2013 Honda Civic
By Laura Burstein
On Sale: Now
Expected Pricing: $18,755
Civic, take two: After less than two years in its last incarnation, Honda scrambled to launch a major update of its top-selling compact car at this year's LA Auto Show. Experts say the move addresses criticism from auto journalists who bemoaned the last Civic's ho-hum design, questionable interior quality and disappointing driving dynamics. Although Honda hasn't admitted the reason for it's faster-than-usual turnaround, it's nonetheless fitting that the new Civic would debut in Los Angeles, the land of retakes, facelifts and extreme makeovers.
Gone is the wedgy shape of before, replaced by a swoopier roofline and changes to both front and rear including the front grille, hood, bumpers, trunk lid and taillights. Nearly 100 pounds of sound-deadening material was added for a quieter ride, as well as thicker glass on windows and windshield. Structural upgrades were added for improved crash safety.
Interior upgrades include a cleaner center console, softer seating materials, soft-touch materials on the doors and dash, improved finishes on plastics and a new instrument panel. Honda also threw in more standard features, like Bluetooth audio streaming capability and a rearview camera.
Everything stays the same under the hood. The new Civic is still powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.
Honda claims fuel economy numbers will stay the same at 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
Prices jump $160 across the board, making the base price $18,755 for the coupe and $18,995 for the sedan. The compressed natural gas (CNG) version is the most expensive, with a base price of $27,255.
The new 2013 Civic is in dealerships now.
800-522-5000
www.honda.com
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