Honda Civic models and trim levels explained

Whether as an economical hybrid, a high-performance Type R model or a model spun off from the Civic name, it has become a cornerstone of the Japanese car market. The Honda Civic has always been a popular car in the UK, although it has sometimes been seen as something of a left-field choice compared to the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.

Read our Honda Civic review or shop used Honda Civic cars for sale.

Types of Honda Civic

The latest Honda Civic is only available as a five-door hatchback with a clever and economical hybrid petrol engine – unless you opt for the sublime Civic Type R hot hatch, which is known for its turbocharged petrol engine and extreme performance.

Over its entire lifespan, the Civic badge has been used on most body styles you can think of – hatches, saloons, coupes, estates and people carriers. And there are different Civic models for different countries, although we’ll only cover the UK ones here. Additionally, there’s a whole lineage of the Civic Type R; we could cover that separately given that it’s such a popular model for enthusiasts.

Honda Civic trim levels

In the current model, the trim levels are:

• Elegance – although it’s the entry point to the range, there’s no shortage of equipment, such as heated seats, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and adaptive cruise control
• Sport – a mid-range model with black exterior trim, plus a heated steering wheel and a wireless phone charger
• Advance – top-spec Civic gets a panoramic sunroof and a Bose sound system

You’ll also find low-mileage examples of the last-shape Civic at Motorpoint. The trim levels for these are:

• SE – as well as a generous level of safety equipment, the good-value SE trim includes parking sensors at each end, Bluetooth, DAB radio and climate control
• SR – likely to be the pick of the range for many buyers, with a touchscreen featuring smartphone mirroring and a reversing camera display, plus 17-inch alloy wheels and leather touchpoints
• EX – a high-spec trim featuring heated front seats, a sunroof, leather upholstery and blind-spot monitoring
• EX Sport Line – a fancy model that combines the EX’s long kit list with sportier styling and subtle red interior accents
• Sport – gets a bigger engine than other trim levels, and a slick body kit

Honda Civic generations

11th generation – 2022-present

• Superb hybrid hatch that drives nicely, offers plenty of space and is very economical
• Model code: FL
• Facelifted in 2025
• Only available as a five-door hatchback/ fastback in the UK
• Modern, premium interior 

10th generation – 2016-2022

• Wildly styled and spacious hatchback
• Model code: FK
• Facelifted in 2018
• The vast majority of UK cars are hatchbacks; a saloon was sold here very briefly
• A spacious interior but the infotainment system isn’t the best around
• Last shape of Civic to be built in the UK before Honda shut its Swindon plant

9th generation – 2011-2016

• More grown-up styling compared to 8th-gen car
• Model code: FK
• Facelifted in 2014
• Hatchback and estate versions available
• Claimed to be the most aerodynamic family hatchback at the time

8th generation – 2006-2011

• ‘Spaceship’ styling was a radical departure from previous models
• Model code: FN
• Facelifted in 2009
• Three-door and five-door hatchbacks available; a Civic Saloon with a 1.3-litre hybrid engine and completely different styling was sold in the car’s early years
• Reliable and widely available – you’ll still see lots of these Civics on the road
• First Civic with Isofix and Bluetooth – although the latter is rare

7th generation – 2001-2006

• ‘Breadvan’ styling made the Civic quite practical for its size
• Model code: EP
• Facelifted in 2003
• Three-door and five-door hatchbacks available
• Dashboard-mounted gearstick freed up cabin space

6th generation – 1995-2000

• Available as three-door hatchback, Aerodeck estate, four-door saloon two-door coupe and five-door hatchback (which shared bodywork with the Rover 400)
• Model code: EJ/EK/MA/MB/MC
• Remains popular due to cultural appearances, such as in the Fast & Furious film franchise
• First Civic to be built in the UK

5th generation – 1991-1995

• Very rare and becoming sought after
• Available as three-door hatchback, four-door saloon and two-door coupe
• Model code: EG/EJ
• First Civic with Honda’s variable valve timing (VTEC) engine technology

4th generation – 1988-1991

• Square shape looks fantastically retro now
• Available as three-door hatchback or four-door saloon; five-door hatchback called the Concerto also offered in the UK

3rd generation – 1983-1987

• Spawned the wedge-shaped CRX sports car, and the Honda Ballade saloon (which shared bodywork with the contemporary Rover 200)

2nd generation – 1979-1983

• Larger and more comfortable than first-gen car
• Made under license by British Leyland as the Triumph Acclaim

1st generation – 1972-1979

• Honda’s first smash-hit model
• One of the first Honda cars to be sold in the UK; was popular after the 1973 oil crisis
• Clever CVCC engine met emissions regulations without a catalytic converter or unleaded fuel
• Optional automatic gearbox only had two gears

What is the best Honda Civic model?

That depends on your priorities a little. The latest Civic is the most efficient, the most spacious and has the best interior, but it’s also the most expensive. The previous one is still spacious, efficient and good to drive, as well as being better value. Meanwhile, if your budget’s a bit tighter, the eighth- and ninth-generation cars are reliable, affordable and equipped with most of the modern features we’ve come to expect. Of course, if you want high performance and an exciting driving experience, one of the recent Type R models will suit you perfectly.

Shop used Honda Civic cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our review of the latest Honda Civic.