Honda is determined to shed the reputation for dull, reliable machinery that it has endured in the UK - and the radical new Civic is certainly a step in the right direction.
In terms of visual daring there's nothing else in the family hatchback segment to match the Civic's radical styling. Despite the coupe-ish looks it boasts five door practicality (the rear handles being incorporated into the moulding behind the glass). And it's equally funky inside, thanks to the most space-age dashboard this side of the Millennium Falcon. The instrument panel incorporates a large central rev counter with a digital display screen integrated into it - with a digital speedometer mounted slightly higher. Quality feels high, although the bewildering array of switches on the steering wheel will take some getting used to. Space is good for front seat occupants, but those in the back will struggle to see over the high window line while rear visibility through the distorting split-pane glass of the tailgate is poor.
On the road, the Honda feels broadly impressive. Ride quality is good on all but the roughest tarmac, and decent high-speed refinement should ensure effortless mile-munching. Cornering responses are keen and the electrically assisted steering offers better weight and feel than some other such systems. The appeal of the basic 1.4 litre petrol engine will be limited to the least demanding - it takes a yawning 14.6 seconds to dispatch the 0-62 mph dash. The heartland 1.8 litre i-VTEC petrol motor is far better, responsive, keen to rev and available with an optional (and slightly lurch-prone) i-Shift semi-automatic gearbox. But we were disappointed by the lack of refinement of the range-topping 2.2 i-CTDi turbodiesel. It's the same 2.2 litre engine that offers turbine-smooth performance in the Accord, CRV and FRV - but here it feels relatively harsh and noisy, despite impressive fuel consumption figures.
That said, the Type R - which came out in 2007 - does bring genuine performance pedigree to the range, provided you can put up with the manic, noisy engine. This genuinely sporty model has a much firmer set up, feeling much more athletic than the standard Civic across twisty roads. However, the compromise come from a much harsher ride - you'll have to be prepared to ignore the Type R's slightly uncivilised manners to enjoy driving it.
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