2015 Honda Civic VTi-LN Review: The Price Is Right? Wrong…
The skinny: The Civic Hatch now has a navigation-equipped flagship model in the auto-only VTi-LN, with leather seats and a few cosmetic enhancements to go with it. But it costs $4100 more than the closely-specced VTi-L. And there is a lot of choice, and some sharp contenders, in the challenging $30k-plus small car category.
Vehicle Style: Small five-door hatchback
Price: $31,090 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 104kW/174Nm 1.8 petrol 4cyl | 5sp
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.4 l/100km | tested: 8.3 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The Honda Civic hatch has been struggling of late, which is a shame. European build-quality, stable on-road dynamics and a versatile interior all work in its favour, but it’s undone by a relatively high asking price and a powertrain that doesn't quite make the grade.
The former problem is largely the fault of uncompetitive exchange rates between the Aussie dollar and the British pound, but the latter is harder to deal with.
Right now there’s no alternative powertrain to the Civic’s 104kW/174Nm 1.8 litre petrol 'four', and while it's easier to stomach at the bottom end of the range, it’s not a competitive engine when lined up against other $30k-plus small hatches.