There are a few factors – in my humble opinion – as to why Honda don’t sell a large number of new cars in Ireland. On the surface the brand should – its cars are as solid and no-nonsense as they come. But Porsche has sold more new cars here so far this year than Honda, so why is that?
The first is reliability, an area where Honda is its own worst enemy. As an example, my uncle has owned a 2016 top-spec CR-V since new and has had no reason to get rid; it keeps going and is easy on fuel. Financially, it makes no sense to upgrade. And I suspect many other Honda owners are also in the same smug boat.
That leads me to my next point – Honda’s eyebrow-raising pricing structure. The cheapest new car Honda sells in Ireland is the Jazz, at over €31k. Then there’s the HR-V from €41,750, while a new CR-V will run you almost €70k. Considering Japanese compatriot, Toyota sells similar sized cars for less here, it is hard to have too much sympathy for Honda when you look at the sales charts.
And finally, there is the brand’s thin dealer network. A quick look on Honda’s Irish website will tell you that it has seven showrooms across the country. And while they are strategically located, those in the midlands and north west will have a bit to travel to view and test drive a new Honda. This goes against boosting sales.
It is a real shame that the latest generation of Hondas are not more common on Irish roads. Take the eleventh-generation of Civic that I recently spent a week with. I think this is the best of Honda’s current line-up (Type R excluded). Yes, it comes in at just under €49,000, but many motorists are happy to fork out almost €60k on a new Audi A5, for example. You are mostly paying for the badge, there.
In keeping with Honda’s no-nonsense design criteria, the interior of the latest Civic e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) blends common sense with a high build quality. The myriad of simple controls (dials for fan speed and volume etc.) and a non-intrusive infotainment system, really puts a lot of other car maker’s so-called innovative ideas to shame. The Civic’s cabin isn’t littered with cheap plastics, either. Some so-called premium brands can’t say the same about their cars.
There is just the one engine option offered in Ireland, a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors paired with an automatic eCVT gearbox. It delivers optimal performance without compromising on fuel efficiency. I averaged 5.5l/100km without breaking a sweat. The car offers reassuring handling and straight-line stability behind its 143hp and 315Nm output.
While the latest Civic comes in the guise of a hatchback, visual appeal and overall usability are both excellent. You sit low behind the wheel, but visibility remains superb with no obvious blind spots or chunky pillars. A sloped roofline doesn’t impact rear passenger space, while boot capacity is 404-litres and up to 1,187-litre with the rear seats folded. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel come as standard on the ‘Advance’ spec that is sold here.
In many ways, the new Honda Civic e:HEV is a well-kept secret that deserves a better showing.
