THE first-generation Honda Civic was a real game-changer when it was launched in 1973, with its build quality, spaciousness and overall fun factor making for a breath of fresh air.

, In recent times, though, the small-sized staple has slipped from the head of the queue as Honda has taken an increasingly conservative approach.

Now, with the small-car segment dominating the Australian sales charts, Honda needs to recapture some of its former glory by moving the game forward rather than merely keeping up.

But has it?