2020 Honda Civic Review: The 4-door Benchmark

I’m undecided as to whether I like how the 2020 Honda Civic hatchback or how the sedan looks like. All I know right know is that the sedan is an acceptable option and Honda has definitely proven once again that they can keep up with the competition by producing safe, economical and reliable vehicles.

There’s a reason the Civic is a perennial best-seller for Honda; nothing else in the automaker’s line-up quite epitomizes its combination of practicality, attainable refinement, and uncontroversial good looks. In the case of the 2020 Civic, a recent refresh sets it up to better fend off rivals like Toyota’s Corolla and Hyundai’s Elantra.

Let’s get you inside. The interior design of the Honda Civic is made up of high-quality materials and has that executive touch with a comforting ergonomic design. The overall design is uncluttered and makes great use of the space that’s available in the car. There is one hinderance though, I found that the placement of the USB port was located poorly and having one port was rather limiting, especially if you’re not alone in car and your mobile devices are running low.

Surprisingly, the new Civic has very low cabin noise due to its improved sound proofing and noise insulation on the doors – a much needed improvement. On the comfort front, the back seats have ample space suitable for a tall individual, better yet, three adults can fit comfortably in the rear.

The Honda Civic has some really good safety and tech features that also add to driver safety and convenience whilst driving in comfort. The seven inch-touch LCD display is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready. The media can also be controlled via the multi-function steering wheel. The Civic also has smart key that allows for an easier way to enter the vehicle. The most impressive being the walk away auto lock feature that works in hand with the smart key. Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive cruise control with low speed following, collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning are just some of the features that are available with the Honda Civic.

The exterior design of the 2020 Honda Civic Sport gives off a rather sportier feel, compared to the actual drive. Here’s what we mean; The lines are slightly exaggerated but that’s typical of modern Japanese design language. The boot spoiler is something that I had to get used to as it adds some sort of panache to the Civic. The coupé like design of the sloping roof line does add some sleekness to the vehicle. I enjoyed the detailing in the headlamps and rear lights which is something you really need to look at to appreciate.

The Honda Civic has a 1.5l turbo charged engine that pushes out 127kW and 220Nm of torque and has been paired with a CVT transmission. The CVT transmission works well in this model and really shows of its smoothness in city driving.

There’s a lot to be said for predictability when you’re buying a family car like the Civic: being able to hit the start button and know pretty much exactly what you’re going to get, day in and day out. That’s where Honda originally hung its hat with the Civic, and several generations later, this newest Civic carries the baton with a well deserved poise.

Good performance, lashings of practicality and cabin space, and more than ample active safety tech see Honda doubling-down on everything that has made the Civic a best-seller.

The recommended retail pricing for the Honda Civic 1.5T Sport starts at R527 690 which includes a five-year/200,000 km warranty, a five-year/90,000 km service plan, as well as three years of AA Roadside Assistance. Would you consider the Civic? Let us know in the comments below.

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