The first version of this small family hatchback was launched way back in 1972. With five decades under its belt, the Honda Civic hatchback of today is a sensible, practical family car that’s a match for all its key rivals. That competition includes cars like the Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra, as well as the Renault Megane, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3. Oh, and the Kia Ceed, Hyundai i30, and countless other family cars.
The Honda Civic is often considered a safe, reliable choice. Hondas tend to appeal to buyers that appreciate the company’s engineering pedigree. That said, there’s a wild side to this compact car, with the Honda Civic Type R, a hugely acclaimed hot hatchback. This sporty Civic model tops the trim levels, and looks every bit the racer, with overtly aerodynamic styling elements, huge alloy wheels, and a high-revving, turbocharged engine, featuring Honda’s acclaimed VTEC engine technology.
During its near 50 years of production the Civic has been available in several configurations, from three-door to five-door hatchback, saloons and even coupes. Each of the 11 generations of Civic has been a big seller in Honda’s core model range.
The Civic is built in several of Honda’s global production facilities, with around 160,000 produced in the UK at Honda’s Swindon plant, which closed in 2021.
The Swindon plant's closure underlines wider changes in the industry, and demand for the Civic, as Honda pushes to a new future of electric cars. The Civic has been around for a long time, and is likely to be so for a good while yet, but the next few generations are likely to see some big changes.
Honda Civic Generations
- Honda Civic mk11 (2022-)
- Honda Civic mk10 (2016-2022)
- Honda Civic mk9 (2011-2016)
- Honda Civic mk8 (2005-2011)
- Honda Civic mk7 (2000-2005)
- Honda Civic mk6 (1995-2000)
- Honda Civic mk5 (1991-1995)
- Honda Civic mk4 (1987-1991)
- Honda Civic mk3 (1983-1987)
- Honda Civic mk2 (1979-1983)
- Honda Civic mk1 (1972-1979)
Honda Civic mk11 (2022-)
Bodystyles:
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk11
- Regular versions get a hybrid-only powertrain
- Type R is better than ever
- Available only as a five-door hatchback
Not many cars can claim to make it to their 11th iteration, but the Civic has made that milestone. If the 10th-generation car was an exercise in restraint, the 11th-generation car took that theme even further. Only a five-door body style was offered, and all regular (non-Type R) versions were powered by the same petrol-electric hybrid system.
Happily, it’s a peach. Most of the time, the car powered purely by the electric motor, with the petrol engine only chiming in to act as a generator and top up the battery with electricity, although it can drive the wheels directly at high speeds when that’s the most efficient approach. It all works smoothly and seamlessly, thanks in no small part to its fiendishly clever transmission (we could explain how it works, but it would take us all day), so performance and refinement are both exemplary. The civic is fabulous to drive in other ways, too with a really impressive blend of comfort and agility, while the smartly-trimmed and spacious cabin make it feel even more like a grown-up and sophisticated way to travel. Overall, it’s one of the best cars of its type, maybe even the best outright.
However good the regular car, though, we’d go out on a limb and say that the Type R version of this Civic is, in the pantheon of great hot hatches, one of the best of all time. In terms of horsepower, it only has a very marginal 10bhp advantage over it’s predecessor, but it’s the way those horses are unleashed that make it truly special.
Wring its neck, and the Type R dazzles you with its brutish pace, howling soundtrack, razor-sharp cornering, immersive steering and uncanny balance. Back off, meanwhile, and the adaptive suspension keeps life comfortable and civilised, while all the onboard kit keeps it entertaining. Yes, the Type R is ludicrously expensive, but it’s utterly, utterly intoxicating.
Honda Civic mk11 review
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Honda Civic mk10 (2016-2022)
Bodystyles:
- Five-door hatchback
- Four-door saloon
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk10
- Radical styling
- No Civic hybrid model
- No estate bodystyle
- Performance Type R is one of the finest hot hatches
- Facelifted in 2020 with minor styling changes and new EX Sport Line trim
Only a few cars can claim to have been around for ten generations, and the Honda Civic is one of them. Honda’s family hatchback has matured nicely, finding its place among its countless rivals.
