The August 2006 issue of Autocar India, has featured an article on comparison between the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, both manual transmission luxury cars. Quite unlikely, isn’t it? Especially considering that the Corolla was launched around a decade ago, and the Civic has just about completed a year. They are still pretty similar on many counts, but the ‘generation gap’ is pretty evident on many other aspects.

Autocar India's verdict on the Civic is a smashing 9 / 10, and on the Corolla is an almost as good 8 / 10. Not much to choose from, though we urge you to read on to judge for yourself.

	Honda Civic	Toyota Corolla
1	First glance is terrific and impressive. All about the Civic feels new and upgraded.	Toyota is also a good-looking car, but gets lower marks on impression in comparison to the Civic.
2	The Civic’s engine is very upmarket and competent. However, it needs to tone down on the low-end grunt a bit.	Here, the engine tends to get a little crude, but is quick and responses very quickly.
3	The rear seats are a low, and there is enough room for three people. However, the fabric used for seats renders a cheap look to the overall effect.	The seats are very comfortable; rear sits give high hip point. The only possible cause for complaint is that they can be too soft.
4	Although the boot design is a little squat, it renders the whole car a purposeful stance. The boot capacity is a whopping 430 litres.	The stance on this car is taller, and gives the car a powerful look. The boot looks larger too, although its capacity is just 405 litres.
5	The three box car-hood, passenger compartment and boot blends beautifully, in one continuous motion. Also noteworthy is the blending of the boot, bumpers and fenders at the nose of the car. The styling on this one is undoubtedly sharp	This three-box car is more upright and certainly taller. And this look, a little looking, is rendered by the stretched headlight cluster, the long bonnet, the full size boot. The design is traditional, almost obsolete.
6	This baby is longer than the Corolla, with longer wheelbase. However, it is 50 kgs heavier.	Meanwhile, the Corolla makes up for lack of width by being taller, and using more vertical space.
7	The interiors are breathtaking. It would suffice to say that they remind you of the cockpit in an aircraft, just more simple and navigable.	It would be unfair to say that the insides of the Toyota aren’t tasteful, but somehow they seem to emulate a car of the C-segment.
8	The dashboard of this one demands special mention. It is amazing how it has been designed to keep the needs of the driver in mind, and perfectly balancing it with the aesthetics. Certainly very elite.	Contradictorily to the Civic, the Corolla has a dashboard that is no great shakes. Very traditional looking, but tall enough for the driver to see the music system at eye-level.
9	The buttons for the air-conditioner are small and fiddly. They aren’t really in keeping with the rest of the detailing in the car.	The buttons for most accessories here look cheap and too fragile. Toyota certainly needs to work on that.
10	One of the cons of the Civic that sticks out like a sore thumb is its gear lever. For large drivers, this can continually keep brushing against the thigh, thus causing some level of irritation.	The gear lever of the Corolla is pretty alright, and does not interfere with the driver.
11	There is a bit of a space crunch in the Civic, and the seats are a little too high.	The Corolla is definitely more roomy and accommodates passengers better.
12	Present in the Civic are thoughtful features like pockets on the rear door, a very useful remote control for music in the center armrest and reading lamps. Honda is all set to pamper its passengers!	The Corolla has nothing of this, but can be rated higher for comfort in the rear seat.
13	The Civic’s new electric steering is very light, and improves handling and riding experience.	The riding experience of the Corolla isn’t too great at higher speeds; the steering is heavier and not very responsive.
14	The Corolla is well-priced at Rs. 11.28 lakhs, with its host of new, varying equipment that comes with the car. It also comes with a guarantee of 2 year / 40,000 km. Definitely a good bargain.	The Corolla’s Rs. 11.38 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai price makes it a very good bargain, especially with the new schemes it has to offer. But positively, the resale value of the Corolla is higher.