A new variant of the Honda Civic goes on sale in the UK today with enhanced exterior styling that represents excellent value for money.

Called the SE+, the new model's distinctive 16-inch alloys, body-coloured skirts and spoiler give it sporty looks, designed to appeal to the Civic's increasingly youthful customer.

It is powered by Honda's 1.4-litre i-DSi engine and costs just £14,900 on-the-road.

"The market has responded well to the new Civic, and the 5-door is drawing a younger audience than ever before, but customers wanted a higher spec, entry level model that looked even more sporting," said Tom Gardner, Head of Marketing, Honda (UK). "The SE+ looks great, offers fantastic value for money and represents the success of our UK manufacturing plant at Swindon, where all European Civics are built."

In 2007, Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) reached its full production rate of 250,000 units per annum, of which 140,000 were Civics. Last year in the UK, 30,772 Civic 5-doors were sold.

On top of the standard SE grade specifications, the new Civic 1.4 i-DSI SE + includes:

* 16-inch Atlas alloy wheels

* Image pack

* Metallic paint

The Honda Civic SE + is available in Vivid Blue or Alabaster Silver. Only 1,000 units will be made.