In this company the Honda Civic stands out, with its radical design looking sharp in comparison, which is a big part of its appeal. Available in either five-door hatchback or four-door saloon body styles, the regular Civic line-up is offered with 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre i-VTEC turbo petrol engines, with either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or 'seven-speed' CVT automatic transmission. Underlining its age in this category is the fact that Honda doesn’t offer the Civic in hybrid form – something that will be addressed when this model is replaced in 2022.
Fuel economy is still good though, with consumption figures in the mid-to-high-40mpg sphere. As with all its predecessors, the Civic offers excellent passenger and luggage space, making it one of the most practical hatchbacks in its class.
The otherwise-sensible line-up is topped by the Type R, with even wilder styling to match its increased performance, which is produced by a 2.0-litre engine with an output of 315bhp. Being the range-topping model, it has the Honda Connect infotainment system as standard, which features a 7.0-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, satnav, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Honda Connect is only offered as standard from the SR model and upwards in the regular Civic line-up.
To drive, the Civic is competent rather than scintillating (with the exception of the Type R), though there’s good refinement and the promise of Honda reliability. The cabin is a bit fussy in its styling, and that touchscreen is a bit slow to react and busy to operate. Head-turning looks count in its favour though, as does reliability and practicality, making the Civic a great all-rounder.
Honda Civic mk10 review
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Honda Civic mk9 (2011-2016)
Bodystyles:
- Five-door hatchback
- Five-door estate
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk9
- Three-door model dropped
- Estate model launched in 2014
- Facelifted in 2015 with tweaked steering and suspension
The ninth iteration of the Honda Civic was revealed in 2011. It shared a lot with its predecessor, largely because it was a re-engineered version of it, as opposed to an entirely new car. That’s no bad thing, because the eighth-generation Civic was an impressive all-round package. And so the ninth-generation model also featured a spacious, well-built interior, with a quirky style and high-mounted gearstick.
Honda added improvements to the Civic’s infotainment system, but it still lagged behind the best of its rivals for user-friendliness and connectivity. Honda improved the safety, too, with the Civic gaining a five-star result in Euro NCAP safety tests.
The engine line-up comprised 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrol choices, as well as 1.6-litre and 2.2-litre diesel offerings. The three-door version was no longer offered, with Honda only selling this Civic in five-door hatchback or the smart, and very spacious, Tourer estate guises. Even the Type R adopted the five-door body.
That Type R, dubbed the FK2, was introduced late in the Civic’s life, arriving in 2015. The wildest-looking Type R to date, the FK2 would resort to turbocharging to gain some much-needed power to keep up with its rivals, with 306bhp from a 2.0-litre engine. Despite the leap in power, it remained front-wheel drive, and broke the class Nurburgring Nordschleife lap record with a time of 7min 50sec.
Honda Civic mk9 review
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Honda Civic mk8 (2005-2011)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
- Four-door saloon
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk8
- Radical looks on hatchback models
- Hybrid saloon model also available, with very different styling
- Hatchback was facelifted in 2009 and 2011
Perhaps stung by criticism of the previous generation’s somewhat conservative styling, the eighth iteration of the Honda Civic in Europe brought a bold new look to Honda’s compact family hatchback. Other markets, like the USA and Japan, were offered a less radically styled Civic, with the European model being built on Honda’s production line in Swindon, UK. Available as either a three-door or five-door hatchback, the five-door aped the three-door model’s look by hiding the rear door handles high up in the C-pillar at the rear of the car.
A hybrid four-door model was also sold, although it was based on the Japanese model and looked almost completely different to the hatchback.
The engine choices in the hatchback included 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines, a 2.2-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre high-revving VTEC with 197bhp in the range-topping Type R. This gained even more outlandish looks to match its scintillating performance.
Like the previous-generation Civic, the eighth had a dashboard-mounted gearstick, while clever folding ‘magic’ rear seats allowed the Civic to retain its crown as one of the most practical of family hatchbacks.
During its production the Civic would receive a couple of facelifts to freshen the looks, notably revisions to the front grille and the addition of some body-coloured trim.
