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Honda Civic 2014 review

Hatchback Petrol

Honda Civic 2014 — front three-quarter view

Overview

The ninth-generation Civic hatchback was always the left-field choice in the family-hatch class, and the facelift sharpened that appeal without changing its core strengths. Built in Swindon, it pairs a distinctive, almost coupe-like silhouette with a genuinely clever cabin, and the SR trim adds the leather, glass roof and safety kit that make it feel a class above its price on the used market.

A dating note matters for shoppers: the facelift was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014 but only went on UK sale in March 2015. A car first registered in 2014 will therefore usually be the pre-facelift shape, while facelift SR cars like the one covered here carry 2015 plates. The engine, boot and cabin strengths below describe the facelift-era SR (DASP) car, so check the individual car against its registration date rather than assuming every 2014 listing is a facelift car.

On the road, the 1.8 i-VTEC is an old-school Honda petrol: smooth, free-revving and happiest when worked, paired with a slick six-speed manual that is one of the best in the class. It is not a low-down torque engine, so relaxed motorway cruising is easy but brisk overtakes need a downchange or two. The trade-off is proven, chain-driven simplicity and running costs that remain modest for a 142 PS family hatch.

Practicality is where this Civic still wins arguments. The boot is large for the class at 467 litres on this SR (DASP) listing, the rear doors open almost square, and the Magic Seats turn the back of the car into a tall-load carrier that rivals cannot match. Rear headroom under the sloping roof and the split rear window visibility are the compromises, so tall rear passengers and parking in tight streets deserve a test-drive check.

UK price from: £23,220

Specifications

Engine	1,798cc R18Z4 petrol, 4-cylinder
Power	142 PS (140 bhp)
Torque	174 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
0-62 mph	9.1 seconds (reported)
Top speed	134 mph
Fuel economy (NEDC combined)	46 mpg
CO2 emissions (NEDC)	145 g/km
Gearbox	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Boot space	467 litres
Kerb weight	1,271 kg
Fuel tank	50 litres
Length	4,370 mm
Insurance group	14
Euro NCAP rating	5 stars (tested 2012, 9th-generation hatch)

Features

Honda Connect touchscreen infotainment with Garmin sat-nav, DAB, Bluetooth and MirrorLink
Rear parking camera plus front and rear parking sensors
Leather upholstery with heated front seats and driver electric lumbar adjustment
Panoramic glass roof (SR)
17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, auto headlights and wipers
Honda Magic Seats: rear seat bases flip up for tall loads and backrests fold flat
DASP safety kit: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot information, traffic sign recognition, city safety braking and cross-traffic monitor
Cruise control with speed limiter, hill-start assist and climate control

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (pair)	£33	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
Front brake discs (pair)	£68	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
Rear brake pads (pair)	£28	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
Oil filter	£12	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
Air filter	£16	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified
12V battery	£115	Typical UK pattern-part retail estimate, parts only excl. fitting, not catalogue-verified

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Class-leading boot and Magic Seat versatility
Smooth, proven 1.8 petrol with a superb manual gearbox
Strong safety record: five-star Euro NCAP (2012) plus DASP kit on this trim
Low insurance group (14) and reasonable 46 mpg combined (NEDC)
Swindon-built, well-equipped SR spec: leather, camera, sensors and glass roof included

Cons

Engine needs revving, with little low-down pull compared with modern turbos
Rear headroom is tight for tall adults and rear visibility is compromised by the split tailgate glass
Early Honda Connect touchscreen can feel slow and dated versus rival systems
Firm-ish ride on 17-inch wheels, and cabin plastics are durable rather than plush

Frequently asked questions

Is this the facelift Honda Civic?

This guide covers the facelift era: unveiled in October 2014 and on UK sale in March 2015. A 2014-registered car will usually be the pre-facelift shape, while facelift SR cars carry 2015 plates. Check the individual car, its lights and grille, and its registration date.

Is the Honda Civic 1.8 petrol reliable?

Generally yes: the 1.8 i-VTEC is a chain-driven, naturally aspirated unit with a strong reputation. Buy on full service history, not reputation alone, and test the touchscreen, camera and DASP sensors.

What mpg will a 1.8 i-VTEC SR really do?

Official combined is 46 mpg on the NEDC cycle. Expect low 40s in mixed real-world use, and less on short urban trips.

Does the SR have a reversing camera?

Yes on facelift SR: a rear parking camera plus front and rear sensors are listed as standard equipment.

Is the Civic 1.8 ULEZ compliant?

It is a Euro 6 petrol, so it meets the standard ULEZ petrol criterion. Always confirm a specific car by registration or VIN, as this guide did not verify an individual vehicle.