The dictionary definition of ‘average’ – usual amount, extent or rate, ordinary – is not one most car makers would be overly happy being associated with one of their best-selling cars.

But one aspect of Honda’s British-built Civic makes the car below average in an entirely laudable manner. The carbon dioxide emissions for the new 1.4-litre model is well below the average figure (158g/km) for new cars taking to the roads in the UK.

That’s quite a feat for a flexible five-door hatchback that is as practical as ever and a stalwart model for families and ‘young-at-heart’ customers who want a stylish package.

Drivers looking for sporty performance have the awesome Type R and less radical Type S to cater for their needs, but for sheer day-to-day practicality, you can’t beat the five-door.

Honda freshened up its Swindon-built Civic late last year, using uprated plastics and new trim materials. A brushed metal effect trim and matt finish, as seen in the Type R, have been applied to the instrument console. These look sporty and are easier to clean and maintain than the Piano Black trim on earlier models and new seat fabrics have also been introduced.

Practical values remain at the heart of the Civic. Load space is still one of the best in class, and if the standard boot is not enough, the rear seats fold flat at the pull of a catch. In addition, the main cargo floor can be dropped down to create a recess, ideal for taller items or shopping bags for instance.

As well as having ‘magic’ rear seats like the Jazz, the Civic rear seats also have storage space underneath which can be used even when the seats are in use – great for stowing the likes of flat buggies and extra shopping.

The arrival of the 1.4-litre i-VTEC engine – an entry level, Euro 5 engine which replaces the former i-DSi unit – comes with lower CO2 emissions, improved fuel economy and power raised to 100 horsepower.

To ensure you get the best fuel consumption out of the slick six-speed manual gearbox, Honda has fitted a couple of dashboard reminders. First, a pair of green arrows on the left-hand side of the instrument console suggest when you should change up and down gear, and as a reward for getting it right, a line of up to six green ‘economy’ lights illuminate on the right-hand side of the console.

The 1.4-litre engine can also be paired with Honda’s next-generation six-speed i-SHIFT automated manual transmission, delivering even better CO2 emissions and fuel consumption nudging 50mpg.

The i-SHIFT system allows you to choose between either Auto Mode for a more relaxed drive, or manual mode for a more involving drive, using the gearshift or steering wheel-mounted paddles – the left paddle controlling down-shifts and the right for up-shifts.

Rear parking sensors are now fitted as standard on ES GT grades upwards, while iPod connectivity is available on ES grades and above. The USB port allows iPods to be operated through the main audio system and steering wheel controls. SE and ES grades have iPod playback capability through the auxiliary port.

Auto facts Honda Civic 1.4 i-VTEC SE Manual

  • Price: £15,225
  • Insurance group: Four
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 47.9mpg
  • Top speed: 110mph
  • Length: 425.5cm/167.5in
  • Width: 176.5cm/69.5in
  • Luggage capacity: 17.1 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 11 gallons/50 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 135g/km
  • Warranty: Three years/90,000 miles