Verdict
The Honda Civic beats all rivals when it comes to space and reliability. But this new grown-up Civic has lost some of its predecessor's joie de vivre - and that spoiler still gets in the way.

Expert rating: 3.5

Pros
• Likely reliability
• Spacious cabin and boot
• Low-CO2 diesel

Cons
• Lacks old Civic's sharp looks
• Poor rear visibility
• Focus and Golf are better

1. Exterior: 3/5
The evolutionary development of the Civic means some of the previous car's Wow! factor is lost. The new design is lower and wider than the model it replaces. Three-door fans will need to look elsewhere as this is a five-door only model.

2. Interior: 3/5
Better materials have a softer, higher-quality feel. However, while they're better, they still have a way to compete with the Volkswagen Golf. The lay-out of the controls is driver-focused with the rev-counter taking centre stage and a digital speedo sitting on a secondary information display. It feels more spacious and more sober than its predecessor.

3. Practicality: 4/5
The new Civic has the biggest cabin and boot in its class, the latter standing at 477-litres including 76 litres within an under-floor compartment. The rear seats can be flipped forwards or folded back cinema-style. The rear spoiler is now lower to improve visibility, but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

4. Ride and handling: 3/5
Most found the ride to firm on the previous Civic, so Homda has made improvements to the suspension set-up and strengthened the car to enhance body control. The steering has been sharpened while cabin noise has been reduced.

5. Performance: 3/5
There are three engines available. Two are petrol engines; a 99bhp 1.4 i-VTEC and a 142bhp 1.8 i-VTEC plus a 150bhp 2.2 i-DTEC diesel. The smaller petrol model covers 0-62 mph in 13.4 seconds and has a top speed of 116mph; the larger-unit gives 0-62mph in 9.1-11.5 seconds, depending on trim and gearbox. It's a competent cruiser but requires working hard for more enthusiastic driving. The diesel engine covers 0-62mph in 8.5-8.8 seconds depending on trim, with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. However, the 1.8-litre petrol can be specified with a five-speed automatic gearbox for an additional £1,385. A small diesel engine is expected to appear in late 2012 but there are no plans for hybrid, or Type-R models.

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6. Running costs: 3/5
The two petrol engines emit 129g/km and 137g/km with the diesel version pegged at just 110g/km. It also returns 64.2-67.3mpg, while the petrol engines return between 44.1mpg and 52.3mpg depending on trim and gearbox, partly thanks to stop/start technology.

7. Reliability: 5/5
Honda has a well-deserved reputation for reliability, which has been recognised through accolades including being named the most reliable car brand by Which Car? in 2011, as well as top volume manufacturer in the JD Power survey in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

8. Safety: 3/5
Dual front and side airbags are standard on all models as are anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution.

9. Equipment: 4/5
The Civic comes in SE, ES, EX and EX GT trim levels. The entry-level SE trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic air-con and USB connectivity. ES adds cruise control with a speed limiter, rear parking camera, keyfob-operated windows, folding door mirrors, electric rear windows, dual-zone air-con, Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone, front fog lamps, auto headlights and wipers, leather steering wheel and gear knob, ambient interior lighting and six-speaker audio system. Specify the T-Grade package for integrated touch-screen sat-nav. EX comes with leather upholstery, heated front seats, a HDD sat-nav, premium audio system, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, bi-xenon headlights and lumbar support. Also included on EX GT is a panoramic glass roof, 17-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass, while options include Honda's Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation Braking System.

10. Why buy? 4/5
Because you want a practical hatchback that won't go wrong.