The old-shape Honda Civic was intended to attract younger buyers to the brand, hence the distinctive spaceship-like styling and involving handling. Available in two different bodystyles, the more practical five-door version features hidden rear door handles, making the coupe seem slightly redundant. Both are very practical, with a huge boot, while the clever seats – which flip out of the way to allow tall items to be stored in the back seats –are unique in the segment. The 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel is also one of the most refined on the market.

The Honda Civic is an entertaining car to drive, with sharp handling and direct steering. The downside of this handling prowess is the ride feels very firm when compared with European rivals like the Renault Megane. The driving position is next to perfect though, and the 1.8-litre VTEC petrol engine provides smooth performance. The 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel is equally impressive, propelling the Civic from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds and is highly refined on the motorway. The 100bhp 1.4 VTEC unit can struggle though and needs to be worked hard to make steady progress.

The Civic's revvy VTEC petrol engines are enjoyable on the road, but you pay for it at the pumps. The more powerful 1.8-litre returns just 42.2mpg, and emits 155g/km of CO2, which is very high for a car of this type. The 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel is better, managing a combined 53.3mpg and 139g/km. None of the models in the range drops below the 130g/km barrier - and there are no special 'green' variants either. Insurance is low and Honda has a good reputation for providing cost-effective servicing. All trim levels get alloy wheels, electric windows and air-con, but Si grade upwards adds body-coloured side skirts, chrome door handles and fuel filler cap, and bigger wheels. Be aware that you have to reach ES spec or higher to get cruise control and dual-zone climate control.

With its instantly recognizable profile, the Honda Civic looks like no other car in its class. The ultra-modern styling won't be to everyone's taste, but is perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd. The interior is just as revolutionary, with digital backlit displays curving around the driver. Some of the plastics are a little hard to the touch, but the instruments are easy to read and the cabin feels built to last.

Although there's no estate version of the Civic, the standard hatch is so spacious and versatile there's almost no need for one. Simple things like the enormous glovebox and door pockets provide useful storage on the move, while the 485-litre boot dwarfs almost everything else in this class. There's a vast compartment beneath the boot floor, and the rear seats fold entirely flat, or can be flipped up to create extra luggage space in the rear. The price you pay for the gigantic boot is in the back – rear the rear doors are narrow, head and legroom is very cramped, and the showy rear spoiler makes it very difficult to see out of the back when reversing.

Honda has one of the largest crash test facilities in Japan, and the Civic was awarded five stars for safety from Euro NCAP. The full compliment of six airbags is offered as standard on all models, as is important safety kit like Isofix child seat mountings and ESP. There were a handful of recalls at the beginning of the Civic's life - one for a faulty handbrake, the other for engine management problems - but these were both quickly ironed out. Honda also has a well-earned reputation for taking good care of its customers should anything go wrong.