Honda Civic: prices and specs announced

• Civic 1.4 SE priced at £16,495
• High level of standard equipment
• Start-stop and fuel-saving kit offered across the range

Honda has revealed prices for the new Civic hatchback will range from £16,495 to £26,595.

The new Honda Civic, which was given its public debut at September’s Frankfurt motor show, will feature a high level of standard equipment, with all models benefitting from air-conditioning, alloy wheels, a fuel-saving ECON driving mode and daytime running lights.

Honda’s mid-sized hatchback will offer fierce competition to the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Auris.

The trim levels will be familiar to existing Civic owners, with SE, ES, EX and EX GT models designating different levels of equipment.

SE models feature 16-inch alloys, air-conditioning and USB connectivity. ES models start at £18,995 and offer cruise control with a speed limiter, rear park camera, folding door mirrors, dual-zone air-con, Bluetooth and automatic headlights and wipers. Until March 2012, SE and ES models can be specified with a £995 T- Grade pack which includes a touch screen sat-nav system.

EX models are priced from £21,745 and feature leather upholstery, heated front seats, sat-nav and a hard disc-based sat-nav. The EX GT, priced from £24,495, adds keyless entry, front and rear park sensors, bi-xenon headlights, a panoramic glass roof and 17-inch alloy wheels

For the first time Honda’s Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation Braking System are available in the Civic range and are available as a package in EX GT models for £1,900.

The Civic is offered with a choice of 1.4 or 1.8-litre petrol engines and a 2.2-litre diesel. It is also fitted with start-stop technology and an ECON switch which allows the car to adopt specific settings to save fuel without affecting the car’s drivability.

Order books at Honda dealerships are now open and cars will arrive in dealerships during January.

By Stuart Milne, Deputy Editor