Progress report: 2023 Honda Civic vs 1975 Honda Civic

We’re into double digits now. Incredibly, the delightful Carnaby Yellow Civic pictured is the first of 11 generations to roll out of the factory. First launched in 1972 as a two-door coupe, a three-door hatch followed a couple of months later. It measured just shy of a modern Fiat 500 (3.56m L x 1.51m W x 1.34m H) and clocked in at a featherweight 790kg. Power arrived - eventually - via a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine producing heady totals of 49bhp and 58lb ft, mated to a four-speed gearbox. In the half century since, more than 27 million Civics have been sold worldwide.

You’re not wrong, particularly in this striking Premium Crystal Blue Metallic paintjob. It’s grown in size mind, measuring 4.55m long by 1.80m wide and 1.41m tall and weighing in at 1,533kg, but the bigger story is its new hybrid powertrain (branded eHEV). It combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a 1.05kWh battery and a pair of electric motors – one of which generates electricity, the other of which drives the front wheels – which Honda claims results in smoother power delivery and improved fuel efficiency.

It’s rather impressive. Around town you generally sit in EV mode, with the engine seamlessly picking up the pieces when the going ramps up and taking complete control at motorway speed. The new set-up delivers 178bhp and 232lb ft of torque, resulting in a 0–62mph time of 8.1secs and vmax of 112mph, plenty handy for a regular family hatchback. It’s a wholly relaxing affair, and while it doesn't invite spirited trips on the doorhandles, there's a stable, predictable chassis underneath.

A reminder of just how fun and involving cars of this age are to drive. There’s plenty of play in the surprisingly light steering, but it’s pleasantly quiet once underway and shifts nicely, even if the 0–62mph time of around 15secs and top speed of 90mph won’t break any records. Not that you’ll want to do much more than 50mph, with the ride becoming noticeably bouncy and the engine ever more strained as you push on. Still, as a little motor for tootling around town, do you really need much more car than this?

You get some stylish wood trim on the dash (plenty of similarities with the Honda e there), half leather seats and door cards, an analogue radio... and that’s about it. The latest gen here comes kitted out with a heated steering wheel and seats, digital dials and infotainment display, a Bose 12-speaker hi-fi, panoramic sunroof and more. There’s no doubt the older one is showing its age – but so would you if you were approaching the big half century.