Having owned 3 previous Civics, 6th, 7th and 8th generation, I am biased towards Hondas but having owned a dreadfully unreliable Astra until a year ago I was glad when an opportunity came to change my used 8th generation for a new 9th generation 2.2 ES model.

Being a high miles user, I had done 23000 miles in the 8th gen in 8 months, I need a good car. Impressions of the 9th generation so far after 2000 miles. The 2.2 DTec engine is higher geared than the previous CDTi and is still loosening up, so it won't pull gears below about 1400 rpm yet. Diesels are always worse on fuel in winter but my last one was 43mpg winter and 49mpg in the summer. The new one, well its January so the winter mpg is between 53--55mpg and getting better as it loosens up. Expect over 60mpg in summer. Its got loads of grunt and is more refined in every way in the engine dept. Gear change is shorter travel and much less clunky, though I did like the positivity of the previous model, the new one is just more refined.

Interior, well this is the ES with the velour seats and my old one was an EX with glass roof and leather seats. The seats are comfortable on this one, and they aren't cold and slippery like leather but dog hairs, fluff etc do stick to the material like a magnet. Controls layout is better though I preferred the information on the old model as you could switch from miles / trip to miles remaining on the move which is great when planning fuel stops. I do miss the glass roof but the bluetooth stereo, iPhone integration and hands free is much better than previous and works really well.

Ride is great. The old model if pushed hard had a tendency to wash out downhills into fast corners almost as if the engine was too heavy for the front suspension, the rear was always bumpy and could get out of shape a bit. The new one has a stiffer front end and fluid filled rear damping and it is much more comfortable and accomplished and though I haven't yet pushed it too hard on roads I know that cause problems it is much better than the outgoing model. Motorway cruising is very pleasant with low noise levels.
The previous model was under braked and the brakes could fade if used a bit hard on an enthusiastic drive. This model is much better braked and feels much more accomplished.
Steering is light but positive with plenty of feedback.

All the good things, the magic seats, big boot etc remain and though the styling is less radical than before its a great looking modern car. I don't find parking and reversing an issue, it has a rear camera that works well. Previous Civics have all had poor steering lock but this has a tighter turning circle like other cars do.

All in all a great car.

UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 2016
Sold the car with 60,000 miles on the clock in just 2 years. During that time nothing failed on the car, no warranty work was needed and all servicing was covered under the Honda plan it was supplied with. Depreciation, RAC cover and servicing as a result of the plan worked out around 12p/mile which is great.

Car averaged 50mpg over my ownership and during that time it was driven enthusiastically. The 2.2 engine in such a light car surprised many people and could out drag a lot of cars which is handy at lights, on overtakes etc.

I decided to replace it purely because a great deal came up on an ex demo car. What have I replaced it with? Another Honda of course, a 1.6iDtec Civic Tourer SR in white. The new car is an improvement on this, due to a few tweaks in the mid range refresh, the higher spec interior, hifi and adjustable suspension.