IF the previous generation Honda Civic was something of a space-age revolution that made everything else in its class seem so 20th century, then the new model is perhaps best described as a gentle evolution.

There’s no doubt that the new Civic is both quieter and more refined than its predecessor. More athletic, too, and looking very swish in a seamless, lowdown aerodynamic sort of way.

Honda’s engineers and designers have seemingly examined every detail of the company’s best-seller to produce a worthy to successor to a car that bravely broke the mould in dashboard design.

There’s still a choice of two petrol engines – 1.8 and 1.8-litre iVTEC stalwarts – but there’s also an improved version of its diesel offering.

For now, the Civic is available with only one diesel engine, a beefy 2.2-litre diesel engine which manages a combined fuel economy figure of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of only 110g/km. That’s a drop of 24 grammes, despite an increase of ten horsepower, and gives it the credentials to make it a more attractive proposition for company car drivers.

This diesel engine also makes effortless progress, largely thanks to the 248lb ft of torque at your disposal, and it does this in hushed tones.

The new electric power steering has been calibrated to give a good balance of weight and feel and the gearshift requires less effort.

There’s a lot to like about the exterior design, but one or two disappointments.

It's certainly a more athletic-looking car, with a 20mm lower ride and 10mm wider stance, and the absence of protruding rear door handles helps the sheet-like flow.

And Honda is a company that listens to its customers before embarking on a restyle. The criticism of the previous eighth generation model was the compromised rear window visibility and lack of a rear wiper. Both these issues have been addressed. The C pillar has been pushed back, too, making it easier to manoeuvre, but I can't help think that from some angles the rear lights unit looks like an afterthought that has been stuck on. Oh, and I do miss those triangular tailpipes.

These are minor niggles among the changes, and for the most part this ninth-generation Civic is a triumph, bringing greater levels of comfort and refinement.

Look inside and there are no big surprises. The two-tier instrument panel is still there, with a high-level digital speedometer slap-bang in front of the driver on the wrap-around dashboard.

Among all the athleticism and engine technology, one should not forget that the Civic is primarily a very practical car with class-leading cabin space and the inclusion of the ‘magic’ seats so beloved in the Jazz. The rear seats lift up, fold over and lock down in one movement, creating a large load area.

It’s also renowned for its reliability. For the sixth year in a row, Honda topped a survey by What Car? and Warranty Direct to find the UK’s most reliable manufacturer, while the previous Civic came second in the small family car section of the JD Power survey.

The ride is on the firm side of supple, providing a sophisticated ride. Indeed, there’s a more rounded and mature feel to this Civic and Honda will win plaudits for steering it in the right direction.

road test

Honda Civic 2.21 DTEC ES

PRICE: £21,585 (Civic range from £16,495)

ENGINE: 2.2-litre diesel

TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual PERFORMANCE: 0 to 62mph in 8.5 seconds; top speed 135mph

ECONOMY: 67.3mpg combined

CO2 RATING: 110g/km