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  The improved IMA system delivers more power under hard acceleration.

Honda will give the new Civic Hybrid a larger engine in March.

The Civic Hybrid will now have a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine coupled with Honda's upgraded Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, delivering 82kW and 172Nm.

The improved IMA system delivers more power under hard acceleration. It recharges the new lithium-ion battery through the engine as well as using regenerated brake energy. 

The new Civic range will be in Honda dealerships early March with a starting price of $20,990 for the entry level Civic VTi-L manual. The ninth-generation Civic is available in three variants VTi-L, Sport and Hybrid. 

The VTi-L has a 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine delivering 104kW and 174Nm of torque while the Sport's 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine delivers 114kW and 190Nm, with improved fuel efficiency. 

Civic achieves a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the highest available. Increased use of high tensile steel in the Civic's body delivers improved ride and handling.

Standard features across the range including an intelligent multi-information display, automatic climate control, cruise control, Honda's ECON mode, integrated Bluetooth with audio streaming, iPod connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls. 

The Civic Sport gains leather appointed seats, an electric sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and automatic front wipers.