Honda models have received widespread praise for their rear seat flexibility and outstanding convenience and ease-of-use. What's the point in providing features if the amount of effort needed to use them becomes a hassle? The new Civic therefore has simple one-motion dive down rear seats (possible even with the front seats in their rearmost position) and flip-up seat bases.

Collapsing either section of the 60:40 split rear seat completely into the deep footwell to create a flat load floor requires one easy step, and unlike some competitors, it's all possible from a position standing just inside the rear door.

Added versatility comes from a 60:40 split seat base that can be tipped up and locked against the seat back, so creating a second load area between front and rear seats (1,205mm in height), that opens up a whole range of loading possibilities: two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed; a small Christmas tree; a folded wheelchair… It can also provide an alternative load area when access is limited because the tailgate from cannot be opened, or when the weight of an item means it is easier to lift it the short distance into the rear footwell. Young children can also stand up - to change wet clothes while at the beach, for example. Equally, it also serves as a convenient area to place wet or dirty items to prevent the damage of luggage in the rear.

The luggage compartment is the largest in class by a substantial margin and even exceeds the capacity of some D segment cars. While the segment average is around 320 litres, the new Honda Civic provides 485 litres (1,352 litres to the window with rear seats folded down) of totally unobstructed space: space for the monthly shop, three mountain bikes (with their front wheels removed and the rear seats folded down), three EU Samsonite cases, three 46 inch golf bags, etc.

As well as offering plenty of room, the load space also provides excellent flexibility by means of a clever two level storage configuration. Beneath the boot floor is a 'secret' secondary 70-litre storage area for smaller items. The panel that doubles up as both the boot floor and the cover for this storage area features a clever double hinge design that allows it to be either lifted to allow access, or to be lowered (assuming nothing is being stored) to create a single load space.

Naturally there are lots of small storage areas scattered throughout the Civic's cabin, but these are provided with lids wherever possible to ensure everything is neatly concealed. The storage package is also defined by large capacity, multiple usage and improved usability. The glove box has a dog-swallowing 14-litre capacity and includes a map pocket inside the damped lid, in-box illumination, and a 'fridge-like' cooling feature for drinks.

There is also a 1-litre capacity centre pocket, useful for storing a phone, sunglasses, etc, while located behind the cigarette lighter and the removable ashtray is a convenient double cup holder with sliding lid. Finally the large capacity console box can store organisers, tissue boxes, travel maps, 22 CDs or whatever else that 6.9-litres can contain. Both the front and the rear doors are equipped with storage spaces ideally used for bottles (500ml) and maps (front doors).



ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

There is a choice of three engines in the Civic range: a 1339cc 83PS petrol unit, a 1799cc 140PS petrol unit and a 2204cc 140PS diesel unit. All are combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox making the new Honda Civic the first car in the C segment to be equipped with 6-speed gearboxes across the range. The petrol units can also be specified with Honda i-SHIFT, a 6-speed automated manual transmission.

All three engines are new to the Civic range and the 1.8-litre unit is a completely new engine. All of them provide levels of driveability, fuel efficiency, emissions and performance that reinforce Honda's reputation for outstanding engine technology and status as the world's largest engine manufacturer.

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