YOUR CIVIC BEAUTY

FAMILY hatchbacks hold a strong share in the new car market thanks to their compact dimensions and practical cabins.

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The Civic is one of Honda's longest-serving models and has been kicking around since 1972. It's now into its 11th incarnation and is regarded as one of the best small hatchbacks money can buy due to its sporty driving experience, practical load area and bulletproof reliability.

WHAT'S NEW?

It's at the front where most of the changes have been made with the Civic receiving redesigned upper and lower grilles, a body-coloured lower bumper spoiler, sculptured front bumper and fresh alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the A-pillar garnishes and headliner are now finished in black, while higher-spec cars receive a new steering wheel, a 10.2in digital driver’s display and a wireless phone charger.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?

The Civic is only available as a hybrid, which is a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor. It produces a total of 181bhp and 186Nm of torque, while 60mph takes 7.7 seconds and the car runs out of steam at 112mph.

Honda claims it can travel up to 56.5mpg on the combined cycle and emissions are a low 113g/km of CO2. All Civics come as standard with an e-CVT automatic transmission, with no manual option available.

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?