Civic to get a sporty new look.

Ahigh-spec new variant of the Honda Civic 5-door goes on sale from September, giving the popular British-built hatchback even sportier looks.

The new Si grade will be available across the entire 5-door Civic range, in all engine variants and transmissions.

The 1.4-litre Si model will wear Graphite coloured 16-inch alloy wheels while higher-powered 1.8 petrol and 2.2 diesel Si Civics will sit on 17-inch Graphite coloured alloy rims. All Si variants will have colour-coded bumpers, front fog lights, a Type R-style mesh front grille and dark chrome door handles and fuel cap - like that on the Championship White Type R. Inside Si models will get half leather upholstery to continue the sports theme, plus a USB port for iPod connectivity.

The Si has been designed to appeal to the Civic's increasingly youthful customer and those who want sporty looks with the practicality of a 5-door. And because the Si grade is available across the Civic 5-door range, those on a smaller budget can also enjoy the Si's distinct looks. The Civic Si 1.4-litre i-VTEC will go on sale later this year, followed by the Civic Si 1.8-litre i-VTEC and Civic Si 2.2-litre i-CTDi. Three metallic exterior paint colours are available on the new grade: Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Deep Sapphire Blue Pearl, plus Milano Red as standard.

Pricing: Si grades are pounds 850 RRP over the SE grade. Civic Si 1.4 i-VTEC Manual -pounds 15,800 OTR; Civic Si 1.4 i-VTEC i-SHIFT - pounds 16,600 OTR; Civic Si 1.8 i-VTEC Manual -pounds 16,835 OTR; Civic Si 1.8 i-VTEC Automatic - pounds 18,160 OTR; Civic Si 2.2 i-CTDi Manual - pounds 18,305 OTR.

The Civic Si 1.4-litre manual delivers good fuel economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 135g/km. When paired with the i-SHIFT transmission it delivers improved fuel economy of 49.6mpg and reduced CO2 emissions of 132g/km. Meanwhile, the Civic Si 1.8-litre manual has CO2 emissions of 155g/km and fuel economy of 42.2mpg. All 1.8-litre engine Civic 5 door models are available with a classic automatic 'box that was introduced early this year, and in Si guise will deliver 169g/ km and 38.7mpg respectively.

The Civic Si 2.2-litre (manual) has CO2 emissions of 139g/km and fuel economy of 53.3mpg.

THE original Civic grades have been streamlined. For 2009/2010 Civic 5-door models the spec levels are: SE: Key features include: 16-in alloy wheels, electric windows, climate control air conditioning, Magic Seats, refrigerated glove box, CD tuner with RDS and MP3 compatibility, auxiliary socket, steering wheel mounted audio controls. In addition 1.8 / 2.2-litre SE models get: twin chrome exhaust, leather steering wheel, drilled aluminium sports pedals and tweeter speakers.

Si: Over and above the SE grade, key features include: Colour coded body moulding, unique front grille, front fog lights, graphite coloured 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch on 1.4 models), dark chrome door handles and fuel cap, half leather interior, USB port.

ES: Over and above the SE grade: 17-in alloy wheels, front fog lights, panoramic glass roof, cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, dual-zone climate control and electric folding door mirrors.

EX GT: Over and above the ES: sat-nav with Bluetooth hands-free technology, full leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, HID headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, ambient footwell lighting.