Honda Civic review - does the Type R’s class translate lower down the range? - Engine and gearbox

The Civic is available with three engines, not including the superb Type R, made up of two petrols and a diesel. The first is a compact 1-litre triple whose induction is boosted by a turbocharger to an eyebrow-raising 127bhp, with 147lb ft of torque at 2250rpm. The other is also turbocharged – a 1.5-litre four-cylinder making 180bhp. Not long ago, that was almost Type R power – though with 177lb ft at 2250rpm, more of its performance should be accessible at day-to-day speeds.

The CDTi diesel is a 1.6-litre unit and essentially the same as the previous unit, bar some improvements in noise and vibration. Power is a leisurely 118bhp, but torque is  a more generous 221lb ft, making it an easy thing to keep moving without too much strain. A typically slick six-speed manual is standard across the range. Petrol automatics get a CVT, while a nine-speed auto will be optional on diesel models.