We review the Honda Civic Tourer from price to economy and all its features

THE new Civic Tourer is powered by a diesel engine that Honda proudly describes as “Earth Dreams Technology”.

Back in the real world I can tell you that the engine is not exactly the stuff of my dreams but it returns more than 70mpg and that’s a reality we all like.

Bootiful … new Honda Civic Tourer

In fact there is plenty to like about the new British-built Civic Tourer — first and foremost, its vast boot. And that is, of course, what estates are all about.

You get a class-leading 624 litres of space with the rear seats in place, increasing to 1,116 with them folded — and up to a cavernous 1,668 if you load it to the roof.

Tourer gets top marks for versatility

That’s enough for two full-sized mountain bikes or three large-sized suitcases with the tonneau cover pulled over.

There is also extra underfloor boot storage which makes carrying tall objects simple.

And to make loading easy the loading floor has been reduced by 137mm.

The Tourer’s final trick is “magic seats” that allow different configurations, with the rear seats folding down in one easy movement, while the rear cushions can be flipped up to allow tall, awkward loads. So the Tourer gets top marks for versatility.

Magic … Civic Tourer

It also seats five adults in comfort while you can choose from three driving modes — comfort, normal and dynamic.

The Tourer drives well enough, more like a hatchback than an estate. And it has precise steering, although I found the six-speed gearbox a little stiff.

The 1.6-litre diesel is also quiet enough once you are on the move and its performance is reasonable.

It’s the economy that really impresses. I got more than 60mpg but a light right foot would get close to Honda’s claimed 74mpg. The C02 is 99g/km and that means no road tax or congestion charges.

There’s also a 1.8-litre petrol version but the fuel economy drops to just 45 mpg and C02 increases to between 146 and 155g/km.

The Tourer drives well enough, more like a hatchback than an estate

Last but not least, the Tourer looks dramatic, especially by Honda’s more reserved standards.

Prices range from £20,765 for the entry-level petrol and £21,875 for the diesel, up to £28,125.

The Civic Tourer may lack the Dreams and Magic in the Honda advertising blurb but it’s a very realistic estate car built to last.

What to look out for when buying a used Honda Civic

Honda has a long-standing reputation for reliability, and the Civic has generally continued that trend, with very high scores in customer satisfaction and reliability surveys.

However, the eighth-generation model (2006-2012) was recalled several times, for worrying problems including brake pedal travel and self-releasing parking brakes, short-circuiting electrics and faulty diesel engines. Owners have also complained of poorly sealed tailgate windows, loose trim, moisture build-up in headlights and premature tyre and brake wear.