If reliable car is your first priority then better take new City rather than used Civic. Btw H reliability isn't reliable compare to its rival T. If power is not your first priority then maybe can look at Vios. Some argue interior looks like Perodua but the quality is different. In term of comfort I believe Vios is more comfortable than City and also better handling, meanwhile City is better in power output.

Powerful engine is surely syiok when accelerating but how often we use full power or 50% of the engine power? I own a VW GTI with over 200hp for my daily drive, honestly 90% of time I don't even use 50% of the power during city or highway drive. Of course with full load I will step harder to gain more power but it is quite rare. However good chassis which give good handling, well balance of comfort and body roll make more sense because we can feel it even in low speed.