IT'S one of the world's longest running models - but, almost inevitably, it has swelled in size over its 50-plus years in existence.

The Honda Civic, once a miniscule three-door city hatch, is now a fully fledged mid-size family car wearing a price tag pushing £40k.

With in excess of 30 million sales globally under its belt, it has innovated, developed and served up exactly what its public demands - that has been the Honda's formula to survive and thrive.

The latest incarnation, its 11 actually, has somewhat abandoned the radical, sharp-edged styling in favour of a softer, more conservative approach. Nothing conservative or conforming about its engineering though.

Just one power unit is offered - a two-litre, 4-cylinder petrol self-charging hybrid that can run on electricity alone at low speed. It's coupled to a single-speed automatic CVT gearbox that's smooth and largely free from the frenetic rev-chasing that afflicts most continuous variable transmissions.

Perhaps the most unusual and appealing quality of the current Civic is its ability to blend punchy performance with miserly economy. Most owners will better 50mpg with 55mpg easily within reach. Despite this frugality, it will crack the 62mph sprint in around seven seconds. That's not far off hot hatch territory.

All this achieved in comfort and near silence with an immediacy of acceleration that is only present in hybrid or full electric cars. The ride is cossetting without being soggy, enabling miles to be swallowed up in a relaxed fashion. Push it hard, and the Civic responds with sharp handling and ample adhesionâ¦the dynamics, in fact, of a thoroughbred sports saloon.

A definite plus which adds to the driving experience is its meaty steering which is both extremely accurate and nicely weighted with a degree of road feel frequently absent in family cars.

The gear selector is a tiny lever on the central console near to automatic handbrake.

As we've said, the Civic has grown over the years and the latest version is a full five seater with a large hatchback boot, capable of carrying around 400litres of luggage. The front seats are set quite low and there's ample shoulder room.

Driving position is near perfect with a fairly vertically positioned steering wheel, ample seat adjustment and good all-round visibility through the front screen and side windows. The rear view is less clear due to the extreme slope of the hatchback.

The fascia is a smart and well planned with a decent balance between new tech and easy-to-use solid, metal knobs and switches.

The scalloped shape means that headroom in the rear could prove a bit limited for those taller than six-foot tall. There is, however, plenty of legroom.

Our review car was the flagship Advance version which comes with heated seats which are electrically operated, heated steering wheel, part leather seating and panoramic glass sliding sunroof which effectively brightens the rather sombre interior.

The Civic follows its family car brief in providing ample storage space for the usual clutter with plenty of pockets both behind seats and in the doors, plus a central box between driver and front passenger.

Few rival models manage to offer such an impressive blend of dynamics and performance allied to impressive economy and family practicality.

£38,695

2.0-litre, 4 cyl petrol hybrid, 184bhp engine driving 2 wheels via automatic gearbox

111mph

7.9sec

56.5

28

114g/km

: 27%

5years/90,000 miles

4.7