Honda’s brand new Tourer model brings estate car practicality to the Civic range. Yet despite the extra space on offer, the Japanese firm has managed to create a sharp and distinctive look, defined by bold styling that runs continuously from front to rear, creating the impression of a floating roof line.

Civic Tourer comes with two engines: the recently introduced 1.6 litre turbo diesel and their long standing 1.8 i-VTEC petrol unit, tested here.

The 1.8 litre petrol motor is free-revving and eager, with a sporty exhaust note, yet also manages to be smooth when pulling away and at low speeds around town. It has quicker off-the-line acceleration and overall top speed than the diesel, but can’t match the oil-burner’s stronger mid-range punch and low-down grunt for towing or carrying heavy loads. This is apparent by the need to frequently visit the six-speed gearbox in order to maintain decent progress – although luckily not a chore, as the gear change is slick and precise. So too is the steering and handling, with the Tourer feeling just as agile (unladen) as the hatchback.

The Tourer also keeps the taught but supple ride of the current Civic hatchback, with a balance that seems about right, yet SR and EX versions also come with adaptive dampers, offering Dynamic, Normal and Comfort modes to adjust the car’s ride characteristic, depending on what’s being carried.

Admittedly Civic’s interior could be criticised for being a tad plain – but the sculpted and high-tech looking dash prevents it from appearing drab. A mix of digital and analogue instrumentation works to good effect and the trip computer and dials are easy-to-read at a glance.

Standard kit on this high-end SR trim includes front fog lights, dual zone climate control, auto lights/wipers, cruise control, rear view camera, adaptive dampers, leather upholstery and sat-nav with DVD player. Although perhaps not as straightforward to use as a touch-screen only system, this navigation impresses with its breadth of clearly displayed information and flexibility in re-routing around traffic delays.

Parking and maneuvering is easy thanks to decent-sized door mirrors, parking sensors and a rear view camera. Over-the-shoulder vision is also helped by the Tourer’s large rear three quarter windows.

The driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive, with decent height adjustment, but the other seats are set too low, resulting in insufficient leg support for six footers. Rear headroom is much better than in the hatchback, and although practicality has taken priority over comfort, with the ‘Magic Seats’ lacking some thigh support, at the pull of two levers they easily tumble and fold to reveal a flat load floor and huge cargo space of 1,668 litres. Even with seats up, there’s still a generous 624 litres to play with. Additionally, under floor storage in the boot makes carrying tall objects that bit easier. Elsewhere there’s plenty of space for odds and ends, from a decently-sized glove box, extra-large central cubby and jumbo cupholders.

Verdict:
Honda has succeeded in adding extra versatility to the Civic, without changing its appealing, if quirky character.

Just like the hatch, the Civic Tourer offers a good blend of comfort, driver involvement and high build quality, although prices are on the high side. This fully equipped SR trim will appeal to those who like their toys, but realistically SE Plus versions come with all the essentials.

Tech spec:
Honda Civic Tourer 1.8 i-VTEC SR 
OTR Price: £24,355
Max power 142 PS
Max torque 174 Nm
0-62 mph: 9.6 seconds
CO2 emissions: g/km) 149
Claimed combined mpg: 44.1
Tax band: F