2013 Honda Civic ES-T 1.6 i-DTEC turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

You will not regret getting a new Civic 1.6 diesel

Faults:

Nothing to date.

General Comments:

These are great cars. I have the 1.6 diesel and it is very nippy, but gets great economy; the best I've averaged so far in 11k miles is 77 MPG (based on brim to brim calculations); this was with 'super' diesel, which does seem to increase MPG. Typically it averages about 68 MPG (the trip computer often shows 80+ MPG) with regular diesel, but for some reason Shell diesel seems better for the economy.

It rides and handles well in 'real world' conditions, and the split rear window really isn't a problem; I'd even miss it as it cuts out headlight glare from cars behind.

The car is quiet and refined on journeys, despite what some magazines say, as the car has a very low drag coefficient, which really isolates you from the outside world with little to no wind noise, and muted tyre noise. The 1.6 diesel hardly loses any performance to the 2.2, but the much better economy and the free road tax is a bonus.

My only niggles are the driver's armrest on the door is not padded, so can get uncomfortable for the elbow on long journeys, and if I was being really picky, the seats could be a bit more comfortable on long journeys. Even though it has a useful reversing camera, there are no rear sensors on my model, which would be handy as it's difficult to know where the rear is when reversing.

I haven't visited the dealer yet, but will do so soon for its first 12.5k service; it is included in my lease deal, so should be free! The car has used no oil so far, which is unusual with new engines; it is now starting to loosen up nicely in fact.

The boot is excellent, the seats fold totally flat, and it's surprising what the under floor storage compartment will hold. I'd recommend at least the ES trim as you get everything you need such as dual zone climate etc. I have the optional T model, which adds sat nav, which is very easy to use. Of course if you have no need for sat nav, then the ES is the pick I'd say; the EX model will add leather, heated seats and reversing sensors.

In summary, a very easy car to live with and a pleasant place to while away long journeys, all in a car that is refreshingly different to the numerous Golfs and Focuses one sees everywhere.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2014

6th Oct 2016, 18:52

Original poster here, just an update. The car is now on 60k miles and has been excellent. No issues at all, never missed a beat and consistently averages about 65 MPG (brim to brim calculation), the best has been 77 MPG, the worst 59 calculated the same way. The car uses no oil between the 12.5k service intervals.

Still on original rear tyres (probably change them in the next 1k miles or so) and the fronts lasted 47k miles. Rear pads were changed at the 37.5 k service, apparently it's a quirk of these cars that they need replacing before the fronts, but it's still on original front pads and they still seem to have a good few thousand miles left in them.

No rattles, squeaks of any kind and still feels tight. Boot holds a surprising amount, especially with the seats folded, I've had an old fire, single bed, mattress and large flat pack in the back (I did have to use bungees to hold boot down with the bed however!).

2013 Honda Civic LX from North America

Summary:

Disappointing

Faults:

The fan blower motor has a high pitched sound. Took it to the dealer and they replaced it; however they replaced it in a way that made the noise louder. Contacted Honda Canada and discovered that they were willing to do very little, and once you contact them, until the matter is resolved you MUST continue to speak with the initial service agent that took the call (mine was a person who was unwilling to listen and constantly talked over me... sorry, but it's true).

I wash my car weekly at the car wash and always have; however this car at 5 months is covered with scratch marks. None of the other Civics I owned had this problem. In my opinion this will be my last Honda. It was my first brand new Honda, and they have really disappointed this owner.

General Comments:

Car is peppy enough, and like most Hondas, it's good on gas. Beyond that, not much to say. Sorry Honda, loved you, but got to leave you now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st April, 2014

14th Feb 2017, 22:56

I'm under the impression, Honda is in a low quality period since this last Civic model. It still sells well, but the quality went down compared to previous generations. It happens to all car makers (think Mercedes from 1995-2005 or even Toyota from 1995-2000). It's simply a matter of management; when the management hires new people, the product can go either better or worse. I drove the latest Civic and I was surprised by the low quality inside the cabin. Driving doesn't feel at all like a typical Honda. People buy this because of low cost and 'supposed' reliability. But when you look how cheap the cabin materials are, you are justified to worry about the quality of all other car components. Time will tell, but I won't buy a Civic at this time. I'd look into the Mazda 3 and Corolla.