Euro NCAP rates Civic as a four-star car; their only real criticism was child seat protection. To save weight, it loses the side airbags of other Civics, and there’s no traction control although it doesn’t seem to need it until it snows. Gets remote central locking, deadlocks and an alarm/immobiliser.

The rear seats split/fold for added practicality although there is no five door option (that’s the not-so-manic Type-S). The boot is reasonably generous thanks to the fact that the Civic is one of the roomiest. The rear is easy to access and the centre console bin is ideal for hiding CDs and contains a drinks holder.