[SmartCat]

Not sure if it counts for much, but the latest gen Honda Civic is the 2nd most instagrammed car in the world!
https://jalopnik.com/the-second-most...-ho-1834165316

[vipul_singh]

I might do a more detailed review later on, but I feel like I need to warn buyers against the noisy 17" tyres on the ZX petrol. I have had to order a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4, as the OE Tyres proved to be way noisier than the XM2s in the Palio and City, and a bit noisier than even 4 year old Goodyear Assurance on the Jazz. A ~40k expense I had not planned for!

Other than this, I am happy with the car.

[AYP]

A comparison between the Octavia petrol AT vs Civic AT by Autocar-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoxDU-vEJhA

[pavi]

Originally Posted by AYP

A comparison between the Octavia petrol AT vs Civic AT by Autocar-

The verdict was quite surprising (in a good way). Usually most reviews end up selecting the latest entrant, but for a change that too from autocar, the selection was proper. Even though most mention the new Civic as a looker, I just love the Octavia’s looks and stance.

[hiren.mistry]

I was sure that the Octavia would come up trumps when it comes to power, gearbox and dynamic abilities. But what took me by surprise was the the OCtavia is significantly more fuel efficient compared to the Civic. Having a bigger boot and well appointed interiors make it a bonus.

The L&K version is considerably more expensive than the Civic but the Style variant has all the necessary goodies at a affordable entry point. Carwale site list the Style 1.8 TSI AT at around 24L OTR. I would love to own the Octy but it is way out of my budget.

[for_cars1]

Originally Posted by pavi

... Usually most reviews end up selecting the latest entrant, but for a change that too from autocar, the selection was proper.

Well, the 2019 Indian spec Civic feels like a wanna-be D-segmenter with that underpowered outdated petrol and puny(for the segment) diesel engine. There is simply no comparison of the Civic with the much superior and a true D-segmenter Octavia 1.8 TSI or its diesel counterpart.

Autocar simply cannot afford to be partial and select the Civic over the Octavia even if they want to and end up looking stupid.

The only reason people will buy the Civic in large numbers would be due its awesome sporty looks and the excellent bulletproof longer term hassle-free reliability that comes with any Honda(Japanese) vehicle.

[roadie_swift]

Originally Posted by for_cars1

Well, the 2019 Indian spec Civic feels like a wanna-be D-segmenter

Exactly, fully agree. It is clearly overpriced, period. Especially for the gear level it offers and the build quality. Indeed, apart from the looks, Honda hasn't really managed to capture the mojo that the old Civic had.

Cheers,
R_S

[lokii_83]

Fully agree! I would have blindly bought provided they have better engine and a better transmission or even if a manual mode of gear box.

Though I had inclined towards CVT over automatic and best in segment DSG, the enthusiast group in our forum enabled me to learn better, forever!

Now I will wait for seniors review of Civic and see how they see overall driving dynamics over Octavia, for which I mostly go at the end!

[Redline6800]

Honda has certainly lost an opportunity with the new Civic.

While there appears to be a perception that German owned brands are a level above Honda, I beg to differ.

Honda's engineering is first class and in my opinion second to none.
Honda truly believes that it is a premium automaker, though the majority of the car buyers (at least in India) dont see it that way anymore.

For the person buying his/her first Honda, the Civic is certainly overpriced by a couple of lakhs, but then aren't most vehicles sold in India overpriced ? Discounts will certainly be on offer by the end of the year and this will be the time to buy the Civic, I feel.

The pricing is an interesting conundrum. For many (if not most) Honda owners, looking to upgrade, the couple of extra lakhs the Civic costs, will certainly not be a problem.

Why?

The reliability, cost of servicing, peace of mind and future resale value will more than make up for this. All of Honda's global models are built to last (Civic, Accord, CR-V, et all).
It was only the 4th Honda City, Brio offshoots and new Jazz, which were less than stellar.

I think the real problem with the Civic is despite its sporty looks it is basically a pretender.

Interior quality is real good but doesnt feel special, merely adequate and exterior fit and finish is excellent. The engine and gearbox leave the driver yearning for more. The rear seating is also very low but still comfortable, but the lack of rear audio controls and usb ports is a miss.

So, it is not quick enough for the enthusiastic driver (though I suspect the handling may compensate for this to some extent) nor special enough for the rear seat passenger.

But for the existing Honda customer, who is looking to upgrade, it remains a fine choice, especially if the usage is primarily in the city with a couple of highway trips ever year.

As an aside, there are some other aspects that make Honda special.

