Writer and car enthusiast Robert Atrino has a lot to say about the new civic.

The Honda Civic continues to be a popular choice among the best-selling compact sedans according to the folks at www.hondadealersnj.com in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency, build and its fun-to-drive features. The new Honda Civic 2012 ‘s 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC engine also offers a speedy performance of a 140-hp, 1.8 liter that has further undergone refinements in airflow enhancements and friction reduction, making this even more of a category leader in the compact sedan market segment.  The dealership make a compelling argument for the strengths of the civic on their website.

The new Civic embodies the ninth generation of Honda’s world renowned car product range.  Each new generation of the Honda Civic is an improvement of the last and is developed with specific themes in mind.  In this incarnation the vehicle adopts the basic concepts of a cutting edge design along with improved compactness.  Honda has directed its energy towards the introduction of new values in the design that advances the civic ahead of its competitors.  No slouch in this competitive niche, the civic continues to fill today’s driver’s needs, thus elevating the experience that Honda Civic exemplifies. Major steps taken in the new design include advancements, refinements, increased economy on gas on all its models, additional interactive technologies that represents convenience and personalization.   Honda also has developed improvements in terms of ride, performance and interior packaging from earlier models.

The extent of the Civic model range starts from its DX model with all its basic features to the EX-L model offering luxurious comforts like navigational system and upholstered leather. There are also the highly efficient fuel variant models like the hybrid and the new HF trim level. For those who go for performance and power, one can opt for the flashy Si coupe or sedan models.

Along its line of highly reliable units comes the new Civic Sedan which is totally redesigned from the inside and out. Loaded with detailed architecture and modern innovations, it features a new i-MID or intelligent Multi-Information Display that allows for personalization and ease in managing its many vital functions. Having a tough i-VTEC for an engine guarantees an exhilarating ride while its ECON button further provides more efficiency. With a lot of safety features packed in one car, riding a Honda Civic is such a breeze.

Performance Features of the 2012 Honda Civic:

• Comes in a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with added horsepower of
201 – up to 2% and torque of 170 – up to 22% compared to its previous
engine of 2.0-liter
• Its 1.8-liter aluminum alloy i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with an overhead
camshaft makes use of the latest in engineering techniques to achieve
a powerful 140 horsepower at the same time providing prime efficiency
on gas
• With PZEV or Partial Zero-Emission ratings on regular fuel
• Comes in an impressive EPA ratings due to engine modifications and
advanced aerodynamics
• Achieving a 28city/39 highway mpg and its enhanced structural rigidity
affords a more reactive handling
• All models with automatic transmissions have PZEV or Partial Zero
Emission Vehicle ratings on states adhering to CARB standards
• Options for a 5-speed automatic smooth shifting or a 5-speed manual
for its DX/LX modes

The industry is making improvements in this vehicle category and has now come up with a new array of compact cars that better equipped, attractive looking and fun to drive.  Thought this segment is more competitive than others, the Civic continues to hold its own against the other top four contenders among the best-selling compact sedans.  The Civic is definitely worth consideration for the new car buyer if they are also looking at the Elantra, Ford Focus, Cruze and Corolla.

The Elantra is stylish and sophisticated with richer interiors compared to the more staid Civic. It has the lightness and comfort of The Cruze and offers compelling concessions in terms of comfort, value, efficiency, style and packaging compared to other brands.

The Cruze is one of the heaviest and the largest among the group weighing in at 400 pounds more than the Civic, but only ships with a 138 horsepower and 1.4 liter turbo engine. By far the slowest among the group, its engine does offer the benefit of a refined and quiet ride while traveling down the interstate.

The Toyota Corolla ranks low among the group-lacking in both features and specs compared to the other options in the segment.   Also it lacks pep on acceleration, with the least in torque and power of the cars listed above.  It does however redeem itself somewhat by achieving mid-pack status when it comes to fuel efficiency.  Although it offers a very comfortable ride and is reasonably quiet on the road,  the other options offer a more compelling experience.

The Focus stands above all the five contenders when it comes to suspension, its chassis providing the best handling of a compact car. Ford has managed to replicate the experience feel of driving in a larger more costly model. The interior though is cramped and not comfortable compared to the other vehicles in the category.  Even the steering feels a bit on the heavy side, and isn’t as responsive as some of the other cars.

Honda has a more planted multilink back suspension and is more comfortable compared to the torsion-beam layouts used by Toyota, Hyundai and Chevrolet but has minimal handling hold over smooth paths. The most agile of the group due to its lightness, the Honda Civic is still a good contender when considering its reliability, good road manners, smart features, fuel efficiency and its great resale value.

MSRP ranges from $15,605 to $26,155.