1,500 – making the price from £17,995 OTR – they can have the same spec but benefit from the extra performance of a 1.8-litre 142PS i-VTEC petrol engine.
Wheel and tyre sizes are 15-inch with 195/65 R15 tyres; 16-inch with 205/55 R16 tyres; 17-inch with 225/45 R17 tyres or 18-inch with 225/40 R18 tyres offering increasing levels of discomfort.
The Honda Civic SE is available with a refined, powerful 2.2-litre 150PS i-DTEC engine and costs from £20,095 OTR. All models come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. However, the 1.8-litre petrol can be specified with a five-speed automatic gearbox for an additional £1,385.
September 2012
Civic 1.6 i-DTEC shown for the first time
Honda has introduced a new 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine in the Civic hatchback. The first engine in Europe to feature Honda’s 'Earth Dreams Technology' series, it combines strong performance (120 PS) with CO2 emissions of only 94 g/km (with 16" wheels) helping the Civic to achieve a combined consumption of 78.5mpg.
September 2012
'Limited Edition' Ti BTCC lookalike announced
As before, the Civic Ti features exclusive extra kit for entusiasts who want a sportier look for their Civic. This limited edition model is available to order now and can be picked up from £16,995 OTR. Based on the 1.8 SE model, it comes with over £1,000 worth of extra equipment including colour coded wheel arches and unique 17-inch Team Dynamics ‘Le Mans’ alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres.
Inside, additions include a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob on top of the high SE specification which includes climate control, AUX and USB for an iPod, steering wheel audio controls and electric rear windows. Hands Free Bluetooth is also included in the Ti, but no satnav this time round. Honda is offering 1,000 Tis cars to UK customers in one of three colours; Milano Red, or, at an extra cost of £490, White Orchid Pearl or Alabaster Silver Metallic. The combination of high spec interior treatment and an exterior upgrade will no doubt attract customers looking for a car with sporty style.
November 2012
1.6 i-DTEC goes on sale
The new engine makes its debut in the British built Civic which will be arriving in dealerships from early next year, priced from just £19,400 and will also be making its way into the new CR-V SUV later in 2013.
The all-new powerplant has been developed exclusively for Europe, and tested extensively on a variety of roads across the continent. As with the Civic itself, the engine has been built at Honda’s state-of-the-art factory in Swindon.
This new engine catapults the Civic into the competitive corporate market, offering a ‘no compromise’ vehicle for the corporate customer. With a class-leading combination of fuel economy and performance, the new fuel-sipping Civic 1.6 i-DTEC keeps running costs low by emitting only 94 g/km meaning free road tax and with 78.5mpg on the combined cycle, it’s longer between fill ups. Combine this with a pokey 120 PS to maintain driver enjoyment and Honda’s acknowledged reputation for reliability, it’s a car which is expected to catch the eye of company car fleet managers and user choosers.
The 1.6 i-DTEC unit features a 6-speed manual gearbox and has an exact capacity of 1597cc and in the Civic offers a maximum power output of 120PS at 4,000rpm while maximum torque is 300Nm at 2,000rpm. The new variant will be available in three generously equipped trim levels. Prices will start at a very competitive £19,400 for the SE model, £20,595 for the ES and £23,175 for the top-of-the-range EX.
The specification for this trio of new variants will be identical to the equivalent 2.2-litre i-DTEC cars, but with the addition of new 16-inch alloy wheels. The 1.6 i-DTEC EX has also been enhanced with several desirable convenience features including front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and DAB digital radio
18-12-2013: Civic available with new Driver Assistance Safety Pack Is a £780 option on all SE Plus, SR and EX Plus models. The sophisticated sensor-based technologies included in the Pack help avoid a collision. The Driver Assistance Safety Pack features the following systems:- City-Brake Active System
- Forward Collision Warning
- High Beam Support System
- Traffic Sign Recognition System
- Blind Spot Information
- Cross Traffic Monitor
July 2014
Civic Black Edition launched
Available with either the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel or 1.8 i-VTEC petrol engines, it combines a number of gloss black elements including black front and side skirts plus rear bumper trim. An aluminium badge features the Black Edition logo, while there's also a gloss black roof spoiler.
September 2014
Enhanced Civic revealed
For 2015, both the Civic and Civic Tourer get a new sporty frontal design featuring new headlamps with integrated daytime running lights and a new front bumper valance. Civic hatchback also gets a new rear valence, side skirts, a rear spoiler finished in black, and LED rear combination lamps.
All 2015 models also receive a specification upgrade inside with new seat fabrics and stitching on the headrests, new door trims with chrome door handles and a control panel finished in a metallic black.
The 2015 Civic range also premieres the all-new Honda Connect in-car audio and information system. Honda Connect offers convenience and connectivity whilst on the road, with key features including; AM/FM, DAB and Internet Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, internet browsing, satellite navigation* and rear-view parking camera.
