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| Honda's Civic sedan is a perennial best seller, and for 2009 there's a new Sport trim level. (Credit: Canadian Auto Press) |
The 2009 model year doesn't receive any major cosmetic or mechanical upgrades, but there are a few minor tweaks here and there depending of what trim you're opting for. The Si trim adds fog lights, and the upper trims add a standard USB device connector. One significant change, however, does occur in the trim options for Canadian Civics: The LX trim has been discontinued and has now been replaced by the Sport trim.
While the LX and Sport trims are comparable in standard features, the Sport model "sports" some fancy new wheels - 16-inch aluminum alloy rims to be exact, mounted with P205/55R16 tires. Other standard Sport features include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD, a power sunroof with tilt feature, heated mirrors, a USB device connector, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more.
Sitting inside the '09 Civic Sport Sedan, the cabin feels both spacious and very comfortable. The black cloth upholstered seats with silver contrast stitching are cushy on the tushy and support the back very nicely.
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| The dash is clean and modern, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. (Credit: Canadian Auto Press) |
Further adding to the cabin's ambience is the insanely large windshield (if I can even use that as a quantifiable amount!), which really helps shed light on the interior (literally) and opens up the field of vision for the driver and front passenger. The blue-backlit instrument cluster lies relatively flat on the dash, so it intrudes only minimally on the excellent forward view. Rearward visibility is good; the Civic's blind spots aren't very blinding and the C-pillars don't cause a nuisance when it comes to backing up or parallel parking.
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| Blue instrument backlighting and a digital speedometer add a modern flair. (Credit: Canadian Auto Press) |
Other features that make the Civic 'my kind of car' include a nicely-tuned suspension and the smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission. Driving to and from life's daily tasks is always better when I don't have to experience every imperfection in the road, or sacrifice comfort for style. The Civic's suspension gives that comfort but also adds a kick to it as it handles very well at highway speeds and while cornering.
The manual transmission's clutch isn't heavy or fussy, making it easy for beginner or not-so-beginner drivers to operate. Plus, this transmission enabled me to harness the 140 horses and 128 lb-ft of torque from the 1.8L, 16-valve, SOHC, I-4 efficiently and effectively. In lower-powered cars, I generally prefer the 5-speed manual transmission to an automatic as I can have a more direct one-on-one connection with the engine under the hood. Translation: I am the boss of the car, not vice versa!
Speaking of efficiency, the Civic's modest 1.8L engine was a dream when it came to filling it up with fuel. It uses an estimated 7.4L/100km in the city and 5.4L/100km on the highway, therefore payment at the pump is very wallet-friendly.
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| The Sport trim accentuates the Civic's crisp styling with new 16-inch alloy wheels. (Credit: Canadian Auto Press) |
Even with all the great features associated with the Civic Sport Sedan, I just can't say that it's the most exciting car to drive. I mean if I want excitement in a Civic, the Si Sedan or Coupe is where I would find it! Granted, the Sport Sedan has some standard features to make life more "exciting" (like its USB device connector or an auxiliary jack, not to mention its new 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels which look very chic), but at the end of the day, it's not a car that tickles my senses. Then again, a sense-tickling vehicle is not a requirement for a lot of car buyers out there.
So if the above features tickle your fancy - if not your senses - the 2009 Honda Civic Sport Sedan just might be what you're looking for. After all, it's a car that millions of buyers have already found and love.
Specifications (Honda Civic Sport Sedan):
- Price Range (Sport Trim): $21,780-$25,446
- Price as Tested (MSRP): $21,780
- Destination: $1,310
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: Front engine, FWD
- Engine: 140 hp, 128 lb-ft of torque, 1.8L, 16-valve SOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual (opt. 5-spd automatic)
- Brakes (front/rear): discs/disc, ABS, EBD
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,504 / 1,752 / 1,435 / 2,700 mm (177.3 / 69.0 / 56.5 / 106.3 in)
- Curb Weight (manual/automatic): 1,226 / 1,256 kg (2,703 / 2,769 lbs)
- Tires: P205/55R16
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 340 L (12.0 cu ft)
- Fuel Consumption (manual city/hwy): 7.4 / 5.4 L/100 km (US: 26 / 34 mpg)
- Fuel Consumption (automatic city/hwy): 8.2 / 5.7 L/100 km (US: 25 / 36 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36 / 60,000 comprehensive - 60 / 100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors (sedans): Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac G5, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen City Golf / Jetta
- Web Site: www.honda.ca
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