Honda Civic mk8 review
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Honda Civic mk7 (2000-2005)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
- Two-door coupe
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk7
- New boxy look made for a spacious, practical interior
- Sporty Type R introduced to the UK for the first time in 2001
- Facelifted in 2004 with tweaks to headlights and interior
Honda introduced an all-new Civic for the new millennium. Focussing on interior space and practicality the seventh-generation Civic was a near monobox shape, its proportions similar to some compact MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles). What it lost in looks it gained in space, and was the most practical and spacious Civic to date. Honda designing the platform with a flat rear floor to maximise passenger and luggage room.
Like its predecessors it was offered in three-door and five-door hatchback forms, as well as a two-door coupe. There was no estate choice, as Honda at the time offered the Stream MPV instead, a seven-seat MPV for those with the need for more space and seating.
The seventh-generation model had a smart interior, notable for having its gearshift lever positioned high up in the dashboard. The petrol engine line-up comprised 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol units, with a 1.7-litre diesel also available.
This generation of Civic was the first to be offered in the UK in range-topping Type R form – the EP3. It was based on the three-door body and fitted with a 2.0-litre VTEC engine with 197bhp.
Honda Civic mk6 (1995-2000)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
- Two-door coupe
- Four-door saloon
- Five-door estate
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk6
- A range of bodystyles launched to suit different needs
- Diesel engine introduced for the first time
- Facelifted in 1999
Despite slightly conservative styling, with the sixth Civic, Honda’s formula for the car proved a successful one: in 1995, this model’s launch year, Honda celebrated the 10 millionth Civic produced worldwide. Given that in the same year Honda celebrated building its 30 millionth production car, the Civic’s pivotal role in the company's success is clear.
Available in three-door and five-door hatchback form, as well as a two-door coupe, four-door saloon and the Aerodeck estate model, the mk6 Civic would come with 1.4-litre, 1.5-litre, 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines, with power ranging from 74bhp to 166bhp. With this generation, Honda also offered a 2.0-litre diesel engine.
For many, the 1995 sixth-generation Civic will always be remembered for being the version that introduced the high-performance Type R model to the line... but not officially to the UK. The Type R, known to enthusiasts as the EK9, arrived in Japan in 1997, and featured a high revving 182bhp, 1.6-litre VTEC engine in a three-door body. A good number reached these shores via private imports, and the legend of the Type R was born.
Honda Civic mk5 (1991-1995)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Four-door saloon
- Five-door hatchback
- Two-door coupe
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk5
- The first Civic to be equipped with airbags
- Won Japanese Car of the Year
Fuel efficiency was one of the key features of the Civic in its fifth generation, and Honda retained the wind-cheating wedge shape introduced in the previous model, albeit in a smoother form. This generation also saw Honda make suspension revisions to increase ride comfort, though it continued to offer sporty models in the VTi trim. Other trims included DX, LSi, VEi and ESi, powered by a variety of Honda’s fuel-efficient engines, ranging from 1.3-litres to 1.6-litres, with power between 90 and 125bhp (and up to 158bhp in VTi models).
Three-door hatchback and four-door saloon models were offered, with Honda also building this generation of Civic as a smartly styled – if not particularly sporty – coupe. This generation of Civic was the first to be equipped with airbags. It won the Japanese Car of the Year at launch, the second time the Civic had won the award.
Honda Civic mk4 (1987-1991)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door estate
- Four-door saloon
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk4
- Larger than the car it replaced
- First introduction of Honda's VTEC technology
- Improved suspension meant more driver fun, and led to sporty VTi version
- Saloon added in 1989
- Estate version known as the Civic Shuttle
- Coupe model badged CRX
As with previous Civics, the fourth-generation car grew a little bit. It had a longer wheelbase and softened the edges of its wedge shape.
This generation would see the introduction of Honda’s VTEC (Variable valve Timing and lift Electronic Control) technology, a system Honda had developed to allow good consumption at lower revs, and higher performance at greater engine speeds. It's a technology that Honda still uses today.