The system runs Android 4.0.4 and features the familiar pinch, swipe and tap functionality of a smartphone on a seven inch display screen.
Each model in the 2015 Civic range benefits from the addition of Honda's City- Brake Active (CTBA) system as standard. Specifically designed to help avoid or mitigate low speed accidents, the system uses radar technology to scan the road ahead, automatically applying the brakes if an imminent risk of collision is detected. The system is engineered to operate at speeds below 30 km/h.
Honda Civic Sport also announced. Based on the Civic hatchback, and powered by the 1.6-litre, 120PS diesel engine or the 1.8-litre, 142 PS petrol engine, it features a colour-coded rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels unique to the Sport Also has a Type-R-like front bumper featuring a lower grille mesh and a black roof lining for the cabin.
February 2015
Prices for revamped 2015 Civic announced
Prices for the 2015MY Civic start from a competitive £16,815 OTR for the entry level 1.4 i-VTEC manual S grade model which will include the all-new Honda Connect infotainment system.
January 2016
Civic Black Edition launched
Based on the standard 1.4 i-VTEC S manual, the new Civic Limited Edition lands in dealerships from the start of February and comes with 16-inch aero alloys, body coloured wheel arches, front panel and rear skirt to give the car a slightly more aggressive sporty look. Available in Brilliant Sporty Blue, Polished Metal, Milano Red and Crystal Black, the new car is priced at £14,995 on the road.
April 2016
Honda Civic Sport 1.4 i-VTEC introduced
The 1.4 i-VTEC Civic Sport will become the entry level product in the Civic family when it hits showrooms next month.
Priced at £18,360 OTR or £199 a month on a three year PCP deal with 5.9% APR and a deposit of £3,415, the new 1.4-litre petrol engine variant, available in manual transmission, joins the 1.6-litre, 120 PS diesel engine and the 1.8-litre, 142 PS petrol engine in the Civic Sport line up.
Specifically styled as a more sporty and aggressive version of the family hatchback , the Civic Sport features a unique colour-coded rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels and shares some of the striking design characteristics of the Civic Type R, with a lower grille mesh and a black roof lining for the cabin.
What to watch out for
One case so far of the DPF of a 2.2 i-DTEC failing to regenerate and extra fuel to regenerate it sinking into the sump, contaminating the engine oil.
26-07-2013:Report of clutch judder in 1st and 2nd in 6,500 mile 1.8i ES. Clutch and flywheel replaced under warranty.
31-12-2015:Report of Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC stopping completely in traffic. All electrics dead, including hazards. Then, after 15 minutes, okay again. Fault has repeated. I suspected the battery earth strap may have come loose.
18-07-2016:Report of failure of parking brake callipers on 2012 Honda Civic at 24,000 miles. Quoted £1000 to replace.
22-11-2016:Report of 25k miles 2012 Honda Civic parking brake giving way and car rolling into owner's garage door. Honda dealer diagnosed that rear calipers needed replacing at a cost of £859. Owner complained and Honda paid for the parts, leaving the owner to pay £150.
18-04-2017:Complaint of TPMS warnings on a 19k mile Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC constantly going off. System is very sensitive and a small disparity between two tyres can set off the warning once the tyres heat up on a motorway run.
28-06-2017:Report of 2013 Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC, never driven long distances, having DPF problems and, despite effots to clear it, needing a new DPF costing £997.
22-02-2018:Report of three clutches in 35,000 miles in 2014 Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC. All replaced FoC.
23-02-2018:Report of judder from clutch of July 2016 Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC SE Plus at 8500 miles. (Owner bought it 2nd hand at 4500 miles). Owner previously had no problems with the clutch of a Civic 1.6 i-DTEC SE plus Diesel.
29-05-2018:High oil consumption reported of 1.8 i-VTEC engine of 2012 Honda Civic at 18,000 miles.
15-12-2018:Honda dealer told owner of 2015 Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC Tourer that it needed a new DMF and clutch at 38,000 miles.
03-05-2019:Report of Honda dealer quoting £1400 for replacement Air Conditioning Compressor on a 2013 Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC ar 88,000 miles.
29-07-2019:Report of spurious rear seat belt warning display in 2012 Honda Civic. Honda dealer charged £100 for 'diagnostics' that failed to pinpoint the fault and prescribed a new dashboard head display at £1150.
15-09-2019:Report of faulty oil level sensor in 2014 Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC sending spurious warning message as the oil level was fine.
09-12-2019:Report of clutch judder first thing in the morning from Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC because moisture gets onto the flywheel. Once dried out, no further problem.
09-01-2020:Repeated failure of mounting for reversing camera of 2013 Honda Civic. Honda dealer tried bonding it back in place but this failed and is now quoting £1000 to replace it.
