Given the choice, most drivers would pick a car that was dowdy but durable over one that was pretty but problematic. Honda proved the point, producing seven successful generations of the Civic, all of which were as faithful as man’s best friend but wouldn’t merit a second glance.

Then the eighth version, launched in January 2006, changed the formula. It had a brand new eye-catching look and a mission to attract younger customers. And, with its sporty low roofline and wraparound headlights, it worked a treat. Suddenly the car had shed its blue-rinse image and acquired a following among young male petrolheads.

Inside, the dashboard could be from the bridge of the USS Enterprise. It takes some getting used to and there are some ergonomic shortcomings. The steering wheel, for example, can obscure the speedometer’s higher readings. Still, it’s a refreshing change from the timid designs in comparable models such as the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.

There is a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. The 1.4 and 1.8-litre petrol units produce 80bhp and 138bhp respectively. Unsurprisingly, the smaller unit struggles to get things moving. A better bet is to spend around £800 more on a used 1.8; performance is transformed while fuel economy is barely affected.

Best of all is the superb 2.2-litre turbodiesel. With 138bhp and a 0-60mph time of sub 9sec, it will impress most hot-hatch drivers while returning in excess of 50mpg in mixed motoring.

Equipment levels vary enormously across the range. Entry-level S models come without alloy wheels or air-conditioning, but do offer front and rear electric windows, a vehicle stability control system and curtain airbags. The most popular pick is the SE model, which (for around £700 more for a used example) comes with air-conditioning. Also look out for the SE+ models, which were launched in 2008. They often cost little more than a standard SE of the same age but have alloy wheels and upgraded interiors. All Civic models are kitted out with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard but there is also the option of Honda’s i-Shift clutchless manual gearbox on petrol models.

On the road, the Civic feels firmer and sportier than previous models, which is probably a good thing for most drivers but passengers may feel a loss of ride comfort. This is a minor quibble. With good reliability and strong residual values, the Civic’s good looks come without a catch.