Honda Civic dimensions

The all-new 2012 Honda Civic remains a strong contender in the compact vehicle category, but other new models now effectively match the Honda Civic and threaten its conventional dominance in the marketplace. Honda Civic Coupe offers the following pros: Wide variety of powertrains; good fuel efficiency; roomy interior; available coupe body style. Honda Civic Coupe drawbacks are: Excessive wind noise; some affordable dashboard plastics; busy-looking dashboard with navigation.

The 2012 Honda Civic is a compact vehicle provided in both coupe and sedan body styles. Mainstream models are provided in four versions, ranging from the base DX, to the midrange LX and EX and the top-of-the-line EX-L.

Entry-level DX models come equipped with 15-inch metal wheels, auto-off headlights, intermittent windshield wipers, a back window defroster, performance windows, a tilt-and-telescoping helm and a one-piece fold-down back seatback. Stepping up to the LX model gets you more features that consumers expect, including body-color door handles, performance mirrors and door locks, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, floor mats, steering-wheel-mounted stereo controls and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player and Auxiliary/usb stereo inputs.

A new economical HF sedan starts out with traditional features alike to those of the LX sedan, then adds a few upgrades developed to deliver maximum mpg. These include low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic cast-aluminum wheels, wind-cheating underbody panels and a back spoiler. An ultra-clean Natural Gas model of the Honda Civic will become available from select dealers nationwide later in 2011.

Springing for the EX model gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, back disc brakes, auto-on/off headlights, a sunroof, variable intermittent windshield wipers, 60/40 split-folding back seatbacks, an outside temperature screen, Bluetooth and a luxury seven-speaker audio system. The EX-L model adds leather upholstery, heated front seatings and a leather-wrapped helm. A navigator with voice controls, radio and real-time traffic upgrades is auxillary.

The Honda Civic Hybrid sedan is available in two versions. The base model's list of traditional features is alike to the mainstream EX sedan, with the addition of 15-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires, outside mirrors with inbuilt turn signals, LED taillights, a back spoiler and a 160-watt, six-speaker audio. The top-of-the-line "leather" trim level adds extras found on the regular EX-L including heated mirrors, leather upholstery and heated front seatings.

The sporty Si coupe and sedan come in a single trim level that contains 17-inch alloy wheels, a bigger motor, a limited-slip front differential, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, front and back spoilers and a chrome exhaust tip. Inside upgrades include most of the items from the EX model's traditional features list plus front sport seatings, a leather-wrapped helm, an aluminum shift knob, red backlit gauges, a special Performance Monitor screen, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker audio system. .