Feb.2006 What Car? arrived this morning. In the major group test the much-hyped new Honda Civic was consigned to fourth place behind an Octy II 1.6 FSI, a Golf 1.6 FSI and a comparable Focus, in that order.

That's great news!... I have a lot of respect to all Honda cars. This must be a big tribute to Octy II as there was a lot of hype about the new Civic.

Good to get a top-up of good comments/results to make Octy owners happy that they have not beem overtaken yet...

The new Civic is hot. 154bhp for all their 1.8 units, burning 40mpg. Saw it at the motorshow. Beautiful small sports steering wheel for the VTi, digital speedo plus fuel and temp gauges, comfortable seats (though they ldon't look so pretty..nothing like Fabia seats), comes with a nice body kit, and a ****load of airbags inside. Lots of compartments too. Never really liked the Civic, until this one came out.

Mama mia!

The new Civic looks awfully wacky I think. I hate digital speedos as they always seem to have a lag in the speed shown and the actually speed you

Strange how many compare civics and octy2.

They are not even same size or league.

But I must admit, Im too considering Civic or Octy2.

Civic being smaller, but better looking and honda quality,

octy being bigger and VAG quality... Maybe Octy is it.

Now waiting to test drive Honda and new Leon.

Digital speedos are really easy to read.

I've had digital speedos in motorbikes for years,

and like them in cars also. More compact,

faster to read and cost less.

Same goes for led rearlights. Better in every way,

but why isnt them on every car?