Honda’s new 1.6 i-DTEC engine has once again been recognised for its strong fleet credentials, with the Civic 1.6 i-DTEC scooping the award for ‘Best SME Company Car to Buy’ at the second annual Business Car Manager ‘SME Company Car of the Year Awards’.
Chaired by the Rt. Hon Vince Cable MP, and supported by MAGMA Automotive, the awards set out to recognise how well car manufacturers are meeting the needs of small businesses and SME small fleets with low emission cars, bespoke dealer programmes and after sales service. This year saw 47 vehicles and small business programmes enter.
The Civic triumphed in the category for cash-rich SME firms looking to maximise their tax position with cars that qualify for the 100 per cent writing down allowance tax break and emit no more than 95g/km CO2. At the same time, cars in the category must have the appeal and ability to suit the employees of a small business.
The judges praised the Honda Civic for its low purchase price, whole life costs, BIK costs and driver appeal. They also noted that the Civic is comfortable, refined and features a three-year, 90,000-mile warranty, along with Honda’s reputation for great reliability – just what any SME small fleet needs.
Ralph Morton, Editorial Director of Business Car Manager comments: “Full marks to Honda for winning this one. If you haven’t driven the new Honda Civic diesel, do yourself a favour and try it. It’s not only great to drive fast or slow, the fuel economy is astonishing – try getting it under 50mpg. Added to which, an SME firm can buy one and immediately get the cash flow benefit of 100 per cent capital allowances. No wonder the judges marked it out as a winner.”
Lee Wheeler, Manager-Corporate Operations at Honda (UK) comments: “This award is yet further testament to the fleet credentials of our small diesel 1.6 i-DTEC engine, with its numerous benefits to businesses of any size. The Civic 1.6 i-DTEC is fast becoming a real favourite for both companies and their employees and we’re delighted with this recognition from such a leading authority as Business Car Manager.”
The Civic 1.6 i-DTEC also fared well enough to reach the shortlist for the ‘Best SME Compact Company Car’ in the awards, based on its fuel efficiency, company car tax rating and low running costs. Honda (UK) also made it to the last four in the ‘Best SME Company Car Programme’ category, which looks for the best-tailored company car offering for SME businesses.
The new Civic 1.6 i-DTEC offers a class-leading combination of fuel economy and performance – emitting only 94 g/km of CO2 with a powerful 120PS. The engine is the first to be launched in Europe under Honda’s flagship Earth Dreams Technology environmental programme; offering customers an outstanding balance of high fuel economy, low emissions and dynamic performance.
