2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of segment-defining models that Honda has released every decade or so. This model was available in various formats, including the four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and the performance-tuned Civic Type R. However, the two-door coupe was discontinued, and the sporty Civic Si was on hiatus. The Civic sedan came in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, with the Touring trim offering a premium experience. The Cosmic Blue Metallic paint added a touch of elegance to the Touring sedan, which featured 18-inch wheels that enhanced its appearance. The interior, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still offered quality materials and thoughtful design, although the infotainment screen size was limited to 7 inches.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although claiming all-new body panels, retained a familiar look to its predecessor. The eighth-generation GTI was longer and lower, maintaining its nimble character. The styling included a signature red accent line across the front, with optional lighting for added drama. Aerodynamic improvements were subtle but effective, and the GTI came with red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on the trim. The GTI offered a range of colours, including some vibrant options like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats as standard, with Vienna leather available on higher trims, and retained the classic golf-ball shifter knob for manual transmission models.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine delivering 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, standard on the Touring trim, provided a spirited driving experience, complemented by a sophisticated suspension system. 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 official estimates.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, offering exhilarating performance. The GTI's power was delivered through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's retuned suspension and electronic aids, such as a limited-slip differential and adaptive damping system, enhanced its handling capabilities. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.0 on the highway with the automatic transmission, slightly higher with the manual.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan provided a spacious interior, comparable to a midsize car from a decade ago. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats were comfortable, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The centre console was highly practical, offering ample storage space. The trunk was generous, with 428 litres of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in practicality, with 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 977 litres with the seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a centre stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for easy control of lighting and defogging settings. Rear legroom was impressive, providing comfort for passengers. The GTI's interior was well-suited for daily use and family transportation.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation, but the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, providing a more user-friendly interface.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display, customizable with various gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen in the base trim and a 10-inch screen with navigation in higher trims. Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a premium Harmon Kardon audio system, enhanced the GTI's tech offerings. However, touch-capacitive controls for volume and climate were less intuitive.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, was available but had limitations. The Civic earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured IQ.Drive, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, this system was only available on automatic models. Standard safety features included Park Distance Control, with additional parking assistance available on higher trims. As a newly redesigned model, crash test ratings were not yet available.