With a brand-new 10th-generation model coming for 2016, Honda's venerable Civic compact moves into 2015 unchanged.
There remains a choice of coupe and sedan body styles, and three different drivetrains. Both coupe and sedan come standard with a 1.8L four-cylinder engine making 143 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque, which can be optioned with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic (CVT).
A sporty Si variant offered in both body styles uses a 2.4L four-cylinder good for 205 hp and 174 lb-ft and comes exclusively with a six-speed manual.
Finally, a hybrid sedan uses a 1.5L gasoline engine and an electric motor that feed power through a CVT. Honda doesn't specify the combined output of the two power sources, but the gas engine is rated for 110 hp and 127 lb-ft.
The Civic has been Canada's best-selling car for many years thanks to its sensible design and historically strong reliability. Even the base model feels light and tossable, and the manual shifter is one of the best you'll find in a budget-priced car. That the hybrid still exists is a head-scratcher, though, as its drivetrain lacks the sophistication of more modern hybrids, including Honda's own Accord Hybrid.
Civic sedan models begin with the DX, a stripped-down model more notable for what it lacks: there's no air conditioning here, no Bluetooth, no variable intermittent wipers, no keyless entry and no power door locks.
The LX is a nicer starting point. It shares its 15-inch steel wheels (and covers) with the DX, but adds air conditioning, Bluetooth with text message function, driver information display, speed-sensing variable intermittent wipers, map lights, power door locks with keyless entry, backup camera, cruise control and heated front seats.
EX models get 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, auto on/off headlights, sunroof, automatic climate control, LaneWatch blind spot display, intelligent keyless entry and push-button start and a six-speaker stereo (replacing a four-speaker unit) with HDMI input.
Si trim gets the bigger engine, 18-inch wheels, exhaust finisher, wing spoiler, aluminum sport pedals and an upgraded stereo with subwoofer. However, Si models revert back to manually-adjusted cloth seats without heat.
Touring trim uses 17-inch wheels, fog lights, navigation, power driver's seat, leather upholstery and satellite radio.
Hybrid models share most features with the Touring trim, but loses its split-folding back seat.
The coupe lineup starts at the LX level, with a similar list of features as the sedan, but its trim walk differs slightly, moving up through EX, EX-L Navi (equivalent to the sedan's Touring) and Si. There is no hybrid coupe.
Fuel consumption estimates at 8.6/6.6 (city/highway) with the 1.8L engine and manual transmission, and 7.9/6.1 with the CVT. Si ratings are 10.8/7.6, and the hybrid's estimates are 5.3/5.0.
