Bro if you are buying a Honda and concerned with the fuel economy it is as your friend say is not good and i will advice you not to go for Honda. But poor fuel economy has it's reasons.
- Traffic jams even on traffic lights.
- Fuel quantity as even a good reputable petrol pump will provide no more than 900ml/litter not full 1000ml.
- Honda civic engines are designed on 95 RON and max you get on premium petrol is 80-85 RON even HOBC is 92-RONs
So, if your are concerned with the fuel economy realistic figures are as what i am getting is Local 10.5 Km/Litter without AC & 9.5 Km/Litter with AC on long routes it gives 13-15 Km/litter.