2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Honda Civic, with its long-standing history of segment-defining models, continued to be a staple in the compact car market. Its 10th-generation design, introduced in 2016, was a bold move that polarized opinions with its daring aesthetics. Despite its age, the Civic maintained a strong presence on the road, with its styling becoming a familiar sight. The Touring trim, adorned in Cosmic Blue Metallic paint, added a touch of elegance to the Civic's appearance, though its appeal varied depending on the angle and lighting. Inside, the Civic's cabin, while not as dramatic as it once was, still offered quality materials and thoughtful detailing, though the infotainment screen size was limited to 7 inches.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class presented a cohesive and stylish design, drawing elements from other Mercedes models. Its cab-rearward proportions, long hood, and short rear deck emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, distinguishing it from its front-wheel-drive siblings. The C-Class's exterior featured LED headlights and taillights, with the option to upgrade to the Mercedes Digital Light system for enhanced visibility and safety. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the S-Class, with a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles, and ambient lighting. Despite its luxury billing, the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was typical for its price range, with Nappa leather seats available as an upgrade.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 174 horsepower. The latter, standard with the Touring trim, provided ample power and was complemented by a sophisticated suspension system that delivered a satisfying driving experience. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning nature and ineffective paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, specifically the C300 model, featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup allowed the C300 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. While the powertrain was generally powerful, it suffered from turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. The ride quality, however, met luxury standards, with muted impacts and impressive handling on twisty roads, though it required a deliberate approach to achieve sportiness.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, offered a spacious interior comparable to a decade-old midsize car. The driver's seat provided eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, though the absence of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Civic's centre console offered remarkable storage space, and the trunk provided 428 litres of cargo space, reduced to 416 litres in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, longer and wider than its predecessor, offered increased interior space, with improved headroom and rear-seat legroom. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was less competitive. The seats were comfortable, with enough bolstering for spirited driving, and the trunk offered 455 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench allowed for accommodating longer items, though Mercedes did not publish a cargo-space figure with the seat folded.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was beginning to show its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation with voice recognition. However, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system, while nice, was not a necessity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted an advanced infotainment setup, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen as standard. The MBUX system, with its "Zero Layer" setup, allowed for easy access to functions, and the voice recognition system was highly effective. The C-Class also offered optional features like a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, augmented-reality navigation, and a head-up display, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, which monitored the right lane, had limitations and did not offer a traditional radar-based blind-spot warning system. Despite these drawbacks, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not yet tested it. The C-Class offered a comprehensive array of ADAS features, including automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe systems. Optional features included lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera system, and Car-to-X communication, which provided real-time information sharing between vehicles.