Honda's Civic cavalry rides in

The new Honda Civic packs a lot of feaures into a compact silhouette. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

Honda has had a hell two years, hit hard by the recession and by 2011's natural disasters which cut production just as Civic and CR-V were due for replacement. But the cavalry's arrived with the ninth-generation Civic.

What's new
This is an all-new car and a packaging miracle. It's 30mm shorter between the front and rear wheels and 10mm shorter overall, but there's 75mm more shoulder room, a cabin 10mm longer and rear leg-room up 40mm with better ergonomics. Honda says improved crash-protection technology allowed a slimmer skin, to liberate 4.3 per cent extra space.

The 104kW/174Nm 1.8-litre unit is a redevelopment of the previous engine designed for better efficiency, at 6.7l/100km, with a stronger mid-range focused on everyday driving.

The 114kW/190Nm 2.0-litre motor is now from the same single overhead cam design family, , with a claimed 7.5l/100km thirst. But it's the IMA hybrid that's the real fuel miser, the 4.4l/100km claim achieved beside a power boost to 82kW/172Nm by using the Jazz Sport 1.5-litre engine as a base, improvements in regenerative braking, replacing the nickel metal hydride battery with a lighter, more compact lithium ion unit and the ability to run on electricity alone.

The company line
Honda was founded by a petrolhead. The world's seventh-largest car manufacturer and No1 in motorcycles, it's a company that builds everything from robots to aircraft.

Now it's designed a Civic to appeal to those downsizing from larger cars. Honda NZ managing director Graeme Seymour won't confirm the hatch, though it sells in Australia from June.

What we say
The cabin redesign is arguably less smart than its predecessor's but ergonomics have improved. I do like the easy-to-read instruments supplemented by a high-mounted screen angled to the driver, its multiple functions including the ability to showcase a photo of your choice.

This Civic earned a five-star crash rating and standard specification includes ABS, ESP, six airbags, auto aircon, cruise control and Bluetooth.

On the road
Civic delivers pleasant on-road feel with reasonable pull from these engines in standard mode, the eco-button tuning engine and transmission for better economy.

Ride is comfy enough to absorb most back-road lumps and bumps and the suspension will cope with a brisk approach to bends.

The hybrid's road manners are especially impressive despite more body roll than I'd like, the better weight balance making for a nimble car that could use firmer suspension and manual steps for the CVT.

Why you'll buy one
Entry price has dropped despite a lift in specification, and Civic is smart enough to feel a cut above its $32,900-$43,500 price range.

Why you won't
Annoying tyre noise on coarser chip, especially in the hybrid.