I've brought my litle "Titine" to the dealer yesterday evening for y=the second service.
I've driven 40 000 km up to now with this car and I must admit that I'm happy !
Ok my car has some minor niggles (squeaking dashboard, soft paint, poor RDS system) but the plus are well above the minus.
Running cost are low (if you dont use in town... that's why we have switched the car with my wife, I'm driving her "pumpkin" and she's driving the "spaceship" becaus I'm working in town yet), confort is good, look is ... great and the fiability is top !
I've the same tyres since the first Km and I did'nt swap thep with winter tyres. I will replace the front one next month I think.
As replacement car my dealer give me a 7the gen 1.7 ctdi Civic. I'm living at about 70 Km from my dealer (it's the closest) the raods are half motorway and the rest are B roads and midtown streets.
1. Inside : Fitting and materials are in my opinion the same in both cars: good but not perfect. Aging look goodin the 7th gen. Mine is only 16 month old... and still very good
. The gear stick in the 7th gen is in an optimal position but the look is... a old man car ! I found the ergonomy better in the new Civic. especialy the dashboard.
2. Motor : No comparison possible, The 1.7 Isuzu engine is a real turbo diesel. Noise, Vibration, Turbo lag... but ok if you take in consideration other brands like VW engines and so on .... Our 2.2 i-ctdi is far away better !
3. Handling : Correct, the ride is maybe softer than the 8th gen (15" wheels/tyres ?) but the cornering habitilty of the new civic is better. Giration radius is better.
4. overall impression : I would probably not buy the Civic if the 7th gen was the actual model ... The Toyota Auris or the Seat Leon or the Alfa GT or the Civic
IMA would have make the deal ! but none of them could beat the 8th gen civic in my heart yet