THE Honda Civic three door looks almost exactly the same as the five door from a distance.
Its only when you get closer that you see there is no hidden rear door handle.
This has to be the most cutting edge shape in mass produced cars, sharp and focussed, and aggressive in a way which Hondas have not been for years.
I drove the 2.2 turbo diesel, which, good though the petrol is, must be pick of the bunch.
It's smooth and quiet and hugely powerful, giving a surge of acceleration from very low revs, and of course, its also very economical.
The steering is sharp and full of feel, and the handling and roadholding are right up there with the very best.
There is hardly any roll, and the level of grip through fast corners is superb, allowing very swift progress on cross country routes.
The only drawback is a jittery and sometimes uncomfortable ride on all but the smoothest surfaces.
Interior.
Everything feels solid and well-built, and of course, Honda reliability is second to none.
The cabin is very driver-focussed and individual, but everything works extremely well, and the seats hold in all the right places.
Howsoever, headroom is tight for adults in the back, in a complete reversal from the previous model.
FAST FACTS
Honda Civic 2.2 iCTDi Type S 3dr
Price: £16,550
Mechanical: 138bhp, 2204cc, 4 cyl diesel driving front wheels via 6 speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 8.6 secs
Combined mpg: 54.3
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 138g/km
BIK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3 years, 90,000m, 3 years paint, 12 years anti-rust.
Marks out of 10: 9.
Main Rival: VW Golf.