THERE are few cars that have been around longer than the Honda Civic, which first made an appearance over 40 years ago.

It's a sign of how good a car is that it evolves gradually over decades, but around 2006 this changed with a radical makeover to Honda's best seller, which has now sold more than 20 million worldwide.

The new futuristic-looking Civic, built at Swindon, was a bit of a surprise package with its eye-catching profile and load carrying capability, and most, if not everyone, was convinced.

It looked stunning with sleek, aerodynamic design, headlamp and tail light clusters, rear spoiler splitting the windscreen and the signature triangular exhaust tailpipe.

The latest ninth generation has been tweaked again for 2014 with enhancements like piano black finishes on both inside and outside, and a choice of two optional safety packs.

The model I tried also featured the super-frugal diesel engine, the 1.6-litre i-DTEC, introduced last year, with a claimed range on the tank of a staggering 863 miles and an average fuel consumption of 78.5mpg.

They are not the cheapest cars in the the small family market, but offer high levels of standard equipment, high quality fit and finish and a reputation for reliability. In fact the range toppers like this model are approaching executive sector prices.

The wrapround interior still offers something a little different although some of the controls are fiddly particularly the buttons on the central display screen which control sat nav and communication functions, but the dials and instrumentation in the binnacle are clear and concise.

The fit and finish is generally classy with soft touch finish, but there is still some cheaper plastic trim. The design of the car means headroom is at a premium and visibility to the rear is hampered by the spolier splitting the rear screen.

The upside is the huge boot and what the firm calls its magic rear seats, which fold and lift up, fold over and lock down in one easy movement and the 60:40 split folding design create multiple configurations.

The stowage area is class-leading with a very generous 477 litres, which includes an underfloor storage area, and increases to 1,210 with the rear seats folded.

On the road, the diesel engine proved flexible and frugal and refined. The true mpg was probably somewhere in the early 60s-mpg, admittedly a rough guess, but still meaning big savings on the forecourt.

The sub-100g/km of CO2 emissions also means it is exempt from road tax and congestion charge and places it one of the lowest bracket for benefit in kind taxation.

Diesel clatter is muted, even on start up and once up and running, good soundproofing means occupants are well insulated from engine noise. Wind and road noise are also suppressed and the car cruises comfortably on the motorway or on suburban tracks.

It is also lively enough, reaching 60mph from a standing start in just over 10 seconds.

Tweaks to the suspension means the latest car handles well and is composed over unever surfaces. The ride is comfortable if slightly firm, but this is after all, a small family car.

All are well equipped with a high level of safety gear including all-round airbags, stability programme and brake asist programmes.

There is also choice of two safety packs: the Driver Assistance Safety Pack 1 has blind spot information; high beam support system; forward collision warning; traffic sign recognition system; lane departure warning and cross traffic monitor. The Driver Assistance Safety Pack 2 adds adaptive cruise control and collision migration braking system.

Hondas have a virtually bullet proof relibility record, so it came as quite a surprise when I was dogged with an electronics failure. The replacement, however, ran like clockwork. It's like the old saying: the exception often proves the rule.

The range starts with the S, which starts at just over £16,000 rising through SE Plus, SR and EX Plus to  £26,655.