Reliable and a bit different: futuristic cabins, clever Magic Seats, petrol engines that last, and Type R versions that are genuine performance cars.

The 'UFO' Civic: spaceship dash, Magic Seats and Honda reliability. The 1.8 i-VTEC is the great engine; the 1.4 is slow but robust; the 2.2 i-CTDi is a strong, DPF-free diesel. Rear suspension arms and the odd clutch are the known items; rust is rare. A very good 12,000–20,000 PLN car.

A calmer evolution of the UFO with the excellent 1.6 i-DTEC (120 hp, 3.6 l/100 km claimed), the durable 1.8 i-VTEC and a superb Tourer estate. The FK2 Type R is a 310 hp turbo monster. Quiet reliability across the range.

Lower, wider, conventional rear axle (multi-link) and turbo petrols: the 1.0 VTEC Turbo (126 hp) and 1.5 VTEC Turbo (182 hp) plus the 1.6 i-DTEC. The FK8 Type R (320 hp) is one of the great front-drive cars. Reliability is strong; oil dilution on the 1.5 in cold climates is the known item.