Civic-minded vote for ABS and alloys

HONDA has launched a special edition of the Civic five-door - known as the VTi - that gains a host of extra features for $4000 over the cost of the Vi hatchback.

Priced at $30,950 for the manual variant and $32,950 for the four-speed automatic, the VTi's extra equipment list comprises anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, front and rear armrests, passenger and driver map lights, micro antenna and outside temperature dash display.

The existing model lineup remains unchanged. The Civic GLi sedan still costs $23,950 for the manual and $25,950 for the automatic. The Civic Vi is priced at $26,950 for the manual and $28,950 for the automatic.

Dual, remote central locking, power windows and electric mirrors are standard on all models.

Honda Australia says the limited-edition VTi will be on sale for three months - from May to July - and the company is forecasting 100 incremental sales a month stemming from the model's addition.

Public relations supervisor Shayna Welsh says the VTi was introduced as a result of healthy demand for ABS and alloy wheels among Civic buyers.

The current Civic - which has been on sale since last October - has been a steady performer for Honda although its sales figures are well short of the leaders in the small-car segment.

Toyota's Corolla tops the list with 6463 sales until the end of March, followed by the Holden Astra (5515), Mitsubishi Lancer (5402), Nissan Pulsar (5105) and Ford Laser (3859).

By comparison, the Civic has 2089 sales to its credit.

Honda Australia director sales and marketing Tony Devers said the Civic VTi would enhance the safety and versatility of the Civic range.

"While we have seen a great response to our seventh generation Civic range, there have been a certain percentage of buyers who would prefer to add features such as ABS and alloy wheels," he said.

"We can now cater to that audience with an even more innovative package."