VTEC-equipped engines were reserved for the higher power, more sporty and highest-specification Civic models, with the bulk of Civic buyers opting for the base 1.3-litre engine. With double-wishbone suspension at the front, the Civic in its fourth generation proved an enjoyable driver’s car – something that Honda built upon with the more sporty VTi version.
Honda Civic mk3 (1983-1987)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Four-door saloon
- Five-door estate
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk3
- Overhauled looks saw an edgy, sharp style developed
- Civic Shuttle estate car added, with spacious MPV-like qualities
- Facelifted in 1986 with revised lights
The third incarnation of the Civic could only have been designed in the 1980s. It shunned the more rounded style of its predecessors, adopting instead a strikingly edgy look, with sharp detailing. That was no more obvious than in its three-door hatchback guise, which had a wedge-like shape very different to its rivals. A five-door model wasn't offered.
A saloon was available (shared with British Leyland/Rover as the 200 series), while Honda spun more sporty CRX coupe models off the Civic platform, using most of the same mechanicals. Honda also added the Civic Shuttle, a taller hatchback that had MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) looks, usefulness and proportions.
Power came from a choice of 1.2-litre and 1.3-litre engines, with between 54bhp and 69bhp. This series of Civic saw the introduction of Honda’s D Series engine, which included a 1.5-litre version. In some markets, the Civic was offered with a push-button-operated four-wheel-drive system, though it wasn’t sold in the UK.
Minor revisions would be made throughout its four-year production cycle, with the recessed headlights being replaced by flush-mounted units in 1986.
Honda Civic mk2 (1979-1983)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk2
- Larger than previous model
- A saloon model was made, but only sold as the Triumph Acclaim in Europe
- Facelifted in 1980 and 1982, with tweaked looks and new headlights
The mk2 Civic continued the ethos of its predecessor when it was introduced late in 1979. Building on the attractive low running costs of the mk1, Honda increased the Civic’s appeal by increasing its dimensions to give it an even more spacious cabin.
The hatchback remained the big seller; while a saloon model was also offered, with a proper three-box shape, it was only sold in the UK as a Triumph Acclaim, after a cooperation agreement was struck between Honda and British Leyland.
In the UK the Civic hatchback was offered with a 1.3-litre, 59bhp, four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 1.5-litre model producing 69bhp. The base models featured a four-speed manual transmission, the more powerful models gaining an extra gear as standard, with an automatic offered optionally. Minor changes were made throughout the Civic's four years of production, with a slight facelift in the early 80s seeing the Civic adopt plastic bumpers and trim, as well as replacing the round, recessed headlights with rectangular ones.
Honda Civic mk1 (1972-1979)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
- Two-door saloon
Notable features and facelifts of the Honda Civic mk1
- Launched as a two-door, with three-door and five-door models following
- Particularly notable for its super-efficient engine
- Faux wood on dashboard would inspire the electric Honda E
Honda’s timing with the introduction of the Civic couldn’t have been better. The compact, fuel-efficient car arrived just before the global oil crisis, which saw consumers looking for smaller more, economical cars with better mpg.
By today’s standards, the original Civic was tiny, but its small footprint didn’t mean an overly compromised interior, and it could carry four in relative comfort. The hatchback model also offered the useful option to fold down the rear backrest.
Honda hadn’t actually been a car manufacturer very long when the Civic was introduced. The company was the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer, having only started producing cars a decade previously, in the early '60s.
The Civic replaced the N600, which was actually built to Japan's tiny Kei car standards, though Honda packed a lot of advanced technology into the Civic. It featured the same transverse (sideways) engine position and front-wheel drive, as well as disc brakes, independent suspension and, from late ’73, a 1.5-litre CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) four-cylinder engine, which allowed it to pass various strict global emissions requirements without requiring a heavy, expensive catalytic convertor. Usefully, the early Civic could be run on either leaded or unleaded petrol, which was very unusual at the time.
Changes throughout its production run would see the Civic gain bigger bumpers in 1974, as well as the choice of a five-speed manual transmission, with options like air conditioning and a semi-automatic gearbox. The first Civic set the scene for innovative engineering and clever packaging that would be the trademark of the generations that followed it.