HONDA'S new Civic Tourer will cost from £20,265 when it arrives in dealerships next February.

That tab is for the 1.8 i-VTEC S model, while the flagship 1.8 i-VTEC EX Plus version will top out at £26,250.

Designed and developed in Europe, the British-built estate will be up for grabs with the choice of two engines - the 1.8 i-VTEC petrol and the new Earth Dreams Technology 1.6 i-DTEC diesel, plus four trim grades.

Of the powerplants the new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel produces 120PS for an acceleration time of 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds, while achieving a Combined 74.3mpg.

That's equivalent to a range of 817 miles on one tank of fuel and CO2 emissions from 99g/km keeps the car exempt from road tax.

Honda's proven 1.8 i-VTEC petrol engine will be available in both manual and automatic transmission and develops 142PS, can return 45.5mpg and from 149g/km of emissions.

Entry level S spec includes the likes of Bluetooth, DAB radio, USB connectivity and 16-inch alloy wheels.

SE Plus adds rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloys, while SR buyers benefit from the new world first rear adaptive damper system, heated front seats, sat-nav and privacy glass.

Those opting for top EX grade get headlight washer, smart entry and start, sunglasses holder, interior blue ambient lighting and Bi-HID headlights with auto levelling.

As for space, Honda says that despite being the lowest and most compact estate in its area of the market - and being only 235mm longer than the Civic hatchback - the Tourer stiff boasts a class-leading 624 litres of boot space.

And utilising the Japanese brand's Magic Seat system, the rear seats can be pulled down to create a completely flat load area with 1,668 litres of capacity up to the roof lining.