Honda has completely shaken up the recipe for the Civic with the all-new 10th generation model. Where previously the Civic has predominantly been viewed as a small (but ever-growing) hatch, the latest model has gone full-on Accord in both dimensions and styling, with the new car almost being more of a replacement for the popular Accord Euro than anything else.

Back in 1973 when it was first launched the original Civic boasted a wheelbase of just 2,200 metres, the new car has stretched this out to 2,700mm, or the same length as the last Accord Euro. Other dimensions have grown as well, with the Civic sedan now 4,644mm long and 1,799m wide , or just 82mm shorter and 41mm narrower than the Accord Euro.

The new Civic also boasts new power, with the up-spec models getting an all new 127kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine. This is the first time a turbocharged engine has sat under the bonnet of a Honda sold in New Zealand. And it is a great little performer, with plenty of torque on tap to overcome the fact it is hooked up to a continuously variable transmission.

The Civic RS Turbo comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, a piano black grille and headlight trim, shadow chrome door handles, rain sensing wipers, leather seat trim, heated front seats, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual zone climate control, alloy sports pedals, a premium audio system, LED headlights and daytime running lights and keyless entry with push button start.

While the new Civic has grown, it still feels like a compact and nimble car on the road, with nicely weighted and accurate steering. The ride is impressively complaint, without compromising handling in any way.

Honda claims that one of the main aims behind development of this 10th generation Civic was to deliver a "dynamic rejuvenation" of the car. And with the RS Turbo version, that aim would certainly seem to have been achieved.

While Honda may have been somewhat lost in the wilderness when it came to slick styling and excitement until very recently, the Civic RS Turbo certainly announces that it has found its way back.

For more information go to www.honda.co.nz