Honda Civic - Pictures

PerformanceWhile the Civic’s 0-60mph time of 9.4 seconds isn’t to be sniffed at, it’s the flexibility that is most impressive. Accelerating through the gears from 30-70mph takes only 8.8 seconds – quicker than i

Cabin designThe ultra-modern styling extends to the interior. The result: a unique but driver-friendly layout. But one criticism – and this depends on the driver – is that the digital speedo can be obscured by the steering

Rear spaceEven with the front seats fully back, legroom is more than adequate for taller passengers. It’s not as spacious as the Auris in terms of headroom, though, and access can be tricky due to the odd-shaped door.

Boot space The Honda’s 485-litre luggage space is due to this hidden underfloor storage, which is handy for smaller items. It comes at a price, though, because the vehicle has no spare wheel.

ProductionHonda’s plant in Swindon, Wiltshire, is the firm’s only factory producing the Civic – around 250,000 cars will roll out in 2007, including the new CR-V. The site was previously owned by aircraft maker Vicker