Big things from Civic

The Honda Civic has always been a more interesting choice for buyers in the Focus-sized family hatchback segment. This completely new version is the 10th generation model and has 40 years of heritage to build upon.

There’s a more spacious, dynamiclooking body, stronger standards of safety and media connectivity and, perhaps most importantly, two completely fresh petrol engines.

Top of Honda’s “to do” list in developing this Civic was to sort out the petrol side of the engine range.

The 1.4 and 1.8-litre units offered with the previous ninth generation model were a distance away from the class standard in terms of efficiency but that’s all changed now.

Instead, with this MK10 model, there’s an entry-level three cylinder 1.0-litre VTEC turbo unit with 129hp and a larger four cylinder 1.5-litre turbo powerplant with 182hp.

Both have more power and torque than the old engines could offer and come with the choice of either six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.

There’s a sleek and swept back shape this time around, with larger, wider wheels emphasising a lowerset, sportier stance.

The sharp lines are complemented by the most comprehensive aerodynamic packing in the segment, including complete under-body panelling.

Pricing for the 1.0-litre model starts at just over £18,000 for the entry-level ‘S’ variant and beyond that, there’s a choice of ‘SE’, ‘SR’, ‘EX’ and ‘EX with Tech Pack’ options.

Honda is particularly proud of this model’s upgraded infotainment capabilities.

The latest Honda Connect 2 connectivity system allows full smartphone integration via both AppleCarPlay and Android Auto so you can duplicate the functionality of your handset on the centre-dash 7in touchsceen display.

Dynamic functionality was Honda’s goal in creating this car.

They may well have achieved it.

The 10th generation Honda Civic.