2012 Honda Civic Manchester

The 2012 Honda Civic comes in six models. The Civic DX, LX, EX, and EX-L are available in coupe and sedan versions and come with a 140-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2012 Honda Civics are completely redesigned and have solid credentials in all the right categories for cars in this class: good looks, high quality, a great durability record, a first rate comfort quotient, and high marks for safety features. The all-new 2012 Honda Civic is the ninth generation of the Civic, and it has a long, distinguished record of engineering innovation. As has been the case in previous iterations, there's some of that in the 2012 Civic models, too, aimed at giving it the broadest possible reach in its market segment. Though completely redesigned, the 2012 Civic looks similar to the previous-generation version. Its exterior dimensions are about the same, though the wheelbase is slightly shorter. For safety, the Civic comes with antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control. Though the Si and EX trim levels have four-wheel disc brakes, the other models have rear drums. The Civic has six airbags including the front pair, front-seat-mounted side-impact bags and side curtain airbags.

2012 Honda Civic Power

The latest Civic delivers creamy ride quality, with exceptionally low interior noise levels.  The Civic DX, LX, EX, and EX-L come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, single overhead cam rated at 140 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. The Civic HF is equipped with a specially tuned version of the same engine with the same power ratings. The Civic GX runs on natural guess using a specially prepared 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve four-cylinder rated at 110 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Hybrid pairs a 1.5-liter SOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine rated at 110 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque with a 23-hp electric motor assist. The sporty Civic Si features a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder rated at 201 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. The biggest change is in the Si performance model, with a 2.4-liter engine replacing the previous generation's 2.0-liter. Horsepower increases by 3, and torque is boosted by more than 30 pounds-feet for more robust off-the-line performance. As before, the Si comes with a six-speed manual.

Design of the '12 Civic

For 2012 Civic design, the new cars sport redesigned fascias, updated rear ends, and new character lines, but the basic shape has the same flowing aero look. Although the wheelbase is slightly shorter, body dimensions are essentially identical, and it takes a practiced eye to tell new from old at a glance. The styling of the new Civic is more evolutionary than revolutionary, and some observers are likely to mistake the new design for the earlier generation. Of the two body styles, the coupe exhibits more changes. The HF, hybrid, and CNG models have lightweight 15-inch alloy wheels, and the Si model comes with 17-inch alloys. The Si also adds a glossy bumper treatment and fog lights, as well as a tightly integrated rear spoiler that's barely noticeable. The HF and hybrid also have aerodynamic treatments that subtly change their appearance, including a smoother front bumper. The hybrid has blue accents in its headlight clusters and grille to distinguish it from the others.

2012 Honda Civic Cabin

Inside the instrument display has been invigorated with new colored backlighting, but it will look familiar to those who have had some experience with the generation eight layout. The bi-plane look continues in the new car, with important info repeated at the top of the dash, allowing the driver to scan with minimum visual redirection. Quality materials, attractive design, and colorful instrument lighting give the Civic interiors a look that's a notch or two above compact norms. The seats are well shaped, nicely bolstered (by family sedan standards), widely adjustable, with a probability of all-day drive comfort and very good upholstery wear characteristics. The biggest change inside the car, though is the new I-MID, or Intelligent Multi-Information Display. A toggle on the left-hand steering wheel spoke allows the driver to sift through a wide variety of vehicle info, and the optional satellite navigation system includes a voice recognition function.

Civic Lineup for '12

Civic DX Sedan and DX Coupe come with cloth upholstery, manually adjusted driver seat, power windows, tilt/telescope steering column, 12-volt power outlet, rear window defroster, fold-down rear seatback, i-MID driver information display with Turn-By-Turn Directions, clock, dual trip meters, two-speed intermittent wipers, black outside mirrors and door handles. The DX comes with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.

Civic LX Sedan and LX Coupe upgrade with air conditioning, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers, USB audio interface, MP3 auxiliary jack, speed-sensitive volume, auto-up/down driver's window, power locks with auto-lock feature, remote trunk release, illuminated window and lock controls, cruise control, illuminated steering wheel controls, customizable settings, map lights, floor mats, body-colored mirrors and door handles. The 5-speed manual is standard, but the 5-speed automatic is available for the LX Sedan and LX Coupe.

Civic EX Sedan comes standard with the 5-speed automatic. The Civic EX Coupe offers a choice of 5-speed manual or automatic. Civic EX includes six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, 60/40 split rear seat, upgraded rear-seat accommodations, one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature. The EX Sedan and EX Coupe are available with Navi and XM radio.

Civic EX-L Coupe and Sedan upgrade to leather-trimmed interior and heated front seats. The Civic EX-L is also available with Navi and XM Radio.

Civic HF sedan is designed for maximum fuel efficiency with specially tuned 1.8-liter engine and 5-speed automatic. Civic GX sedan runs natural gas and comes with the 5-speed automatic.

Civic Hybrid sedan is available with Navi and XM Radio or Leather or both.

Civic Si Sedan and Coupe feature a high-performance 2.4-liter engine and 6-speed manual. Navi and XM Radio are available for the Si Sedan and Si Coupe

Conclusions

The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two sporty Si performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant. Now all consumers need to do is choose the model that fits their lifestyle the best. The Honda Civic has been a top-selling model for Honda since the 2006 model went on sale in late 2005. The 2006 Civic earned both the prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year and the North American Car of the Year awards. The Civic is known for providing a balance of 'just-right' packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy (39 Highway MPG*). The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet. For more information on this exciting and upcoming model, visit the official 2012 Honda Civic site.




*Based on 2008/2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models.  Use for comparison purposes only.  Do not compare to models before 2008.  Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com