Honda shows off its new Civic

Honda has unveiled its replacement for the popular Civic which will go on sale early next year. The new Civic, a name used by Honda since 1972, will be the first to be built in Britain when production begins at Honda's new Swindon plant at the end of this year.

The project is the last evidence of the harmonious relationship with Rover - shattered when BMW bought the British company this spring for pounds 800m. Rover will unveil its version of the new Civic, the 400, in 1995 - replete with 'British' touches like generous chrome, wood veneer dashboard and traditional grille.

The five-door Civic will be followed by four- and three- door variants a few months after. It will compete on price and performance with the big selling Ford Escort, Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 306. Expect to pay just under pounds 10,000 for the 1.4 litre model and up to pounds 14,000 for the 1.6i SR with Honda's impressive 126bhp, VTEC engine.

Bentley has launched its fastest, most powerful car yet - the Turbo S. Powered by the standard Rolls-Royce 6.75 litre, pushrod V8, the car has a re-engineered intercooler fitted to the turbo. The company claims the 'S' will reach 60mph in under six seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Just 100 will be made and the cost is pounds 147,500.

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