Audi A4 vs Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Audi A4 presented a simple, clean, and conservative design that served as an ideal backdrop for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The classic five-arm rotor-design wheels added a touch of automotive design perfection. Inside, the A4 maintained a similar aesthetic restraint, with black interiors complemented by aluminum trim and metallic accents. The dashboard seamlessly integrated air vents, and controls were clearly labeled, enhancing usability. The high-quality materials, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient lighting contributed to a sophisticated cabin, although the tablet-style touchscreen seemed somewhat out of place.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining market share for hatchbacks with its redesigned model. Built in North America, it offered a practical and enjoyable driving experience. The Civic hatchback shared its front design with the sedan but featured unique elements from the front doors to the rear. While it appeared visually balanced from certain angles, it still suffered from a "stubby butt" profile. Inside, the Civic hatchback mirrored the sedan's design, with Sport Touring trim adding advanced digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. The metal honeycomb dashboard detailing and high-quality controls enhanced the interior's appeal, though the CVT shifter operation was slightly janky.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered two engine options. The 40 TFSI model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra AWD. It achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving and accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds. The 45 TFSI model, tested here, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, with a sport suspension as part of the S-line package. It reached 100 km/h in about 5.4 seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km. The A4's driving experience was joyful, with refined engine performance, responsive steering, and excellent braking. The Quattro Ultra AWD system provided stability, and the cabin remained remarkably quiet.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque or a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The latter was available in Sport and Sport Touring trims, with peak torque accessible from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with no AWD option. The CVT worked well with the turbocharged engine, offering paddle shifters for a more engaging experience. The six-speed manual transmission was a standout, providing short throws and fluid gear engagement. The Civic hatchback delivered a satisfying driving experience, with firm suspension tuning and responsive steering. However, the brakes were not suited for repeated hard use, and the all-season tires lacked grip during spirited driving.

The 2022 Audi A4's low-slung design made entry and exit challenging, but once inside, it offered exceptional comfort in the front seats and adequate comfort in the rear. The driver's seat featured soft leather, power adjustment, and a thigh-support cushion, ensuring a perfect driving position. The A4's interior layout was intuitive, with a three-zone automatic climate control system separate from the infotainment screen. Rear seat space was limited, with hard plastic and storage netting on the front seatbacks. Cargo space measured 340 litres, with enclosed hinges and storage nets for added convenience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback prioritized function, with a generous 693-litre trunk and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. All seating positions offered sufficient legroom, but the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, with heated front seats standard in Canada. The Sport Touring trim added heated outboard rear seats. The Civic's interior featured black fabric seats in LX trim, combination cloth and synthetic leather in Sport trim, and black leather in Sport Touring. Automatic climate control was standard, with a dual-zone system in higher trims.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the MIB3 version of Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The screen supported smartphone-like functions and provided acoustic feedback. Features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The test car had a navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with a Home button for easy navigation. The voice recognition system was accurate but slow to respond. The Bang & Olufsen stereo delivered satisfying sound quality, though it degraded at high volumes.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system. LX and Sport trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with physical knobs, Bluetooth, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport Touring trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs addressed previous criticisms, and a small shelf provided stability for touchscreen operation. The voice recognition system worked well, and digital instrumentation was standard across all trims.

The 2022 Audi A4 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with availability increasing with higher trims. The Technik trim included Audi Pre Sense, with front and rear collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with Honda Sensing, a collection of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, available only with the CVT. A blind-spot warning system was standard in Canada, with rear cross-traffic warning available in the Sport Touring trim. The Civic hatchback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and new frontal-impact airbags.