HONDA is finally on a level playing field with its small-car hatchback rivals thanks to much keener pricing for the latest Civic hatch, which has a completely redesigned body and interior.

Built in Britain and pitched directly against the popular Mazda 3, Volkswagen Golf, and Ford Focus, the five-door Civic has a tough job ahead if it is to meet Honda’s lofty sales targets, but like the related sedan launched earlier this year, there are obvious and welcome improvements to the breed.

However, a few anomalies remain in what is a fun but flawed small-car package.