Honda corporate sales team has secured the first fleet deal for the new 1.6-litre diesel Civic.

The Co'dair Group, an Essex-based design and publicity agency, has ordered 18 of the cars, replacing its entire fleet.

John Dedross, managing director of the Co'dair Group, commented: "Part of our decision-making process was the need to engage with a supplier which not only understands how its vehicles fit into our business now, but also how we plan for the future."

"We have always demanded a lot from our vehicles and suppliers. Honda has the strength and depth to meet our requirements. By selecting the 1.6-litre diesel engine we have reduced our drivers' benefit-in-kind taxation, fuel costs and service and maintenance budget."

The i-DTEC diesel engine is the first to be launched in Europe under Honda's flagship Earth Dreams Technology environmental programme. Assembled in the UK, it offers the lowest CO2 emissions (94g/km) for a 120bhp diesel engine with fuel consumption of 78.5mpg on the combined cycle.

Lee Wheeler, manager, corporate operations, at Honda, said: "The Co'dair Group's decision came after extensive analysis of the whole life costs of our new diesel engine. The order they has placed for 18 cars is confirmation of the positive results they found. We look forward to a long relationship with the company."