EVEN several years after its launch, the Honda Civic still looks cutting edge and avant garde.
If you like something just that little bit different in the compact segment it still stands out as the obvious choice.
When it was launched it dispelled the staid and conformist image many have of Honda in an instant.
A new variant has now arrived which offers a sporty take on those distinctive looks - the new Si.
The high-spec option is available across the entire five-door Civic range and the most distinctive aspect is a set of graphite coloured alloy wheels.
The Si also comes with colour-coded bumpers, front fog lights, a Type R-style mesh front grille and dark chrome door handles and fuel cap - like the one on the Championship White Type R.
Inside, Si models have half leather upholstery and a USB port for iPod connectivity, something I made the most of and found to be quite an asset and easy to use.
The idea is that you get five-door practicality with sporty styling, evoking something of the legendary Type R but without the price tag.
You also get kit that is already standard on SE Civics, including electric windows, climate control air conditioning, a refrigerated glove box, CD tuner with RDS and steering wheel mounted audio controls.
This carl was the 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol-powered model, which sits somewhere in between the 1.4-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesels - this and the diesel have larger alloys than the 1.4.
The radical design theme extends to the interior too, with instrumentation and a dash that is streamlined, striking and high tech.
The Civic's main design downside remains, in the shape of limited rear visibility due to its slightly bubble-esque shape and the addition of a rear spoiler but it is something you do get used to to a degree.
The Civic handles nicely enough, feels well put together and does a pretty good job as a motorway cruiser.
The 1.8 1i-VTEC engine is smooth and powerful, delivering a decent blend of performance and economy.
I even managed to get pretty close to the manufacturer's stated combined mpg figure of 42.2 overall which is impressive to say the least.
It also featured the eco drive system you get in the latest Insight, which suggest when to change gear to maximise economy and has a kind of 'econometer' to let you know when you are driving in an economical (or should that be ecological) style - or not as the case may be.
I didn't always do as it said but did refer to it on occasion which probably helped when it came to managing an overall fuel economy figure of around 40mpg.
FAST FACTS
Honda Civic Si 1.8 i-VTEC
Price: £16,835
Mechanical: 140ps, 1,799cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 42.2
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 155g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles