Honda Civic 2024: The Local Champion

Why do we love the Civic so much in Quebec? The Honda Civic may have lost its title as the best-selling car in Canada last year, but it remains one of Canadians' favorite cars. With its dynamic driving, fuel economy, all the conveniences, and technologies it offers, it's impossible not to appreciate it. The Honda Civic is also one of the cars that retains its value best, and that's just one of the many reasons buyers are drawn to this model. It's clear that SUVs have taken a toll on cars, and several models have had to be withdrawn from the market. The Civic is still here, and I'm convinced that it will dominate the market when cars experience a resurgence in popularity.

For 2024, the big news is the announcement of the return of the hybrid version. It's a variant that we've been eagerly awaiting and which is likely to make the Civic even more popular this year. With the addition of this new version, the Honda Civic will offer one of the most extensive and diversified ranges in its category. However, it's highly probable that this version won't join the Civic lineup until the arrival of the 2025 model.

Range and Prices

The Honda Civic has seen significant price increases in recent years, and the removal of the base version certainly didn't help. Nevertheless, it's essential to remember that the average selling price of a new vehicle is close to $70,000 in Canada at the time of writing. The majority of SUVs cost over $40,000. Therefore, despite its starting price of $28,743, it can be said that the Honda Civic remains a very affordable car. Furthermore, it's important to note that this is the LX-B version, which offers a fairly comprehensive standard equipment. In total, there are four trim levels for the sedan version, while the hatchback version only offers two. Not to mention the performance versions and the Civic hybrid.

Sedan

LX-B – $28,743

EX – $31,603

Sport – $32,695

Touring—$36,445

Hatchback

Sport – $36,075

Sport Touring—$39,575

Performance

SI – $37,583

Type R—$53,275

Category and Competition

Continuing to offer a car in a market where SUVs clearly dominate is no small feat. Fortunately, the Civic's popularity remains very high, offering better value for money than all SUVs of equivalent size. The Civic is one of the biggest names in the automotive industry, and that's why it's here to stay.

Rivals: Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Subaru WRX, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta

Design and Technologies

Each generation of the Honda Civic has its personality, and I find the current model particularly successful. Honda has presented us with a more serious and mature Civic. Nevertheless, the Japanese manufacturer's designers have managed to retain a dynamic and sporty aspect in its silhouette. Thus, when dressing up an SI version or a Type R version, there doesn't seem to be anything excessive.

I would have never thought to say this, but I particularly appreciate the simplicity of the Civic's interior design. There's nothing that seems superfluous or too flashy. Every element is well-designed and elegant. The dashboard isn't spectacular, but it remains pleasant to the eye nonetheless. However, the interior of the Type R version is simply breathtaking; the additions made by the brand's designers make the car truly special.

Even though the Honda Civic remains a seemingly simple car, it harbors a host of technological innovations. The only thing that bothers me is the complexity of the infotainment system. Honda could certainly have simplified it.

Performance

There is no technical data available on the mechanics of the Civic hybrid at the moment. Nevertheless, the Japanese manufacturer's compact car offers four options in terms of mechanics. It all starts with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This can be paired with either a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission, depending on preference. Then there's the 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which produces 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Again, both CVT and 6-speed manual transmissions are available.

On the other hand, the SI version adopts the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine but with a few more horses, totaling 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. Here, only the manual transmission is available, and that's a good thing. Finally, if you're looking for a more exclusive and high-performing car, there's the Type R version with its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that churns out 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Needless to say, it's one of my favorites this year.

Weaknesses

The navigation of the multimedia system is sometimes complex.

Strengths

Everything else!

Signature Element

The Civic has everything to offer, and that too at an affordable price for almost everyone.

Closing Thoughts

We all have memories associated with the Honda Civic. It was the first car for many people, and it's a car that has seen its share of popularity in the tuning world. In short, it's part of our culture, and that's why the Honda Civic is still important for the Canadian market today.