1996 Honda Civic VTi (3dr hatch) review from UK and Ireland

My rear bumper doesn't fit tightly one side so it can make an annoying noise, but this is fixable and is probably only noticeable because of my stiffened suspension on the typical British roads.

Currently the fan belt requires tightening slightly. No other faults during the 1 year 3 months I have owned the car so far.

My car has modified suspension so I can't comment on the original handling/road holding, but fitting Koni shocks and Eibach springs will certainly improve this.

Mine also has modified brakes which I recommend buying because I test drove a VTi with standard brakes and they weren't good enough in comparison to the performance you are able to get from the car.

The VTEC engine is very addictive as performance wise you gain most advantage over other cars in the high revs. The high lift performance cam engages at 5500rpm and red-lines at 8,000rpm - my rev limiter comes in at about 8,400rpm. I have lightened accessory pulleys and an Apexi induction kit, I'd recommend fitting an induction kit even if it's just for the 'roar' sound, but it does also make the engine breathe more easily and feels more willing than standard to keep on revving. There's been a lot of skepticism about revving these engines so hard, but Hondas are generally very reliable and a Honda mechanic told me they do need to be revved regularly or else certain parts seize up. The trouble is the sound and the ability to accelerate hard all the way up to 8000rpm becomes so addictive. At the end of the day it's only a 1.6 engine which lacks torque in comparison to other performance cars, but the petrol consumption is generally very good when you're not using VTEC.

If you're after boot space then I wouldn't recommend the 3dr hatchback because boot space is almost non existent, especially with the spare alloy wheel. I replaced mine with a space saver and a new floor so I could get my stereo equipment in there.

Also be aware that there are only two rear seats with two seat belts and is only insured as a four seater. Insurance wise the car is group 16 which is rather high for a car that looks pretty standard in original form. I am 24 year old male living in Devon, England. I have 5 years NCB and pay £750 fully comp.

The car is very comfortable with a nice dash layout and is nice to take on longer journeys as well as zipping round town. But because the gearing is quite short and the engine's red-line is 8,000 rpm you will find that you'll be doing almost 4,000 rpm at 70mph which might be a little high pitched depending on your previous car, but this also means the engine is very willing and it's easy to accelerate when traveling at speed.