THE latest Honda Civic boasting a new 1.6 diesel capable of 78mpg is now in the showrooms.
Not only does it beat most of the competition on economy but also on emissions.
With 120bhp on tap, it’s snapping at the heels of the company’s 2.2-litre diesel and has been built to attract company users.
I think we can be sure that it will also probably be detuned and fitted to the Jazz, which should make a real economy champion.
The Civic is a bit on the expensive side compared to others, but then, Honda’s quality is second to none – and that means Mercedes and BMW too.
The new engine has been designed and built for Europe at the company’s plant in Swindon, Wilts.
As with all Civics, handling and road-holding will be superb and those shark-like curves really make it stand out from the crowd.
Interior
The Civic has good interior space for four and despite all those curves, the boot is also a good size, with split-fold back seats to make it bigger.
Equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, DAB digital radio, alloys, climate, seven airbags, stability control and an alarm.
FAST FACTS
Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC
Price: £19,400
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,597cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 10.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 78.5
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 94g/km
BIK rating: 12%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles
Main rival: VW Golf
