A FLAGSHIP Swindon-built car is in line for one of the top awards of the motor industry.

The Honda Civic, built at the Japanese giant's plant in South Marston, is one of seven contenders for European Car of the Year.

Motoring journalists from throughout the European Union gather every year to consider the merits of cars of all shapes and sizes, and the identity of this year's award-winner will be revealed on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, two other Hondas have also recently collected accolades.

The new Jazz supermini, due on sale in the spring, has just been named as Car of the Year in Japan.

And in the motorsports world, a privately-entered and virtually standard Honda HR-V all terrain vehicle has recently won its class in the 20-day Sahara Challenge rally.

The HR-V came in an hour ahead of its rivals.

The Civic is vying for the European Car of the Year accolade with the BMW Mini, the Citroen C5, the Jaguar X-Type, the Renault Laguna, the Fiat Stilo and the Peugeot 307.

But the Honda is thought by many experts to have advantages over its rivals, thanks to features such as extra rear seat space and luggage storage, a dash-mounted gear lever, excellent handling characteristics, smooth but quick engines, all round comfort and an attractive appearance.