HONDA'S three-door Civic promises better performance and economy over its five-door sibling, giving fleets the chance to save cash on fuel costs. The three-door model goes on sale next month and is shorter, lower and lighter than the five-door already on sale.

The range starts at £10,795 on-the-road for the 1.4S - a saving of £1,135 over the five-door. The range is completed with S, SE and SE Executive versions of the 1.6 VTEC, while the hot Civic Type R will top the range at £15,995.