With a flowing roofline, fluid design elements and a wide, low stance, Civic is about as radical and stylish as it gets in this mid-size segment. The mid-life facelift brings minor exterior cosmetic changes. At the front, there is a new grille, a sportier bumper and smoked headlamps. At the back, hexagonal instead of circular tail lamp elements are in place. The delightful interior is carried over unchanged from before, and rightly so. Civic comes with completely reworked suspension plus a longer wheelbase, more rigid body and better weight distribution than before. As a result, Civic rides and handles with equal competence. Composed, agile and grippy, Civic inspires confidence through bends. The electric power steering (in 2.0S) is well-weighted though feedback is still lacking. The hydraulic-assisted steering (in 1.8S) somehow feels more detached. But it must be said that both steerings provide a much better feel than before. Civic rides comfortably over most but the harshest of road surfaces. Cabin refinement is decent, with minimal engine or wind noise intrusion, but road noise makes itself an unwelcome guest while cruising. The comfortable cabin boasts a futuristic but well laid-out dashboard, excellent ergonomics and supportive seats. The driving environment is conducive thanks to the great all-round visibility and a wide range of seat-height and two-way steering adjustments. Cabin materials are high in quality, even if the dashboard may not be covered with the softest plastics. Honda made sure all the switchgear and controls work with precision and tactility. The fit-and-finish are as good as we have seen in this segment. The exterior shutlines and doors that close with a solid thump are further proof of Civic's quality. Civic's underlying mechanicals have remained reliable since its launch in 2006, and that positive trend should persist. Two in-line four-cylinder i-VTEC engines are available: 1.8-litre SOHC with 138 bhp and 174 Nm; 2.0-litre DOHC with 153 bhp and 188 Nm. On the roads, the 1.8-litre feels peppy enough and smooth, all the way to the rev-limit, but push it past 5000 rpm and a deep drone instead of thrilling note emerges. The 2.0-litre produces a surprising turn of speed, and sounds gratifying under acceleration too. The impressive five-speed automatic transmission changes gears smoothly and quickly, all the while reacting well to throttle inputs. Civic comes with class-leading interior room, providing front and rear occupants with generous head- and leg-room. In fact, the rear legroom almost rivals Honda Accord's as Civic's wheelbase is only 40 mm shorter. Further adding to the sense of roominess is the flat rear floor. Cabin storage areas and cupholders are more than adequate, while the boot is large and rear seats can split-fold for more loading space when necessary. As tested by Thailand Industry Standard Institute, the 1.8-litre and the 2.0-litre return 14.1 km/litre and 11.6 km/litre respectively. Honda models are highly reliable, which should lower the servicing and repair costs in the long run. The Honda badge also means Civic is able to maintain rock-solid residual values unmatched by rivals (except maybe Toyota Altis). Civic still feels as fresh as when it was launched. And why would it not? The stylish exterior, futuristic interior, excellent on-road manners, class-leading quality and interior room, and long equipment list are hard to match in entirety by rivals. Refinement may be lacking, but that is about the only weakness Civic has. Taken as a whole, Civic is not only the clear class-leader, it comes with engineering and capabilities that would put more expensive cars to shame. 1.8S comes equipped with 16" alloy wheels, fog lights, twin tail pipes, leather steering wheel, CD/MP3/WMA playing audio system, 6 speakers, audio aux jack, electric side mirrors, reverse sensors and keyless entry. Safety kit includes dual front airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and ABS + EBD + BA. 2.0S adds 17" alloy wheels, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, side mirrors with turn indicator, leather upholstery, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, steering wheel audio control, paddle shifts, cruise control and side airbags. Along with the good fuel economy, the carbon dioxide emissions are commendably low. Japanese automakers are leading the way in creating environmentally responsible cars, and Honda is undoubtedly at the forefront—Honda drivetrains are efficient, clean and yet strong performing compared to what rivals are offering.