The Honda Civic is a sophisticated sedan that looks striking and sporty. It's a more affordable alternative to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, and offers much of the same in terms of space, safety, and modern convenience features, and everything is included in the price. Price wise, the entry-level Honda Civic sedan actually competes with the Toyota Corolla Sedan while the turbocharged models take on BMW's 2 Series and the Audi A3 sedan.
The tenth-generation Civic was introduced in June 2019 and hasn't enjoyed stellar sales success, which is a bit of a shame, as it's a great vehicle to own.
If you've already decided that the Civic is the one, you're probably wondering which engine you should you opt for. (All transmissions are CVT.) Can you get away with spending less?
Take a look at the engine specs below and decide for yourself:
| Honda Civic 1.8 | Honda Civic 1.5T |
| 104kW | 127kW |
| 174Nm | 220Nm |
| Average fuel consumption: 6.3 litres per 100km | 5.9 litres per 100km |
| 746 km range | 797 km range |
| 0-100 km/h in 10.1 sec | 0-100 km in 8.3 sec |
Verdict — is it worth spending the extra money on the turbocharged model?
It's not rocket science to conclude that the 1.5T which is more powerful, yet uses less fuel, is the most efficient. However, turbocharged engines are more complex than naturally aspirated ones, and therefore the 1.8 is perhaps a better long-term investment.
While everyone's top choice would be the 1.5T Sport or Elegance model, financially, it's a long stretch from the entry-level 1.8 model to the turbocharged models. The 1.8 is a great engine and there's more than enough power on tap. This proven engine is no stranger to the Honda line-up and also does duty in many other Hondas, including the HR-V. If you look at its performance figures, it's not that much slower, either. Also, the figures above do not reflect real-life driving conditions, and your own driving style will also be a deciding factor when it comes to efficiency.
The Civic sedan in 1.8 Elegance trim offers you the best value for money overall.
Pricing
Honda Civic sedan 1.8 Comfort, R419 500
Honda Civic sedan 1.8 Elegance, R470 100
Honda Civic sedan 1.5T Sport, R546 200
Honda Civic sedan 1.5T Executive, R584 100 (prices correct on the day this article was published, but may increase without prior notice)
