Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda Civic review (2015-2022) – engine and gearbox

It’s clear the Type R has had a positive effect on the standard Civic’s handling, but a mini Type R this is not

Evo rating
RRP
from £18,895
  • Foolproof chassis, impressive drivetrain, plenty of space
  • Not quite as entertaining to drive as a Focus, cheap interior

The Civic is available with three engines, not including the superb Type R, made up of two petrols and a diesel. The first is a compact 1-litre triple whose induction is boosted by a turbocharger to an eyebrow-raising 127bhp, with 147lb ft of torque at 2250rpm. The other is also turbocharged – a 1.5-litre four-cylinder making 180bhp. Not long ago, that was almost Type R power – though with 177lb ft at 2250rpm, more of its performance should be accessible at day-to-day speeds.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The CDTi diesel is a 1.6-litre unit and essentially the same as the previous unit, bar some improvements in noise and vibration. Power is a leisurely 118bhp, but torque is  a more generous 221lb ft, making it an easy thing to keep moving without too much strain. A typically slick six-speed manual is standard across the range. Petrol automatics get a CVT, while a nine-speed auto will be optional on diesel models.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland

If you still think Germans don’t have a sense of humour, you haven’t driven their finest performance cars. You’d be grinning from ear to ear
18 Apr 2025