2008 Honda Civic

NEW FOR 2008:

- New Si sedan

- EX-L trim replaces EX trim, including heated leather seats

- LX adds optional package of power sunroof and rear disc brakes

- DX available with optional air conditioning

- DX-G adds steering wheel-mounted cruise control

- Electronic trunk release added to remote entry system on LX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models

- 60/40 split rear seatbacks with rear armrest added to LX sedan

- Exterior colours: Taffeta White and Neutron Blue added; Royal Blue deleted; Fiji Blue now exclusive to Si

For 2008, the Honda Civic adds content to several of its trim lines, while the performance-oriented Si becomes available as a four-door sedan as well as a coupe.

The Civic is available as a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe in DX, DX-G, LX, EX-L, and Si trim; the Hybrid model is available only as a sedan. All use four-cylinder engines: a 1.8-litre in the sedan and coupe, 2.0-litre in the Si models, and 1.3-litre with Integrated Motor Assist in the Hybrid. The 1.8-litre models use a five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic; the 2.0-litre exclusively uses a close-ratio six-speed manual; and the Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Features on the DX include 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, fixed intermittent wipers, power windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers, fold-down rear seatback, floor mats, and manual driver's seat height adjustment. The coupe includes a rear deck lid spoiler.

The DX-G adds 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power locks with keyless entry, cruise control, and auxiliary stereo input jack. When equipped with a manual transmission, the DX-G adds electric variable power steering, the only model other than the Hybrid and Si to use it.

The LX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, variable intermittent wipers, outside temperature gauge, map lights, driver's up/down express window, and 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks with centre armrest.

The EX-L adds four-wheel disc brakes, power sunroof, premium stereo with six speakers, wheel-mounted audio controls, heated leather seats and leather-wrapped wheel. The coupe adds seven speakers.

Features on the Hybrid include 15-inch alloy wheels, electric variable power steering, brake assist, automatic climate control, security alarm, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, variable intermittent wipers, power windows with driver's express up/down, power locks with keyless entry, cruise control, tilt and telescopic wheel, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack and wheel-mounted controls, fixed rear seat, driver's manual height adjustment and floor mats.

Features on the Si models include 17-inch alloy wheels, helical limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, electric variable power steering, air conditioning, heated mirrors, wing spoiler with integrated brake light, variable intermittent wipers, exterior temperature gauge, power sunroof, map lights, power windows with driver's express up/down, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, power locks with keyless entry, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, premium stereo, leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver's manual height adjustment and floor mats.

Perennially one of the most popular cars in Canada, the Civic comes by its reputation honestly, offering comfortable seating, excellent handling and value for its price-tag. Extending the Si into sedan form now gives those who like more performance the opportunity to temper it with the practicality of a four-door. The Hybrid offers fuel savings, the ability to run on its battery and an auto-stop feature, but takes a while to make back its purchase price at the pumps, so plan wisely before you buy.