Honda Civic Saloon (2018 – 2020) Review

Honda Civic Saloon (2018 – 2020) Verdict

More comfortable ride than the hatchback. Available with new nine-speed automatic gearbox

Rear headroom is tight for taller passengers due to sloping roofline. Infotainment system is clunky and fiddly. No 1.5 VTEC engine.

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Honda Civic Saloon (2018 – 2020) handling and engines

• Engines range from 1.0T VTEC to 1.6 i-DTEC Automatic
• Readers report Real MPG to be between 35–80 mpg

The Civic Saloon is the more comfortable relation to the standard hatchback. The softer suspension set-up means it deals better when it comes to rough roads and uneven surfaces - where the hatchback tends to thump over potholes, the saloon is a bit more composed.

Impressively this doesn't come at the expense of handling. True, it's not as sharp as the hatchback, but in isolation you're not going to notice this. It corners tidily with good body control and the steering is precise and responsive.

This is helped by the new rear multi-link suspension set-up, shared with the hatchback, along with a new rigid subframe. What the saloon doesn't have is the adaptive dampers from higher-spec hatchback models.

Despite that, the standard set up is well balance. It makes for an enjoyable and easy car to drive, but it's real forte is as a long distance car. Fitted with the 1.6 i-DTEC engine, which should be returning mpg figures in the mid 50s in real world driving, you can happily cover big miles in comfort.

The diesel performs well enough and is quiet once up to speed too, albeit a little noisy if you push it hard. But the six-speed manual is precise with a snappy shift.

The good news is that if you don't need a diesel, Honda's petrol VTEC engine is one of the best around. The 1.5 VTEC Turbo isn't available in the saloon, but we've always rated the 1.0-litre as the better choice anyway.

With strong performance and impressive refinement for a three-cylinder engine, the 1.0 VTEC is only matched by Ford's 1.0 EcoBoost in our opinion. While 129PS may not be much to write home about, the engine always feels eager and the turbocharger means it pulls really well in-gear. We'd avoid the CVT though unless it's essential you have an automatic. The six-speed manual is far better.

Honda Civic Saloon (2018 – 2020) interior

With a low driving position and plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, the Civic is easy to get comfortable in.

Room in the back isn't so good though. While there's plenty of legroom, head space is tight for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline and the middle seat is narrow and firm. That said, for two children or teenagers, the back seats should prove more than adequate.

The boot is of course what sets this apart from the hatchback. It actually offers more overall space with 519 litres (compared to 478 litres) with a good length and a fairly wide opening. Obviously its not as practical as the hatch and the high boot lip doesn't help, but you can still get plenty in there such as a pushchair.

One thing that really frustrates is the Honda Connect system. We've mentioned this before on other Honda models and as time passes, it's not getting better with age. It's slow to respond, looks dated and is all a bit clunky.

Compare it to what you get in a Volkswagen and it's far from user-friendly. On the plus side, it does have a 7.0 inch touchscreen and gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It's the small things that are annoying. So there's no dial for turning the volume down - instead it's a touch button on the screen which is fiddly to use. Meanwhile, changing the fan speed has to be done via a menu in the touchscreen.

On the plus side, the interior of the Civic is well finished and solid, with a nice feel to all the controls and switches. It feels like a car that's designed to last. 

There's plenty of handy storage too with big door pockets and a huge box under the centre armrest that you can throw everything in. Under the centre console there's more hidden storage plus a hard-to-find USB socket.

Standard equipment from launch:

SE models have Honda SENSING safety features, collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. The petrol CVT and diesel automatic both come with low speed following. 

SR adds rain sensing auto wipers, dual climate control air conditioning, parking sensors and Honda CONNECT (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a rear parking camera.

EX trim gets leather seats, smart entry and start, LED headlights with washers, LED fog lights, wireless phone charging and heated rear seats. 

Honda Civic Saloon (2018 – 2020) models and specs