Best of all is the space-age instrument panel that's divided into two separate areas and beautifully lit in a subtle blue. The top panel is housed in a curved unit that echoes the shape of the steering wheel and shows speed in big digital numbers. The bottom panel contains other indicators, including the rev counter and gear indicator.

Honda has designed the new layout to help drivers focus on the road while they control the car, particularly at speed. This is a huge improvement on dashboards that force you to crane your head around the wheel for a clock reading.

The new Civic is vastly more comfortable than previous incarnations. There's a squashy leather armrest between the height-adjustable seats, and the central storage unit has a roller cover, which means your phone doesn't slide up and down. The six-CD player is apparently MP3 compatible and has an exciting button marked 'Tune Folder'. After pressing this a few times, I'm still not sure what it's supposed to do, but it looks good.

Honda has kept the flat floor plan and an under-floor fuel tank that gives rear-seat passengers stretching room. The back seat also folds flat to allow extra luggage into the spacious boot.

The new four-cylinder i-Vtec engine has a programmed fuel injection and delivers 140 brake horsepower. The gear changing of the five-speed automatic box is still short and noisy, but that's the fun of driving a Civic. But the new Civic feels a lot more sensible and this test car misses the zip of its predecessors.

However, it's a lot more comfortable and Honda says the fuel consumption is an impressive 17km per litre. But the marque won't confirm whether it will offer an S or R version for boy racers. A hybrid is planned, however.

Congested roads and ubiquitous speed cameras require extra driving attention in Hong Kong, and cruise control is a must for the Airport Expressway. Ideally, you would be able to set the controls with one button, but after some poking around, I worked out that you need to use a combination of two in this Civic. This isn't ideal, particularly if you're trying to drive, but the system is workable once you're used to it.

Honda has also incorporated a drive-by-wire throttle system into the Civic. The system's electronics are said to reduce fuel consumption, increase reaction times and improve handling. Combined with anti-lock braking and electronic brake distribution - which spreads the braking power to where it is required - the Civic reacts quickly for a smooth ride.

The suspension swallows up uneven road surfaces. So cornering is a dream, and I have a lot of fun swooping around the Tung Chung roundabout. The 2006 Civic has had a complete rebuild and incorporates an advanced compatibility engineering body structure with an enhanced frame to disperse energy in a collision. Vulnerable zones are also reinforced, and the Civic won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's US Top Safety Pick Gold award.

The car also has dual and side airbags, an Isofix child-restraint system and three-point front and rear seat belts. I also like the way Honda has fitted the indicator lights on the wing mirrors, giving higher vehicles a better view of your signals.

The new Civic seems more grown up than its entry-level predecessor. The new model has lost some edginess, but gains on enhanced handling and comfort. The Civic looks good and drives like a dream in Hong Kong, and while boy racers await the sports versions, I'm more than happy to play with the 1.8 VTi.