Faults:

The intake valves accumulate residue due to direct injection.

The steering stiffens or binds slightly when turning on the highway.

Minor faults in the compressor coil or the climate control's electronic controls.

Intermittent faults in the frontal collision prevention system and warning lights on the dashboard.

General Comments:

The car is a blend of a family sedan and a sports car—taking the best of both, in my opinion.

Part of its practicality lies in the spacious trunk, with an impressive capacity of 519 liters, remarkable for a small sedan. The hatchback offers 340 liters at the rear, so the difference is significant.

The cabin is equally exceptional, something that likely comes as no surprise given it is a Honda: it is spacious, comfortable, and practical. The front cabin area features a large storage compartment in the center console, cup and bottle holders, and convenient spaces for stowing wallets, keys, and smartphones. It is a good example of how to make the most of the available space, as it is well-designed and well-laid out. The only exception is the somewhat hidden location of the USB ports for the smartphone.

The RS comes with a very comprehensive list of standard equipment, including automatic LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, a power-adjustable driver's seat, automatic wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a 10-speaker audio system. It also includes a space-saver spare wheel, ideal for city driving, but something for those living in rural areas (like me) to keep in mind.

The turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is, to my mind, brilliant. It revs eagerly right up to the limit, delivering usable power across the entire rev range. Like most modern cars (with the exception of the sportiest versions) this RS doesn't have a raucous exhaust note or draw attention to itself in the traditional way, despite its remarkable agility.

Turning quickly to the cabin, it is a comfortable and, honestly, premium space. The synthetic leather seats are well-sculpted and positioned; the interior is bright with good forward visibility, and the power-adjustable driver's seat makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position. I like that the seat can be lowered right down to the floor to provide at least a sense of sportiness, even if the RS isn't the most powerful Civic available.

Some materials are starting to look a bit dated, but it’s not a major issue that detracts from the cabin's overall presentation. Once the door is closed, the interior is, as is typical for Honda, well-insulated and quiet. This holds true even when driving over uneven surfaces or country roads with coarse gravel. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires are a high-quality choice for this segment and price point, another detail worth noting.

Given the spaciousness and quality of the cabin, the trunk capacity, and the Civic sedan's stability on any type of surface, the car delivers exceptional performance on long trips. For parents with two teenage children who rely on a single vehicle, the Civic is an option that will more than meet their needs, regardless of the type of journey.

While not a sports car in the strict sense, it is very fun to drive. Throttle response is precise and immediate, and the engine revs quickly up to the limit. Having peak torque available at just 1,700 rpm is also an advantage. However, if you head onto a winding road, you will likely encounter the limits of the interaction between the engine and the CVT.

I think the sedan offers a credible alternative to the hatchback, and personally, I prefer its design. More than satisfied with my purchase.