Civic 1.8 VTi Ownership?

[WildCards]

I'm thinking about getting rid of my reliable diesel 306 and getting back into something Jap and something petrol. I was thinking about a Civic 1.8 VTi or VTi-S. Does anyone know what they're like to own? and what a decent average mpg would be for a 20 mile commute using A roads and country lanes?

Or can anyone recommend a somehting else to fit my criteria? Jap, <£3000, Hatch or Estate, No less than 30mpg average, A bit of poke under the bonnet.

Thanks

Edited by WildCards on Wednesday 20th February 13:50

[WildCards]

Cheers guys, I'm torn between a rock and a hard place really. I need something practical for the kids, something throw away so I'm not too precious about throwing mountain bikes in or onto it and something a little bit fun for me.

I'm currently pottering around in a 306 HDi estate, which I love but it's nearing 160,000 miles now and showing it's age a little, I think it's probably going to start costing me some money soon, but the Civic doesn't really sound like the car for me, so i'll have to have a re-think.