The latest generation of Civic is a radical styling departure for the normally conservative Japanese company. With its full width front lamps, wedge profile and high-set tail, the Honda certainly stands out from the crowd. Both three and five door versions are available, although both feature similarly sporty looks thanks to the latter’s hidden rear door handles. Rapid Type-R range-topper gets neat bodykit and 18-inch alloy wheels. Only the dull looking IMA hybrid four-door saloon is a design let down

Interior practicality

The cabin of the Civic is as eye-catching as the exterior, with the highlight being the logically laid-out wraparound dashboard. A large boot and innovative folding rear bench make sure the interior is practical and stylish. Sadly, thick C-pillars and high waistline result in poor rear visibility. Entry-level SE models get air-con and electric windows, but little else. Pay a little extra for Sport trim and you’ll get Xenon headlamps and 17-inch alloys, while the ES adds cruise control, rain sensing wipers and auto lights. The range-topping EX features voice-recognition sat-nav and parking sensors.

Engine/performance

The Civic is available with three petrol engines – an underpowered 82bhp 1.4-litre, eager 138bhp 1.8-litre and feisty 198bhp 2.0-litre. However, it’s the punchy and refined 138bhp 2.2-litre i-CDTi diesel motor that’s our pick. Keen drivers will love the hot Type-R version. It’s fitted with the intoxicating 2.0-litre motor, which revs to over 8,000rpm and has a race car soundtrack. Eco-conscious buyers have the option of the petrol/electric hybrid IMA model.

Driving experience

Sharp steering and strong grip mean the Civic is as good to drive as it is to look at, although it can’t match the Ford Focus for driver involvement. Only a firm ride counts against the Japanese car. Plump for the Type-S and handling is improved further thanks to revised suspension settings, while the hardcore Type-R serves up even stiffer springs, a bone-jarring ride and huge amounts of fun.

Costs

It’s hard to beat the 2.2 i-CDTi Type-S when it comes to value for money. It’ll return 54mpg, emit just 138g/km of C02 and retain 42 per cent after three years. Only the hybrid IMA version betters that at 45 per cent. Even the 1.8-litre petrol fares well on running costs, managing an impressive 44.1mpg at the pumps and putting out a respectable 152g/km of CO2.

Safety/environment

The Toyota Prius rivaling Civic IMA hybrid is the greenest version in the line-up. By combining a 1.4-litre petrol engine and an electric motor it delivers 113bhp and a CO2 emissions of 109g/km. However, the diesel is a more practical choice, offers more performance and still has CO2 emissions of only 135g/km. With a four-star EuroNCAP rating, the Honda lags behind the competition for safety, although electronic stability control is standard across the range.

Our choice: 2.2 i-CDTi ES 5dr