How We'd Spec A 2019 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic carries on as the best-selling compact car in the country, and for good reason.

The Civic is a staple in the car business around the globe. It is one of the strongest nameplates and best-sellers – this is not by coincidence. Honda’s worked hard to keep the Civic fresh and recently reintroduced the hatchback along with the high-powered Type R version. There really is a Civic for everyone.

To shop in this segment, overlooking the Civic is impossible. It offers numerous body styles, powertrains and trims to fit your every need. If we were to purchase a Civic, this is how we’d spec it out.

Version

There are three body styles to select from with the 2019 Civic. To be honest, we’d want to opt for the hatchback as we’re pragmatic car lovers, for the most part. Unfortunately, Honda’s decision to offer the hatchback as the premium Civic and thus, not only is it more expensive but it is only available with the turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine.

As such, the sedan wins by default. Standard equipment level is high but the EX trim with proximity key entry system with push-button start, remote engine starter and 8-way power driver’s seat strikes a wonderful balance between what you need and what you want.

Among the included features are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth and more. The base DX with 6-speed manual transmission starts at $17,790. Our preferred EX with CVT retails for $24,290.

Engine

We mentioned the turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine. The reason we’d stay away from it is that it’s turned out to be less than reliable in other Honda products. Power-wise, its 174-horsepower are fun but ultimately unnecessary.

The standard normally-aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine provides 158-horsepower and 138 lb.-ft. of torque. The EX trim includes the CVT transmission which, through generations and constant improvements, has become more than tolerable. As well, it improves fuel economy numbers returning 7.9/6.1/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway/combined).

Colour

We’d absolutely get a colour! The EX is the first trim to make actual colours available. Rallye Red, Cosmic Blue and Aegean Blue are nice changes over the greys, whites and blacks. While Rallye Red’s tempting, we’d go for Aegean Blue and learn how to pronounce it properly.

Lease or Finance?

The Honda Civic, as stated, is a pillar in the segment, in the car world. Resale values are typically very strong and as such, buying a new Civic is never a bad idea.

Currently, Honda Canada has decent deals going for the 2019 Civic. Because of strong resale values, monthly instalments on a 48-month lease are reasonable thanks to a 1.99% interest rate. Figure roughly $385/month taxes in, with no down-payment or equivalent trade-in along with a 20,000km a year allowance.

That said, a 60-month finance is offered at the same respectable 1.99% rate. The difference in payment between the two plans works out to just over $140 more a month. Financing the car would be our choice as after 5 years and normal wear and tear, a well-cared for Civic typically brings in a premium as either a trade-in or in a private sale.

This action could also be performed following a lease however the projected elevated residual value will limit if not negate any “profit” from selling the car once the lease is up.

At time of delivery, we’d select a set of winter mats for the interior and cargo area and be on our way. We’d skip all forms of extended warranties and protection plans and be satisfied with the basic programs already in place. Total price with everything except taxes comes out to $26,122.50. This includes $1,655 for freight and delivery.

Best of all, that pampered Civic should treat you and yours well for many years and still retain a strong value when you’re done with it, even after ten years.