SPORTY, stylish and fun to drive, says the blurb for the new Honda Civic.
And for once the brochure did not spin things up. In fact, if anything, it underplayed this superb new five door family car which went on sale in January.
The new Honda Civic is certainly not to be confused with its solid but rather-tired looking and, well, boring, predecessor.
The 2006 model is lip-smackingly gorgeous, with a low, wide and muscular stance and sleek coupe-like body shape.
It is also shorter and lower to the ground than the old Civic which adds to the overall sporty look.
The British-made car's creator Yoshiyuki Matsumoto explains rather grandly that he 'had a dream' for the vehicle which is already proving a huge sales winner across Europe.
He says: "By revolution, we mean to create something that no-one has achieved in the past.
"I pursued what I considered as the core values of what a car should be - a culmination of stylish design, fun-to-drive, sporty, practical, efficient and how to make such a car for Europe."
Revolution? Probably going a bit too far there Yoshi.
But there's no doubt this is a radical new car which is sure to have left other motor manufacturers a little twitchy.
The1.8-litre Honda draws admiring glances with its exterior design, particularly, the wraparound headlights.
The huge front windscreen offers fantastic visibility, although the same cannot be said of the rear spoiler which impedes rear views somewhat.
However, it is the futuristic and highly innovative interior that really impresses. Sit in the body-hugging driving seat and you feel like you're in the cockpit of a jet.
The deep, 3D dashboard contains more buttons than a Cinderella convention including the red engine ignition switch.
The distinctive looking three-spoke steering wheel offers full control of the superb stereo system and cruise control. The sporty-metal pedals and loose gearstick are also eye-catching, yet simple, touches.
But of course improved design and technology would mean nothing if the car ran like Jade Goody in a marathon. Thankfully, the eighth-generation Civic is far more athletic.
The 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine offers a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds. Not particularly sensational you may think, but it felt a lot faster.
The car also has responsive handling and excellent stability, the suspension is superb, and the ABS brakes provide maximum braking performance and stability.
Safety is high priority, with airbags a-plenty and a sub-frame made out of aluminium to offer improved crash protection.
The Civic also shows its green credentials by returning more than 44 miles to the gallon - a real plus for someone looking for a new family car.
Overall then, a real stunner and one you should try out if you can. Believe me, you won't be disappointed.
FAST FACTS
Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC SE 5dr
Price: £14,650
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,799cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox.
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 8.9 secs
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 152g/km
BiK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust