19: Honda Civic – Busy styling cloaks an incredibly good car

At first you think that the new Honda Civic's styling has been considerably toned-down from the old Star-Trek-shuttle look of the previous model. Then you look at it for a bit longer, and you see the multiple layers to the nose, the enormous rear lights, the chunky styling and you realise that Honda has managed to disguise an over-styled car as an under-styled one.

It’s also managed to create one of the best family hatchbacks to drive, with sharp steering and terrific chassis balance. The new 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine is a joy to use, and economical too, which is just as well as the 1.6 diesel model doesn’t arrive for a while yet.

Cabin is massive in terms of space, slightly less so in terms of design or materials. Typically for a Honda, it feels built to last, and is hugely practical, but we do miss the flip-up rear “Magic” seats.

Hot new Type-R is searingly fast, and little short of brilliant. All models are pricier than their rival equivalents, but better-equipped as standard, so make sure you study the spec sheet carefully.