Honda Civic 5dr (1.4l) & 4dr (1.8l)

When Ford published pictures of the proposed replacement for the Ford Cortina - the Sierra - everyone was sceptical that the actual production car would ever be made. It was radical in the extreme and a lot of people ate their words when Ford actually offered it for sale to a very welcoming/buying public.

The same can be said for the new Honda Civic. When they unveiled the show car everyone said it would never be made. It had more curves than a catwalk full of supermodels and was so completely different from the outgoing model, most felt it would be a design too far for Honda's current Civic market. Well, they remained brave and the production car is as true to the show car as possible. It is as futuristic a design as I have seen in a long time. (The 4-door, however, tones down the futuristic design a bit.)

Honda let no aspect of the car escape the attention of the designers. It's as if they said, "Off you go, no pre-conditions," held their breath and waited for the result. The only thing they left untouched was the wheels - they probably concluded there wasn't much scope for improvement there.

The highlights for me are the amazing dash, shape and feel of all the things you must touch to drive the car, the steering wheel and the handbrake, not to mention the amazingly versatile rear seats brought over from their Jazz. These allow the seat part to be raised up, giving free access to the full floor of the back - ingenious. The handbrake stands out for special mention as it's probably the best ergonomically designed one ever. It's at arm's length near the gearlever of the 6-speed box and perfect for just pulling towards you. Simple but brilliant and one that should be copied. The boot in both versions is enormous. The 5- dr hatchbacks opening aperture was as wide as the car, whilst the conventional 4-dr booted version had depth.

Standard features on the Civic are generous. Cleverly, the trip computer is in the centre of the digital/analogue rev counter. There's a fuel economy set of lights above this where you can also find the speed you are travelling at and fuel gauge - all digital. Hondas have sort of a reputation for being a lot dearer but the equivalent 1.4 Zetec Focus comes in at just '400 less, so there goes another motoring myth.

I never cease to be amazed at how easy Hondas are to drive. Everything is light and precise and where it should be. Not once will you find yourself saying "That's a bit stupid." The ride was on the firm side. When I crossed speed bumps at any speed over 1km/hr, the bang from the suspension was worrying - very severe indeed. Quibbles? The 1.4i-DSI in the 5- dr was not as lively as I expected and the materials used in the central armrest hinge won't last long. In the 1.8l 4-dr there was certainly more poke, but despite being a legendary VTEC (never an engine replaced under warranty) it did not propel the car as fast or as furiously as I was expecting. Honda claims the fuel efficiency of a 1.6l for their 1.8i-VTEC - so important nowadays with oil prices reaching the stratosphere. Honda has achieved the impossible with their new Civic.

They have introduced a new model that caters for existing customers in the 4-dr model and hope to get a raft of new buyers with their truly radical 5-dr model. Best of both worlds? No way, there is only one world and Honda, with cars like this, look set to dominate it. EM

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