NEW FOR 2009:
- New Sport sedan trim line added; LX sedan trim line discontinued
- EX-L, Hybrid and Si sedans add standard vehicle stability control, traction control and USB device connector
- LX, EX-L and Si coupe add standard USB device connector
- EX-L and Si coupe add standard vehicle stability control and traction control
- Si models adds standard fog lights
For 2009, the Honda Civic makes some additions, including a new Sport sedan trim line. Long missing from this popular model, vehicle stability control and traction control are now available on some upper trim lines.
The Civic is available as a sedan, in DX, DX-G, Sport, EX-L and Si trim; as a coupe, in DX, DX-G, LX, EX-L and Si trim; and as a Hybrid, in sedan configuration only. The regular sedan and coupe models use a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic. The Si models use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, while the Hybrid uses a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor Assist and a CVT. The Hybrid's system allows it to run on its battery alone when conditions are right; it also assists the gasoline engine when extra power is needed, and shuts off the engine at idle to improve fuel economy.
Features on the DX sedan include 15-inch steel wheels, front splash guards, power mirrors, rear spoiler, two-speed intermittent wipers, power windows, tilt and telescopic wheel, CD/MP3/WMA stereo with four speakers, fold-down rear seatback, floor mats, and driver's manual height adjuster. Air conditioning can be added as an option.
The DX-G adds 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power locks with keyless entry, cruise control, and stereo auxiliary input.
The new Sport model adds 16-inch tires and alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, body-colour mirrors and door handles, exhaust finisher, heated mirrors, power sunroof, variable intermittent wipers, exterior temperature display, map lights, auto up/down driver's window, rear centre armrest, USB device connector, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
The EX-L adds electronic stability control, traction control, six speakers, wheel-mounted audio controls, and heated leather seats.
The Hybrid builds on the DX-G and adds automatic climate control, electronic stability control, traction control, USB device connector, brake assist, security alarm, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, variable intermittent wipers, map lights, auto up/down driver's window, and six speakers.
The Si builds on the EX-L and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, rear wing spoiler, and premium audio system.
Features on the DX coupe include 15-inch steel wheels, front and rear stabilizer bars, front splash guards, power mirrors, rear spoiler, two-speed intermittent wipers, power windows, tilt and telescopic wheel, CD/MP3/WMA stereo with four speakers, fold-down rear seatback, manual driver's seat height adjustment, and floor mats. Air conditioning can be added as an option.
The DX-G adds 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, centre console storage, power locks with keyless entry, cruise control, and stereo auxiliary input.
The LX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, body-colour mirrors and door handles, heated mirrors, power sunroof, exterior temperature display, variable intermittent wipers, map lights, auto up/down driver's window, USB device connector, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
The EX-L adds electronic stability control, traction control, chrome exhaust finisher, premium stereo with seven speakers, leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, and heated leather seats.
The Si adds 17-inch alloy wheels, limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, wing spoiler, and aluminum and leather shifter knob.
A bestseller in Canada, the Civic comes by its reputation honestly, with comfortable seating, good handling and value for its price, although the lower lines don't offer the electronic stability control that only comes in the higher lines. The Hybrid offers fuel savings and can run on its battery alone, but assess its higher cost against the time it will take to make it back at the pumps before you buy.
