Honda Civic

Practicality

Boot (seats up/down)

410/820 litres

Running costs

56.5mpg (official)

£73 fill-up

FEW cars have a history like the Honda Civic. This all-new version is the 11th generation of the model, so the Volkswagen Golf rival’s story spans 50 years – and the Golf is actually a good place to start.

That’s because the VW’s hold on this class has slipped, and with this latest Civic, Honda has developed a recipe very much of the moment. While many competitors offer plug-in hybrid power alongside the more conventional choice of petrol or diesel engines, Honda is