Model tested: 1.8 i-VTEC ES 5-Door
Price: £16,025
Tested: August 2006
Road tester: Keith Collantine

Overall Rating - 88%
Small family cars used to be functional and boring; not any more. This new edition has seen the average age of Civic buyers drop by almost a decade; it's obvious why it's a hit with the younger crowd.

1. Looks
Honda should be applauded for not toning down the Civic from earlier concept designs. The triangular foglights and exhausts, visor-like headlamps and racy profile give the Civic drama and purpose.
10/10

2. Looks inside
Inside, the modern styling is turned up a notch to combine futuristic style with intuitive, comfortable ergonomics. The acid test of how well a controls system works is whether you are ever forced to pick up the manual to figure something out – mine remained untouched.
10/10

3. Practicality
Honda's ingenious collapsing rear seats give a 1,352-litre boot capacity and there's a refrigerated glovebox, but the rear spoiler intrudes too much on rear visibility.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Civic is taut and responsive with plenty of grip while the steering offers plenty of feedback. Meanwhile, the suspension absorbs uneven surfaces while also offering plenty of feedback.
8/10

5. Performance
Like all Honda VTEC engines, the 1.8-litre unit tested here comes alive high up the rev range, which takes getting used to. The 0-60 mph time is 8.9 seconds and the top speed is 127mph; for serious performance, wait for the Type-R.
8/10

---

---

6. Running Costs
The 1.8 Civic averages 44.1mpg, servicing intervals are 12,500 miles and the estimated cost of the first service is £82. Depreciation shouldn't be much of a problem either.
9/10

7. Reliability
With Honda's renowned reliability you should be laughing; even if things go wrong there's a three-year/90,000-mile warranty.
9/10

8. Safety
Honda is confident of a five-star EuroNCAP rating. Dual front and side SRS airbags are standard, as is electronic brake force distribution, ESP and brake assist.
8/10

9. Equipment
Standard equipment on the ES includes cruise control, panoramic sunroof, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers and folding door mirrors. All models include coloured bumpers and chrome door handles, cupholders, electric mirrors and electric windows all round.
9/10

10. X-Factor
I wouldn't contemplate a Ford Focus for a second after driving this – the Civic wipes the floor with it. It's attractive and comfortable, bags of fun to drive, and British-built (in Swindon). What more could you want?
9/10