Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Honda

Having been completely redesigned in 2006, the Honda Civic enters 2007 with no changes, save for the addition of MP3 capability and an auxiliary jack on four-door models in DX-G trim and higher.

The Civic is available as the Sedan, Coupe, Si Coupe and Hybrid sedan. All use four-cylinder engines: a 1.8-litre in the Sedan and Coupe, 2.0-litre in the Si Coupe, and 1.3-litre with Integrated Motor Assist in the Hybrid.

The Sedan is available in DX, DX-G, LX and EX trim, all with a five-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to a five-speed automatic.

Features on the DX include 15-inch steel wheels, anti-lock brakes, side and curtain airbags, power mirrors, two-speed fixed intermittent wipers, power windows, tilt and telescopic wheel, CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers, manual driver’s seat height adjuster, and floor mats.

The DX-G adds air conditioning and power door locks with keyless entry.

The LX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, body-colour heated mirrors, map lights, auto up/down driver’s window, cruise control and variable intermittent wipers.

The EX adds four-wheel disc brakes, power sunroof, rear cupholders and six-speaker stereo with wheel-mounted controls.

The Hybrid sedan adds 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels, continuously-variable transmission (CVT), mirror-mounted turn signals, 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels, automatic climate control, driver and passenger seatback pockets, auxiliary input jack on the stereo and hybrid-specific instrumentation. Because of the vent for the battery pack, the rear seat does not fold down.

The Civic Coupe comes as the DX, DX-G, LX and EX also, and shares the Sedan’s features, adding a 60/40 split folding rear seat to the LX, and a passenger-side walk-in feature on the LX and EX. The EX also adds a premium CD stereo with seven speakers and subwoofer.

The Si Coupe includes the EX’s features, and adds the 2.0-litre engine, a six-speed manual transmission, amber trim rings around the headlights, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped wheel, leather and aluminum shifter knob, textured aluminum pedals, and tachometer with red-line indicator.

Now in its second year, the redesigned Civic shows no sign of relinquishing its spot among the most popular passenger cars in Canada; it offers comfortable seating, excellent handling and value for its price-tag. The two-tier instrument cluster may alienate some traditionalists, while others will find it sharp and up-to-date. The Hybrid takes a while to make back its purchase price in fuel savings, so plan wisely before you buy.