NO range of cars is complete these days without a tourer, stretched hatches which are not quite an estate in the way we remember them because that would make the crossover a bit redundant and we can't have that, can we?

Estate cars existed largely out of business need, a car which had the seats but also capacity to fold them away and load up with boxes of samples for the burgeoning door-to-door trade of days gone by. The Britannica years.

Tourers, by the same measure, I presume to be for touring and should you find yourself behind the wheel of one I suggest that's what you do. Head to the hills and after enjoying the breath-taking countryside which sets our land apart, dodged the confused sheep high on grass and been held up by packs of cyclists get to know the locals over a pub lunch.

Well not exactly get to know them, more earwig on gossip.

Some of the funniest one-liners ever heard have come from customers in pubs: "Soda for me and before you say anything you would be on water if you had what I have."

"What's that?"

"50p."

Or possibly the best ever: "Come on, time for bed, you're staggering."

"You're not bad looking yourself, landlord."

So when a Honda Civic 1.6 DTEC SR landed no time was wasted packing the dog and storm-proof gear before heading for the hills.

Which is how we came to be listening to men in black, high in the Yorkshire Dales.

"Serious doo."

"Aye"

"Many there?"

"Aye."

"How old were he?"

"No age. Just turned 93. Hell of a shock. His mate was there with that wife he got off t'internet. Told estate agent he didn't want that house up lane because it has no cellar and he needs a cellar to keep his stock in."

"Why what does he sell?"

"Kinky ladies knickers."

Do you know what the world record is for spitting a chunky chip? I do.

There is nothing remotely kinky about the Civic Tourer. It is a mildly engaging drive which hardly threatens burst corsetry at 10.5 seconds to 62mph but repays by promising a massive 72mpg for those with a gentle touch. Which is not me. Therefore taxation is enjoyed at £20 per annum.

Now, as they say in the Tup's Bottom branch of Ann Summmers, think on. This is the tax on a £25,500 fully luxuriated estate car which will take you the length of the country's motorways without getting your underwear in a twist. It has not been denied all its cylinders, there is no hybridisation, it is quite simply a well-engineered 1.6 diesel which performs smoothly and produces little noise unless it is really being worked hard. However, with luggage and family on board it pulls valiantly through hills and dales.

The ride is comfortable in the main, SR models come with a three mode shock absorber setting whichdoes have an effect on ride and handling. There is fun to be had here although obviously not of the Type R variety.

Inside is already a known quantity, lively Civic fascia and a good driving position. Not everyone gets on with the busy instrumentation. Everything is well constructed and feels solid. But it's a Honda so I don't know why I bothered to tell you.

Every model in the Tourer range comes with stability control and active anti-whiplash head restraints. On the SR you can opt for a safety pack which includes adaptive cruise control.

Equipment for human comfort includes full leather interior, the seats are heated in case you forget the thermals, navigation with DVD player along with the full range of electricals, entertainment and connectivity.

With cars like this practicality is a major focus. The Tourer has a massive boot and underfloor storage. The rear seats fold flat and there is a cargo net. A small addition but one that wins votes.

If I have one complaint it is that at a cost of just a fiver short of a grand, the car was fitted with optional 18 inch alloys and low profile tyres which ramped up the road noise. Stick with the standard fit 17 inches. Quite adequate.

The Honda may look slightly costly against competitors but will hold its value, especially after having been given yet another reliability gong this week.

So, if your desire is to visit the best of our countryside to take in the views or whatever is currently fashionable in rural saucy foundation garments the Civic Tourer fits the bill. Sorry, not available in pink.