What's the news?
Honda UK has now announced price and specification details for the new Civic Tourer. At launch the car will be available with two engine choices and four trim levels: S, SE Plus, SR and EX Plus.
Exterior
From an equipment perspective, every model in the range is set to look the part with alloy wheels and daytime running lights fitted as standard. In base-level S versions the wheels measure 16-inches across; however from the SE Plus upwards Honda includes 17-inch rims. The SE Plus trim level also adds parking sensors to the list of goodies; while SR versions come with privacy glass as well. Only top-spec EX Plus models are available with Bi-HID headlights complete with washers.
Interior
As with the outside, Honda hasn't scrimped on equipment in the Civic Tourer's cabin. Across the range there's Bluetooth, USB connectivity and a DAB Radio included in the list price; with only the entry-level S model omitting rear parking sensors from its standard equipment list. Further up the chain there are heated front seats and a high-definition satnav system in the SR; with keyless entry and start, ambient lighting and a sunglasses holder featuring exclusively in EX Plus spec.
Equipment levels aside, the Civic Tourer also appears to have a Mary Poppins' carpet bag-style load bay. Despite the model having the smallest exterior dimensions in its market segment, Honda claims that the large 624-litre boot space below the luggage cover is the biggest in its class. That rises to 1,668 litres when the rear seats are folded. A fully-loaded boot shouldn't affect the car either, as its Adaptive Damper System compensates for vehicle weight.
Mechanicals
The Civic Tourer comes with a choice of two engines; specifically one petrol and one diesel unit. The petrol option is the tried and tested 1.8-litre i-VTEC that makes up the less expensive models in the Civic Tourer range. Power for this engine peaks at 142hp, while its combined fuel economy figure sits at 45.6mpg. The more favoured engine is likely to be the 1.6-litre i-DTEC unit that, despite its higher initial outlay, has the potential to save buyers money during ownership. Fuel economy has been measured at 74.3mpg, and an emissions figure of 99g/km of CO2 qualifies it for free road tax as well. Its 120hp and 300Nm of torque is enough to get the Civic Tourer from 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds.
Crucial to a family car, the Civic Tourer also comes with a raft of sensor-based technology to keep everyone inside safe. Most of the safety features are available with the Driver Assistance Safety Pack that can be added to any model from SE Plus upwards. This includes City-Brake Active, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition systems to name but a few. Safety Pack Two can also be specified, which adds even more gadgetry.
Anything else?
Prices for the Civic Tourer kick off at £20,265, which gets a 1.8-litre S model. Order books are scheduled to open in December with first deliveries expected in February.
James Giddings - 26 Nov 2013
