For 2012, Honda has redesigned its most recognizable model, the compact Civic sedan/coupe. 

The changes for the 2012 Civic might appear to be subtle at first glance, but take a closer look and the differences from last year’s model they become very apparent. On the outside, there is a new mesh grill up front that modernizes the overall look of the car, as well as revised head and taillight fixtures, front fascia, and rear deck. The coupe in particular looks leaner and meaner, with a rear profile that resembles the back of the midsize Accord coupe, an attractive look that scales down well to the smaller Civic. 

The Si performance variants of the Civic have also been redesigned and get the same exterior changes along with the requisite exterior touches, like a unique front air dam and rear spoiler, that let everyone know it’s no run-of-the-mill Civic.

Under the hood, the engine is the same efficient 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder which is mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Honda has made a few additional tweaks to squeeze even more mpgs out of this motor for 2012. Thanks to the addition of fully electric power steering and some aerodynamic adjustments, the 2012 Civic sees a jump of 3 mpg in both city and highway driving, up to 28 and 39 mpg respectively (with the automatic transmission). 

The Si, however, does get an engine compartment makeover. Honda has given its performance-oriented compact a larger, 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit that outputs an extra 31 pounds-feet of torque compared to last year’s model, a difference you can really feel.

New for 2012, to keep pace with the other cars in this segment Honda is introducing an even more fuel efficient trim of the Civic called the HF. The HF uses several aerodynamic exterior changes and unique alloy wheels wrapped in low rolling-resistance rubber to achieve 29 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. 

The inside of the Civic gets a treatment similar to the exterior – enough changes that you will notice the new bits, while still remaining comfortable and familiar to those who have driven previous generations of the Civic. For 2012, the center console has been shifted and now faces the driver. The unique split instrument panel on top of the dash has been expanded, and in addition to displaying your current speed it also houses Honda’s new i-MID (intelligent Multi-Information-Display). The i-MID comes standard on LX trims and above, and displays useful information like fuel economy, Bluetooth®, audio information, and (if equipped) turn-by-turn directions from the navigation system, all above the dashboard so the driver can see it easily. This system is controlled with buttons on the steering wheel and can be personalized with your own background should you so desire.

Also new for the 2012 Civic (not on Si models) is the Eco Assist system, which reflects the new car’s emphasis on fuel savings.  On each side of the speedometer are bars that change color from blue to green as you drive more efficiently.  There is also a green “Econ” button that changes the cars throttle response, shifting, and even the air condition to maximize the Civic’s efficiency.

Safety features include antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control.  Six-airbags also come standard and the front headrests have been redesigned to provide greater comfort while maintaining the same level of protection as active head restraints.

Even though this may not have been a complete rebirth, the 2012 Honda Civic is definitely an improvement and makes one of the top cars in the compact segment even better.  So whether you’re looking for performance or for savings at the pump, the Civic continues to deliver.