My cheap and made for ASEAN, 1st gen Honda City is in its 19th year now and remains brilliantly reliable. It's "better made" and "solid, door closes with thunk" competitors - Ford Escort, Mitsubishi Lancer, Opel Astra and even the 1st gen Skoda Octavia are nowhere to be seen today, while you will see plenty of 1st gen and 2nd gen Honda City's in any Indian city.

With a European brand you are always on tenterhooks and this is the case with me as well.

While driving my pre-worshipped 5.5 year old (1.04 lakh km) Jetta diesel I am far more careful, than when i drive my 19 year old (1.2 lakh km) City, which I rev to its 6800 rpm redline in 1st, 2nd & 3rd gear, with nary a care in the world.

My neighbour has a 10 year old Honda Accord, which is often left parked under a tree for weeks and sometimes months. Despite, this, the interiors and exteriors remain excellent and he tells me the car has never failed to start, no matter how long it has been left parked. He regularly takes this car to his farm and drives on less than perfect roads, but there is nary a rattle or squeak and the 2.4L engine is a beauty.

What's more, there is no problem with parts if you own a Honda. I recently got the radiator and LHS Front Pwr Window for my City replaced at the showroom and both parts were manufactured in Feb 2019 ! All the parts for my car are still available at the showroom.

If you keep your cars for more than 5 years, I feel Honda is the better bet.

[itwasntme]

Is there any user review yet of the Diesel manual? Could not locate; everyone seems to have driven the CVT petrol and generally moaned about it!

[vipul_singh]

Perhaps the biggest question on 'Civic vs Octavia' is whether the buyer is willing to consider an Octavia. If he / she is, then the Octavia as a product is very likely better than the Civic in a whole lot of areas, if not most areas. Even the Corolla outselling the Octavia in the past indicates that reputation is indeed an important point.

And then there are some like me who did not even bother visiting a Skoda showroom before recommending to my wife that she buy the Civic because for me, the Octavia 'does not exist'. I simply do not have the appetite to bother with a German / VW product. I am fine with being out-dragged and out-handled by an Octavia. I am also fine with things which will clearly irritate (compared to the Skoda), like poor seating and low boot space. Because, like I said, the Octavia 'does not exist' for me. 'Skoda_corporate' (was that the exact name?) should have have thought things through before sending the high-handed response to Team-BHP that they did all those years ago. Also, it would have helped if their parent had avoided acting patently like 'Dr. Evil'.

It would be interesting to see if the Civic is able to outsell the Octavia while being significantly behind the Octavia as a product. I would be fine either way, as I was very clear about my priorities. And clarity on priorities (Honda vs VW, and whatever each of these bring to the table) is something I recommend that all buyers have, to avoid disappointment with either product.

I do believe that Honda could and should have made a better effort. At least give a passenger seat height adjuster, for God's sake! And fix the 1.5 Turbo's issues and launch it in India to be competitive, instead of trying to peddle a decade old engine.

P.S. I am not a fan of any brand at all.

[AYP]

Another day, another comparison, the same winner-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-aC2JLHVTw

[Superleggera]

Originally Posted by pavi

The verdict was quite surprising (in a good way). Usually most reviews end up selecting the latest entrant, but for a change that too from autocar, the selection was proper. Even though most mention the new Civic as a looker, I just love the Octavia’s looks and stance.

The understated elegance of Octavia cannot be matched with the quirky curves of the Civic. When it comes to looks, VW cars are a class part.

[br_876]

I have taken TDs of both (Civic petrol and Octavia diesel). The Octavia is fabulous in terms of value because it offers so much more convenient features, has a big boot, and so on. I am a Honda fanboy but it is difficult to choose the Civic, which has a multi-link suspension over Octavia diesel's compound axle suspension.

The biggest worries with an Octavia is the peace of mind and the high cost of spares. I know for sure that Civic will be easier to maintain and will be highly reliable.

So in that sense, both these cars are very close. Many (including me) will pick the Octavia considering the superficial value that it offers. The Octavia Style Automatic diesel and Civic ZX diesel are priced almost same in my city.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by br_876

I have taken TDs of both (Civic petrol and Octavia diesel). The Octavia is fabulous in terms of value because it offers so much more convenient features, has a big boot, and so on. I am a Honda fanboy but it is difficult to choose the Civic, which has a multi-link suspension over Octavia diesel's compound axle suspension.

Go for the petrol Octavia. Less peace of mind, lower upfront cost but you do get that super multi link axle suspension.