Honda recently launched the 8th generation Civic, after a series of very successful launches in USA, Europe and South Asia. This model upstages its global rival, the Corolla, but be sure that Toyota is working feverishly to trump this ace.

The new Civic has a unique ‘mono-form’ look. A muscular silhouette that flows smoothly from bumper to bumper… embellished with distinctive lights and chrome touches to make it very distinctive. Its interiors are also spacious and attractive but the driver's control area with space age looks is outstanding with a bold aircraft like digital display of speed, fuel and temperature located just below the windscreen, which allows the driver to see them without having to take his eyes off the road. Its ride comfort and handling at speed is also superb.

The Civic is also the peppiest among India's larger saloons with an 1800 cc petrol engine churning out 130 hp. The I-VTEC technology offers excellent acceleration with miserly fuel consumption. Buyers also get a 5-speed automatic transmission that sports F-1 style ‘paddle shift’ buttons just behind the steering wheel, so with a dab of the fingers the driver can effortlessly move up or down the gears. Both models come fully loaded with every gadget for comfort and entertainment at prices of Rs. 10.75 Lakhs for the manual and 11.45 for the automatic.