New Civic Company Car Driver

[OCSBill]

Hi All

Noticed the forum a short while ago and even just browsing has been an amazing help!

I currently have a 56 plate EX 2.2 Diesel which is, um, bright blue. It has Nav, HFT, and most of the other bits that go on an EX model - no parking aids though.

I got it with 23k on the clock as a total surprise - wasn't expecting a Civic as most of the cars our firm run are Vauxhalls, and I wasn't about to get excited over yet another Vectra or Astra - why would you, after all?

First impressions? Well, having covered 7k in the car over the last 6 weeks, including a day or two out for Honda to service it, I'm pleased overall - it definitely has a bit of a grin factor going on - with that right pedal!

All the bits work - after a fashion, but the HFT really does * me off - why, oh why, oh why, would *anyone* make a bluetooth kit that takes incoming calls, but will not automatically connect when dialling out - unless you store all the numbers manually - stupid, is the expression that comes to mind, frankly, having left behind an 07 plate 407 with Parrot built in bluetooth that you never even had to think about - quite the best (bar none) bluetooth ever built into a car (Honda take note).

The SatNav has some funny ideas about the best way from A to B - normally going via something like G, whichever settings you opt for - but hey, don't use it much other than to find the actual road in an area I'm after and I do find the TMC quite useful - when it tells me about issues that are actually ON my route and not fifty miles behind me........

Would I buy one? Possibly not. Do I like it overall? Damn straight - it eats 3 series diesels for breakfast, and I just love that - um - look - on their faces when they see they've been out accelerated by a Civic that isn't even a Type anything! One of the best diesels I've driven (and there's been a few - it comes very, very close to the 2.0 140 in the new Mondeo in my book (size comparisons aside).

Niggles - squeeky driver's window that Honda didn't fix on service, but seen the WD 40 trick and will use. No iPod connection - I mean, come on Honda - even the damn French do that now! *That* rear window - what *is* that? I sit at such an angle that I have yet to manage to see one car properly in my rear view - just as well the door mirrors work!

Good points - performance for a "focus" competitor - brilliant - room - it way bigger inside than you first think - and it feels like a driver's car overall - goes where you put it on the road (more than you could ever say for a 407, trust me) - and less wallowy than the Mondeo - well, it should be with those 17s, stiffer springs, and a lower overall stance.

The better half isn't so sure about it (yet) as she finds it hard to get comfortable, and I must say, lumbar adjustment on the seats would have helped a little. But she does like the right pedal too! Worrying!

I have every confidence that the car will learn to live with us given a little time!

[-=Stella Artois=-]

Ello, welcome to Civinfo.

[Harlequin]

Hi & Welcome!

-H