They bear the same name, even a similar high standard of build quality but their aim is totally different.

It’s not so much that Honda’s new Civic is different in door configuration, its more of a case of the five door representing the future while the four door is somewhat more past than present.

Looking at the statistics, 28 years of Civics, this the 7th generation and 13 million sales in all, I can’t say I blame Honda retaining a traditional model in the C segment considering the pool of Honda owners out there.

People can be slow making change, but when both cars are studied side by side the more radical is bound to come down in favour of the more traditional.

It’s not that there is anything really wrong with the four door. I could easily understand why people who are used to a traditional saloon car would want to stay with this type of vehicle. Their needs for example may not be as demanding as those of a modern family who value maximum interior space, more than just a boot that will carry a couple of sets of golf clubs.

The fact that Honda now have two new Civics in the family C segment almost begs we do a comparison between both.

Since engineering, build quality and standard of finish is so similar between them it really boils down to ones personal taste on design and requirements on space to separate them.

In four-door guise, the Civic like the five door is totally new. Slightly shorter, slightly wider and taller than its predecessor it offers substantially more interior space.

Other than having similar Honda badging the four door bears little or no resemblance to the five door and this is even true viewing the frontal area of each machine.

Like the five-door version the four door has similar innovative mechanical properties, which have led to a flat rear floor and greater interior space.

While the interior of the four door holds a similar attention to detail as the cars excellent exterior build quality, I was disappointed with the dull unexciting layout.

As a family sized saloon the interior is big, the boot holds 450 litres but the overall feeling is one of blandness.

This really should not be the case as visibility is good, the driving position perfect and all controls are within easy reach.

Despite the cars modern mechanics, interior spaciousness and flush surfaces, its dark inner trimmings and the lacking of modern gizmos is enough to portray it as a model lacking an inner richness on character.

Powered by a 1.4 litre 16-valve single overhead camshaft engine (SOHC) Honda improved mid-range torques, fuel consumption and refinement from what basically is the same engine as used in the predecessor.

Capable of producing 88 bhp the unit proved a very capable worker and rewarded 38 mpg on overall running. The Civic is an easy car to drive. Positive feel from the new electric power steering, ease of gear change and good handling puts it up there with the best. It’s also a much more refined motor car.

While Honda are seen to have gone a long way to improve impact and pedestrian safety performance on the new Civic, I personally would like a chunkier feel to the doors when opening/closing, a slightly stiffer suspension and a brighter interior.

As the saloon stands and despite its array of equipment, front airbags, ABS etc. and it generosity in the accommodation stakes it does not do enough for me for the £15,341 ex works price.

The five door Civic on the other hand is more modern, innovative and in keeping with the top sellers in this category. It’s really a cross between an MPV and a hatchback.

It’s a true Ford Focus, Peugeot 307 and the more recent Fiat Stilo contender.

Like the saloon, the pushing of the wheels to the outer extremities, having a more compact suspension, high mounted steering rack and a more compact engine bay has helped to free up more space for occupants.

The flat floor was achieved by Honda introducing a new rear double wishbone suspension system and again like the saloon, the fuel tank was specially moulded to suit the space left available.

Honda were really clever with the five door as they continued the flat floor forward by introducing a fascia mounted gear lever.

All this and a higher roof leaves the five door a very well thought out machine.

The space efficiency earned by the gear lever as well as its ease of operation begs the question as to why more manufacturers don’t adopt this idea.

Higher seating and larger doors leave getting in and out so simple.
The Civic in five-door guise offers a bright, better laid out interior.

The dash is more modern and everything about this car shows the great thought that went into designing it.

The boot is naturally bigger and more flexible than the saloon.

Tested in SE format, power was supplied by a 1.6 litre V-Tec engine which produces 110 bhp.

Economy was slightly down on that of the saloon – 36mpg overall.
Quiet, comfortable and very refined the five door relayed a better ride than the four door but its still a little on the soft side.

The five door is the more lavishly equipped and in SE format a sun roof as well as air conditioning is standard.

Overall I would have a lesser feeling of guilt paying £16,680 for the five door SE or buying the 1.4 version which is priced at £15,379.

Both saloon and hatch show signs of fine build, but its the five door which will bring Honda into the new age.

Something tells me the five door would have made its presence better felt if it had not lost the first two months of sales this year.

The range will extend with the introduction of a three door in November and an MPV to follow.