The new 2009 Honda Civic comes with a slightly changed exterior and new features. The 2009 Civic comes in 4-door sedan or 2-door coupe with a selection of gas/electric Hybrid sedan as well as Compressed natural gas (CNG). These sedans and coupes are available in DX, LX, EX, EX-L as well as Si version. The DX-VP an LX-S sedan are new for 2009. In addition to the above fleet, there is also the GX model running on CNG which comes in 113-hp 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine. Comes with 140-hp, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine for the DX-DX-VP, LX, LX-S, EX and EX-L while the Si version comes with 197-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The hybrid models however, combines a gas engine and electric motor to produce 110hp which can run on one or both of its power source.
The 140-hp Civic are great for city ride as well as cruising on highway. The automatic transmission and the slick-shifting Si model is very alert to acceleration, thus making the car very responsive.
The hybrid models on the other hand, needed more stepping on the accelerator to build up speed. Non the less, they are able to keep pace with fast moving traffic. The engine for hybrid model automatically shuts off the gas engine at stop and restarts when the brake pedal is released. As for CVTs, the engine rev ahead of vehicle speed.
The acceleration for GX models is some what a little more dissapointing in terms of acceleration since it weigh 150 lb more and 27 hp less. However, this models still cruise perfectly around town. On highway however, the loss of power is more noticable where the GX models needs to labor more to gain speed.
As for fuel economy, the automatic transmission sedans averaged at 26.1 to 28.5 mpg while the coupes at 29.9 to 30.0 mpg. The Si sedan averaged at 29.4 mpg while the hybrids at 37.8 to 38.0 mpg in city / highway driving and 46.5 mpg with mostly highway drive. The Si models requires premium-grade gas while the remaining models may use regular.
To gauge the fuel economy of the GX models with the gasoline cars, we may calculate cost per mile. An automatic transmission non GX model cost about 14 cents per mile at $4.00 / gallon. The GX models on the other hand cost only 5.6 cents per mile.
The sedan comes with great absorbency and little float. On highway speeds, the LX and EX versions are especially stable while the coupes might be choppier on uneven surface. As for handling, the DX models proved to the more competent. The LX and EX version however, needed more grip in fast turns but it is quite responsive in most changes of direction. The Si models holds firmly in corners. Straight line stability are fine for all Civic models with effective stopping control.
The Civic sedan are top of its class in term of quietness in noise and suppression of road. The hybrid's CVT however produces more engine noise during acceleration compared to the sedans. The coupes however, do not block the noise as well as sedans while the Si engine and exhaust sound can be significantly heard.
The new Civic still inherits the two-tier instrument panel which places an analog tachometer ahead of the driver and a separately housed digital speedometer directly above it. This placement is great as the speedometer's digit is along the driver's line of sight and this keeps the focus of the driver on the road. Also within reach are the climate control while the audio switchgear requires a little stretch. There are a lot of audio function to play with, and the navigation system required a little extra effort to master it. The interior of the new Civic has a mix of high-grade plastics and fabrics. The Ex, Hybrid and Si have more up market feel.
All the 2009 Civic comes with a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission. The GX models however, only comes in automatic only while the Si models only comes with a 6-speed manual. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The telescopic steering column and height-adjustable driver seat makes driving experience pleasurable. The feel on the Si's front seat are some what different as it has a glued-in-place feel to cater for fast cornering. There might not be enough headroom for tall occupant especally under the sunroof. Also, with a long dashboar shelf and sloping nose, it might complicated judging distance in close quarters for beginner drivers.
The rear room space is comfy with adequate adult headroom. Knee space, however is tight even with the front seats set far apart. Unless the front cushions are at their lowest point, there are ample foot space on the rear. Also, the flat floor is also inherited from their earlier model.
While parts of Europe are enjoying the Scirocco revival, North America has been left in the dark by Volkswagen. Fearing the Scirocco would cannibalize sales of the GTI, not to mention a strong euro, they decided to leave the low-slung hatch out of this market. Or have they?
