The new Honda Civic Hatch has touched down in South Africa.

Honda says its new five-door Civic has improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, greater comfort and more composed handling, together with better fuel economy and lower emissions.

"The new Civic 5-Door builds on the core strengths of its predecessor, and takes them to an appreciably higher level," says Yoshiaki Nakamura, managing director of Honda Motor Southern Africa.

"It was developed specifically to meet the requirements for the extremely competitive European market, and provides a fresh design with sporty performance and advanced technologies. Those traits should ensure that local buyers will also appreciate the progress achieved, compared to its highly rated predecessor."

The new Civic Hatch is 20mm lower and 10mm wider than the outgoing version. Its bold styling embraces both sporty and futuristic elements.

The futuristic interior design remains in the new model but with a focus on upgrading the feel, functionality and refinement of the cabin.

The driver-oriented interior has two zones separating the control areas. The Driver Interface zone gathers essential driving and vehicle-related information at the natural point of focus for the driver. The adjacent Information Interface zone places devices such as the audio system and ventilation controls within easy reach.

The latter also incorporates Honda's intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), a colour TFT screen that shows vehicle, entertainment, Bluetooth connectivity and support-related data.

The boot can hold 401 litres of luggage, and an easily accessed under-floor compartment increases this by a further 76 litres.

The Civic 5-Door is available with the latest and even more fuel efficient version of Honda's 1.8-litre 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC engine. In its latest guise, this unit produces 104kW of maximum power at 6500rpm, together with 174Nm of torque at 4300rpm. Customers have the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a new five-speed automatic with paddle shift controls.

A range-topping 2.2-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, is also offered. It is credited with 110kW at 4000rpm and a 350Nm 2000rpm.

All Civic 5-Door models are now equipped with ECO Assist, which coaches drivers on the most fuel efficient driving style. The system also incorporates a green "ECON" button that activates the most economical settings for the car.

The new i-DTEC flagship model has the Exclusive trim package, which incorporates a panoramic glass sunroof, a premium sound system with amplifier and subwoofer, Bluetooth hands-free cellphone connectivity (with dedicated buttons on the steering wheel), and HID headlights with auto-levelling sensor and integrated washers.

There is also a reversing camera, combined with front and rear parking sensors for added convenience.

Pricing:
1.8 i-VTEC Elegance Manual: R248 000
1.8 i-VTEC Elegance Automatic: R261 000
1.8 i-VTEC Executive Manual: R270 000
1.8 i-VTEC Executive Automatic: R283 000
2.2 i-DTEC Exclusive Manual: R343 800

Prices include a five-year or 90 000km service plan, and three-year or 100 000km warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.