HONDA CIVIC SEDAN 1,5T EXECUTIVE

I’ve been recommending Hondas to people since the first-generation Jazz, but I've never entertained the idea of actually owning one until now. The new Civic sedan is brilliant. It's big, too: about the size of an Accord. But that's not what makes it brilliant. Not even the cavernous boot space is enough to push it into memorable territory.

No, the true genius of the new Civic is the wide array of safety features that includes a blindspot camera feed that takes over the 7-inch infotainment system display when you hit the left indicator (or when you press the button to engage it). You can turn this function off, but I can't imagine why.

Truly brilliant innovations change the way you interact with the world. Since driving the Honda Civic, I've almost caused at least one collision because I didn't have that blindspot view. I've also really missed the Apple Carplay and Android Auto-equipped infotainment system and become confused about why manufac- turers still invest millions in developing custom user interfaces; the two major mobile platforms offer far superior mapping, information and media playing, plus you're connected by cable and your phone charges all the time.

But you probably want to know how it drives? Fine. The 1,5-litre turbocharged V-TEC is punchy and responsive, despite the droning laziness of the CVT gearbox. The chassis and body control are particular hallmarks of the Civic's lively feel, but I think that's mainly down to the more rigid steel structure of the fastback design.

On the downside there's the strange keyless entry sytem that I'm yet to fully master. I couldn't unlock all the doors from grabbing on the driver's side handle and sometimes even failed to unlock the car at all. Automatic locking works a treat when you walk away after closing the door, though.

This is easily the best sedan for most people. Refined, fun, spacious, safe and just cool enough to ward off the need for a mid-life crisis car. Honda even throws in a full-sized alloy spare wheel and doesn't cover the engine in plastic.