This was long overdue. Although Honda produces more engines than any other company on the planet (most of them for bikes, lawnmowers and other non-automotive applications), it has only recently decided to get involved with diesels.There will be a Honda diesel unit in due course, but it's not around yet, and the turbocharged engine in the Civic is bought in. Presumably Honda wanted to make sure that it was supplied with something decent, and indeed this is a sweet enough unit. It has the usual turbo diesel attributes of hearty mid-range performance and decent fuel economy, the latter giving a full-to-empty range of around 450 miles, and although it is inevitably noisier than a petrol engine would be, the racket has been damped down quite effectively.One of the main problems with diesels is that they are heavier than their petrol equivalents. Some manufacturers deal very well with this, while others lose the plot entirely and ruin what is otherwise a decent chassis.With the Civic, Honda has done a reasonable job for a company which hasn't in the past needed to solve the problems of having a heavy lump between the front wheels. It seems that the suspension people were very anxious to do away with the vague turn-in that so often bedevils diesel cars, and in fact the Civic snaps into corners so effectively that you have to hold the steering wheel very lightly so as not to apply more lock than you need.This is impressive, but it's not backed up by what happens in the middle of the corner. The extra weight has taken over by the time you get to this point, and you don't have to be travelling dramatically quickly to experience the first hints of understeer by the time you reach the apex.If you think I'm overdoing the handling aspect of a car which is not going to be bought for its sporty behaviour, point taken. On the other hand, the engine's mass also tends to overwhelm the front dampers on anything but the smoothest roads, so this Civic tends to lurch over bumps which would cause far less drama in the petrol models. There is still more work to be done before Honda gives the impression of being completely happy with building diesels.Still, this is an appealing car which widens the already impressive choice available to people who want a diesel of this size. Perhaps just as importantly, it opens the door to diesel motoring for folk who only ever buy Hondas and might now be prepared to give it a try.The rest of the car is familiar territory, but it's worth pointing out a few key features such as the dashboard-mounted gearlever. This allows Honda to do without the normal central console between the front seats, and if you haven't experienced it you wouldn't believe how much space this opens up.Considering its modest overall dimensions, the Civic has a phenomenal amount of rear seat room - so much, indeed, that you wonder how other manufacturers can get away with selling "family" cars that require the junior members of said family to be barely past the nappy stage. Full points for effort here.Since the current-generation Civic was launched, there has been much comment in the press (including CARkeys) about its bland looks. I don't know, though. I think the Type-R pocket rocket looks a bit dumpy, but with a dark blue colour scheme, ordinary wheels and no bodywork add-ons, I reckoned our diesel test car was quite attractive, in an understated sort of way. I wouldn't mind owning one of these, for that and a good many other reasons.Second opinion: I'm certain the overall economy, low emissions, decent performance and amazing amount of rear passenger space will be of more interest to Civic buyers than any considerations of handling finesse under pressure. Mind you, I did notice the understeer, and it's as well to be prepared for it. The Isuzu-sourced engine sounds a bit noisy under hard acceleration, but it smoothes out very well once the car is cruising. At CARkeys we've certainly begun to appreciate the advantages of a console-mounted gearlever, and the metal-effect trim doesn't seem out of place, although I was a little surprised that the rear doors didn't shut with more of a solid clunk. There's no doubt, though, that the Civic diesel is a car which grows on you as the miles roll by. It blends Honda quality standards with a very good bodywork package. Ross Finlay. Engine 1686cc, 4 cylinders Power 98bhp Fuel/CO2 56.5mpg / 134g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.5 seconds Top speed 112mph Price £13,995 Release date 15/05/2010
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