2012 Honda Civic Preview

A new Honda Civic debuts in 2012, packing a fresh face and more fuel, but in some ways a step back from its bestselling predecessors.

Available in sedan and coupe body styles, the Civic has enough choice for a diverse group of consumers. Four engine and transmission choices are available: the volume models get a 1.8-liter 140 horsepower engine mated to a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. A high-efficiency HF model is also available as an economical stepping stone between the sedan and the Civic Hybrid, the 1.3-liter engine and 20 hp electric motor coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission functions. Now available in all 50 states, the Civic GX powered by natural gas powertrain and gets a big update. Finally, the Si gets a sporty high-revving 2.0-liter VTEC engine (which takes premium gas) and an excellent six-speed manual Honda.

The Civic remains a competent family compact with a large suitcase and a large legroom. But for 2012, it is outclassed by competitors from Ford and Hyundai. It does not drive well, the interior does not feel like a high quality, and the base price has increased. Still, for the budget-minded buyers who bank on the Honda's justly deserved reputation for quality, the Civic is a wise, trusted choice.

Bodystyles: Sedan, coupe

Engines: 1.3-liter inline-4 plus electric motor (hybrid),

1.8-liter inline-4, 2.0-liter inline-4

Transmissions: six-speed manual, five-speed manual, five-speed automatic, CVT

Models: DX, LX, EX, EX-L, Hybrid, Natural Gas, Si

The Civic has been completely redesigned inside and out for 2012. It gets a more mature look, larger head and tail, and a fresh strip of chrome on the grille. Inside, the redesigned interior, but not for good: it loses some of the soft-touch materials, although the dashboard design that maintains the split-level approach was introduced by the previous generation Civic.

General shape of the Civic and the relative dimensions remain the same as the outgoing model. And given the ubiquity of the Civic, the instantly recognizable as such. Shinier grille and new lights are the most noticeable changes, while the front bumper and sides to get subtle curves in the bodywork.

Here is the Civic falls behind the competition. The formerly futuristic interior gets hard plastics and a boxier-looking design. The Civic retains its dual-level LCD display, and blue lights on the side of the speedometer green when the Civic is more economically driven. Higher-spec models are equipped with satellite navigation, satellite radio, traffic updates, steering wheel controls, heated seats and mirrors, and speech recognition. Bluetooth and an onboard computer display are standard in all models.

Peppy performance of the Civic's is dulled as the competition catches up. Steering is light, controlling a large turning circle. Civics base remains a benchmark for decent driving dynamics, without the usual considerations for quality drive, albeit with some body roll in the lane change maneuvers. Lovers will rejoice in the slick shifting, free speed 197 hp Si model, while commuters will enjoy the comfort of a fully loaded EX-L, or the Civic Hybrid, which averaged 44 mpg.

Dual front, front side and curtain airbags are standard on the Civic, as well as active headrests for driver and front passenger. All Civic models come with anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Civic is designed with Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure of Honda, the strength in the passenger compartment in the event of a crash to maximize.

DX, LX, EX, EX-L: 28 mpg city/36-39 mpg highway

HF: 29 mpg city/41 mpg highway

Hybrid: 44 mpg city/44 mpg highway

GX NGV: 24 mpg city/36 mpg highway

Si: 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway