2012 Honda Civic: Video Road Test and Review

The Honda Civic is a versatile economy car for five with both two and four door configurations that range from the fun to drive Civic Si sport coupe to a fuel efficient hybrid and even one that runs on compressed natural gas instead of petrol.

Honda offers the entry level Civic in both two and four door configurations, in four different trim levels, all powered by a fuel efficient 1.8 Liter i-VTEC four cylinder that sends 140 HP and 128 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels while returning an estimated 28 MPG in the city as well as 39 MPG on the highway starting out with the base $15,605 Civic DX Coupe and $15,805 four door.  The next step up for Civic owners is the LX that comes equipped with Honda’s intelligent Multi-Information Display with color LCD screen as well as a USB input and auxiliary jack for digital media devices to go with the four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, starting at $17,655 for the two door and $17,855 for the Civic LX sedan.  The well equipped Civic EX rides on a set of 16 inch alloys and gets a one touch moon roof, Bluetooth hands free connectivity with steering wheel mounted telephone controls and a total of six speakers starting at $19,705 for the Coupe and $20,505 for the EX sedan, and Satellite Navigation with Voice Recognition brings a digital LCD map with FM Traffic and XM Radio for $22,005 in either configuration.  The EX-L adds leather covering the seats and steering wheel for $21,955 and the navigation package for $23,455.

The $19,455 Civic HF gets a few more MPG, 29 City and 41 Highway to be exact, thanks to a slightly lowered ride height, subtle aero spoiler and a set of lightweight 15 inch dishes wrapped in low rolling resistance rubber; making the most out of what was already there.

However the $24,050 Honda Civic Hybrid gets a unique color matching grill and a more aerodynamic shape, the gas/electric Civic is powered by a 1.5 Liter i-VTEC four cylinder combined with an electric motor that gets its power from a lithium-ion battery pack generating a combined output of 110 HP and 127 lb-ft of torque that is sent through a fuel saving continuously variable transmission, returning an estimated 44 MPG around town and as much as 44 MPG at cruising speeds.  The Japanese automaker offers the Hybrid with a few standard amenities like a USB input for digital audio devices as well as Bluetooth hands free connectivity.  The Civic Hybrid with Leather gets the luxurious material covering the seats and steering wheel for $25,250 and colder climates will take advantage of the heated front seats and powered side mirrors.  Starting at $25,550 Honda sells the Civic Hybrid with Satellite Linked Navigation and Voice Recognition that gets a large color screen located right next to the Intelligent Multi-Information Display, as well as XM Satellite radio and FM Traffic that capabilities that were designed to keep drivers in motion, and entertained when they’re not.  Meanwhile the top of the line Hybrid with Leather and Honda Satellite Linked Navigation enjoys the best of both option packages for only $26,750.

The sporty Civic Si is also offered in both two and four door configurations starting out at $22,205 for the Coupe and $22,405 to get twice as many doors, and are powered by a 2.4 Liter DOHC i-VTEC four banger that makes 201 HP and 170 lb-ft of torque being channeled through a close ratio six speed manual before an all important helical limited slip differential distributes go forces evenly between the 17 inch front wheels, while returning an estimated 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG at speed.  Si drivers will find comfort in bolstered sport seats with red accent stitching that matches the backlit gauges as well as exclusive badging, high performance summer rubber brings the price up to $22,405 for Coupe shoppers and $22,605 for four door owners.  The Honda Satellite Navigation System with Voice Recognition brings the MSRP up to $23,705 for the two door and $23,905 for the one with more openings; and last but not least, Honda packages the Si Coupe with Navi and Summer tires for $23,905.

Honda even makes a Civic that doesn’t even run on gasoline, available exclusively as a four door, the $26,155 Civic Natural Gas is powered by a 1.8 Liter i-VTEC four cylinder that burns compressed natural gas, or CNG, that makes 110 HP and 106 lb-ft of torque and gets an estimated 27 MPG in the city and as much as 38 MPG on the highway without the need for petroleum.  While the addition of Honda’s Satellite Linked Navigation System to the Civic Natural Gas bumps the price up to $27,655.

A list of cars similar to the Civic include the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 2012 Ford Focus and 2012 Mazda3.

See more details about the 2012 Honda Civic.