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Hatchback
Super-clever engineering means there's almost enough room in the five-door Civic to play swingball. There's huge head- and legroom, and getting in and out is a doddle, too.
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Fold the seats away and you're left with a cavern of a boot. Three-door models aren't quite as enormous, but there's still enough space for four adults to emerge smiling at the end of a long journey. Plenty of thought has been put into the cabin layout as well, so it's an easy car to live with. The dash-mounted gear lever and other controls are within easy reach, while the seats come with enough adjustment for anyone to get comfortable at the wheel. The hot Type-R is an absolute hoot to drive, but even run-of-the-mill models are enjoyable. Road noise is the biggest problem for the entire bunch.
Running Costs
Honda dealers are known for asking high prices. Once you've forked out for a car you won't be throwing money at the Honda to keep it going. Running costs are very much on a par with rivals such as the Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla. The 1.6-litre petrol, for instance, gives nearly 43mpg on the combined cycle, but won't give you a heart attack when it comes to getting insurance either. The same can't be said for the racy Type-R, so make sure you can afford those premiums before you snap up this bargain pocket rocket. On average, main dealers charge pretty reasonable labour rates, but parts can be pricey and drive the cost of service and repairs up. Find a good independent specialist and you could save yourself a few quid.