Improved fuel economy and aerodynamics and better driving performance has all contributed to making the latest version of the Honda Civic the best yet.

It’s lower and wider than the previous model, and the hidden rear door handles and neat design give the car an attractive coupé-like profile, resembling some of the sporty characteristics often found in three-door cars.

The Civic is available with 1.4-litre 100PS or 1.8-litre 142PS petrol engines and a smooth 150PS 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel. I drove both the 1.8 petrol and the more powerful 2.2 diesel, and I definitely preferred the diesel, although you obviously bump the price up by a few thousand for the pleasure.

New suspension gave the Civic a supple feel, steering was sharp and responsive and overall it was a very comfortable ride.

On the new model, the rear lights are placed on a higher level to ensure good visibility from following cars.

The horizontal brake light combination also works as a spoiler with an aerodynamic function, managing airflow over the top of the car.

Although this affected the visibility on the last car, the bottom edge of the extra window is now lower, making it easier to see and manoeuvre when reversing.

Inside, speedometer lighting is blue when the car is idle and stays blue during sudden acceleration and deceleration.

It turns to green if the car is driven in an economical manner. In between, blue-green lighting shows during gentle acceleration and deceleration when the driver is slightly exceeding the best level of throttle.

Under the armrest there’s a USB and AUX connector, which can be used to hook up your MP3 player to the entertainment system.

Gone are the days of having to carry around a stack of CDs for a long journey.

Dual front and side airbags come as standard, as do full length side curtain airbags and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions.

This is a car I’m definitely considering as a family car.

Not that it bills itself as such, but I like its smart, athletic looks, effortless driving and variety of features – together with a class-leading boot capacity of 401 litres, increased by a further 76 litres with the convenient under-floor compartment.

Fact File:
Car: Honda Civic 2.2
Price: From £16,995
0-62mph: 8.5 seconds
Top speed: 135mph
Fuel: 67.3mpg (combined) CO2 emissions: 110g/km