Honda Civic Hatchback (00-05) - Review

The cabin offers passengers loads of legroom and comfy seats which are easy to get in and out of. In fact, the interior is exceptional and this is where the Civic's clever design really shines through. The body is wide enough to comfortably fit three adults in the back - which is quite rare for a hatchback - making longer journeys all the more enjoyable for all concerned.

Plenty of cubby holes and smart storage. Luggage space in the boot is excellent too and all cars have split-folding rear seats. Space for odds and ends between the two front seats - where the gearstick would normally be.

Good visibility, comfy seats and a driving position that suits almost everyone. Controls are clear and simple to use; dash-mounted gearlever is smooth and precise in operation. And how's this for logical thinking? The volume button for the stereo is on the right hand side of the unit and the tuner on the left. Honda's engineers figure that the driver uses the volume more than the tuning button and so it should be closest. A small point, but it highlights Honda's painstaking attention to detail.