1.4i-DSI SE 5dr

Practical, fun to drive - but not on hills!

Many reviews suggested that the 1.4i-DSI engine, found in the Jazz, is underpowered in the heavier Civic. To an extent, they are correct. On holidays around Snowdonia with myself, a companion, our relatively modest luggage on the back seats and a Labrador in the boot, the Civic struggles on the steep inclines.

In all other circumstances, though it is excellent. The engine is quiet and fairly economical (I average 45mpg purely urban, 53mpg on weeks when I drive mainly on motorways). It's nippy enough in town, happy cruising on a motorway and a lot of fun on twisty b-roads. The boot is a good size; mine came with a space saver tyre which still leaves a little room in the underfloor storage. I'm 6ft tall and I can comfortably sit behind myself, though the inability to put your feet under the front seats may be annoying to some, as might the unusually shaped rear doors. The rear seats fold completely flat, they also lift up to allow you to put tall items in the rear passenger area - it's not a feature that I use regularly but it is handy when you need it.

It lacks a couple of the features you find the higher models; Bluetooth and auxiliary inputs are lacking, but you can find a Bluetooth/aux/USB device with that plugs into your cigarette lighter socket online. There's no cruise control, heated seats, dual climate control or voice control, but I couldn't say that I missed having these features.

I bought the Civic at 8 years with 75k miles. It's now 12 years old with 110k. In its time with me it's had a new clutch (£450), new brake sensors (£200) and the air conditioning compressor has failed (not repaired yet, but estimated £600+) [air conditioning failure is often fixed by changing a relay]. It has also had new tyres, brakes and exhaust but that's par for the course. Otherwise, it's been a very reliable car and I've found insurance, tax, fuel and repairs to be cheaper than my previous car, a 1.1l Citroen. C3.

Overall, it's a good car. Good looking, good to drive (providing you avoid hills and don't speed on the motorway), practical and economical. I'd recommend it.

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