09/03/08

• Price13,207-£19,300
• We like...Imaginative design
• We don't...Not enough room in the back

Honda broke ranks after generations of dull-looking but worthy Civics. And did something wacky insteadDull, but reliable. Three words that had Civics of old described to a tee. Honda decided the first of these words needed to change to….weird-looking. If your ideal car should be something Dan Dare would put on his drive, then it’s for you. But we like it because it’s different.

There’s no other family hatchback that looks as space-age. Despite the Civic’s coupe-ish looks it boasts some five-door practicality (the rear handles are incorporated into the moulding behind the window 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. The bewildering array of switches on the steering wheel may 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 and feel short of head room, while rear visibility through the 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 wind and engine noise is subdued when cruising on the motorway.

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 is limited and it takes 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.

Early signs are that this Civic’s reliability is as good as that of past ones while, as with any Honda, owners get generally good dealer back-up as part of the bargain.

The Civic is one car you’ll adore or detest. But where previous Civics barely raised opinions over their looks, the debate on this one will run and run. If you are looking to buy a used Honda, remember you can find any car you want on the motors.co.uk website - at a price and location that suits you!

• Engines1.4, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 CDTi
• Power
• 0-60 mph14.2-7.2sec
• Economy55.4-31.0m
• CO2g/km135-215
• Insurance groups4-17
• EuroNCAP
• Airbags6
• Seats5

Motors.co.uk value verdict: