I test drove the radical shaped Civic in 2007, fully expecting to trade in an Octavia there and then.

I hated the harsh ride and the rear visibility is a joke.

Look again elsewhere I would say.

I wouldn't worry about the percieved "restricted rear visibility" that everybody whinges about on the 8th generation Honda Civic. I used to teach driving in mine, all my pupils passed, loved the car, so did the driving examiners-what's the problem? Still got it still not have a problem with rear visibilty!

Mazda 3 - I've got the MK1, besides the road noise (which is much improved in the newer ones) it's an excellent car.

I prefer the Saloon though

Edited by balleballe on 21/04/2013 at 13:59

I have the 2010 Civic 1.8 SI,had it around 2 months now,I think its the best car I have owned this rear view is not a problem and have never had a reversing problem in it, mirrors are good, I think better than some others does around 32 in town but as weather warms up appears to be improving

Does go well once the VTEC comes in, one of the best parts of the car to me is the boot area its massive and you have the magic seats which are pretty light to use and appear to give more space but that may be just my impression,I bought it because of having a rover with the honda engine never let me down and is still going with another owner after 175K miles

I never had a ford or vaux last longer than a few months so I blew them out(unlucky I guess)