Civic IMA Named Ecofleet Vehicle Of The Year

It has been acclaimed internationally, taking Industry Week’s Technology of the Year title – and its power unit voted best 1.0 to 1.4 litre by Engine Technology International. And now, today, the Civic IMA receives its first major UK award being voted EcoFleet Car of the Year in the prestigious Fleet Excellence Awards.

Presenting the award, Nick Gibbs, editor of EcoFleet explained that the Civic was seen by Fleets as a crucial vehicle in the clean-fuel technology race. "Its predecessor – the Honda Insight – was a technological marvel when it was first launched but, despite 83 mpg, fleets sidelined it because it was only a two-seater. The Civic is a proper five-seater, and unlike its rival the Toyota Prius (which it narrowly beat for this close-fought award), actually looks normal," he said.

Recently confirmed EU fuel figures confirm that the new Civic will offer almost 58 mpg, and will be one of only three petrol cars to duck the London congestion charge. Pollutant emissions are within half the Euro IV limit and with a CO2 emission figure of 116 g/km, it should also hit the 11% tax band and will cost under £15,000, cheaper than both the Prius and the Insight.

Honda’s Head of Corporate Sales, James Daulton who received the award said: "We are very proud to accept this award and to see that Honda’s commitment to the environment has been recognised by Fleet buyers. We believe that our petrol/electric hybrid system is one of the most effective ways of reducing vehicle fuel consumption – and with it carbon dioxide emissions. Honda has great plans to incorporate it into an increasing number of vehicles, such that one day it will become a standard Honda feature, much like the VTEC engine is today," he added.

The Fleet Excellence Awards were determined by votes cast from among 16,000 readers of EcoFleet, 12,000 readers of Fleet Week, and 21,000 readers of Fleet Management.