HONDA has launched its first ever CVT transmission said to offer more performance than anyone else's similar transmission system. The Honda continuously variable transmission is linked to a powerful 1.6-litre VTEC engine installed in a Civic and the vehicle will have an on the road price of £14,485 - some £900 more than a manual version.

The Civic has a top speed of 106mph with a 0-62mph time of 10.7 seconds. Fuel consumption figures show a 'combined' total of 42.8mpg which is better than a conventional four speed automatic but not quite as good as a manual box.