Driven in its Touring form, the Civic is an impressive machine. The 1.5 turbo is quick, pretty serene, and drones much less than the same unit in the previous-generation car. Nicely-weighted, precise steering, stable handling and a firmly-resilient ride, make the new Civic a pleasure to conduct. With the six-speed manual transmission, with a light clutch and crisp gearchanges, the 1.5T Civic is an engaging drive.

Driven briefly, the high-performance, 315 horsepower Civic R, was a delight. The term “Civilized Hooliganism” is an apt description of the Type R. The turbocharged 2L four is impressively serene in gentle driving but when full performance is requested, the zingy, rev-happy engine takes on a feral bellow that is sonically compelling. The engine sends power to the wheels via a docile clutch and gears are selected by a manual transmission with a precise, snicky, mechanical-feeling action. Despite the massive power going through the front wheels, torque-steer is not an issue but there is some ‘tramlining” effect on road imperfections due to the super-wide tires. Steering is precise and transmits road surface information to the driver very well. Handling and grip are impressive and the ride is resilient, especially considering the phenomenal handling of the Type R.

Two familiar engines, a 158 horsepower, normally-aspirated 2L, and a 1.5L turbo with 180 horsepower (200 HP on the Si) return for mainstream versions of the car. The Type R, powered by a 2L turbo four with 315 horsepower, was new for 2023 but is essentially sold out. The Honda Sensing system returns, with a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow as well as blind spot and lane departure warnings. Rear cross traffic is included on the Touring trim. The Civic is equipped with 10 airbags.

All models are equipped with L.E.D. headlamps. Except tor the Touring and the Type R, which boast an LCD gauge cluster, Civic drivers face crisply-marked conventional instrumentation. The dashboard is very horizontally oriented and is adorned with a perforated mesh grille that disguises the dash vents. The climate is controlled via three dials, and infotainment functions can be manipulated via knobs for volume and tuning and hard buttons for other functions. The interior is tastefully conservative and is constructed from attractive materials. The iOS-Android infotainment is standard on all trims; with the connection being wireless on the Touring trim, which also includes wireless cellphone charging.

Sedan: with a comprehensive active safety suite, air-conditioning and the expected power accessories, the base LX-B trim is nicely equipped and lacks nothing most potential buyers are looking for. Moving up to the EX adds alloy wheels, a sunroof, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind spot monitors, variable intermittent wipers and some minor items, but looks a bit overpriced. The Sport trim adds little of value for the money asked other than a few “sporting” style accents. However, the Touring, with the 1.5 turbo, leather seats, navigation, a Bose-branded audio system, power front seats, rear cross traffic, a TFT gauge package and larger info-screen, is exceptional value. The Si model adds 20 horsepower to the 1.5 turbo engine but curses the owner to use premium fuel, which makes the extra power like a poison chalice. Compared with the Touring, the Si lacks power front seats and navigation, but is more expensive, rendering it distinctly overpriced. Hatchback: It is only offered in Sport and Sport Touring trims. Compared with the Touring sedan, the Sport Touring hatchback is priced $3130 higher, with no additional equipment included. The Sport Touring upgrade includes the same equipment as the Touring sedan and is good value. The hyper-performance Type R is priced $13,700 more than an Si, which is not excessive given its substantially enhanced performance. However, the vehicle is essentially sold out.

Above average reliability predicted for the 2L Civic. Durability of the 1.5L turbo is uncertain and there have been complaints regarding premature wastegate failures which Honda has no interest in fixing. The turbo and intercooler are only covered for three years/60,000 kilometres.