The extra length has been allocated to rear legroom, making rear seating remarkably

spacious for such a small car and a great improvement over the last model.

The increase in height allows more headroom and taller seats. The latter should please

those who have complained about climbing out of the Civic's traditionally low-slung

seats.

Once inside, the view is familiar to Honda drivers. The dropaway hoodline and glassy

greenhouse give an airy feel to the interior and provide excellent all-around

visibility for the driver.

The redesigned interior is still--for the most part--an ergonomic pleasure. Edges have

been rounded, creating a more soothing environment. The pod containing the radio and

climate controls has been moved up on the center console, improving access. The big,

clean gauges on the dashboard now feature a midnight-blue and red color scheme that is

attractive yet readable. Oval-shaped warning lights freshen the look as well.

In general, the materials used throughout the interior are of better quality; the

textures are more pleasant to the touch and less reflective. It's quieter inside the

Civic now, too, thanks to a stiffer body and more sound-deadening material. All these

factors add up to a greater sense of substance and quality.

All is not perfect, of course. The new cupholders are placed at the base of the center

console, where overhanging components limit the height of cups that may be inserted.

Worse, though, is the fact that the flip-up cover for the cupholders blocks access to

the optional cassette or CD player.

Another gripe is that the power door locks can be activated only at the driver's door.

If you regularly open other doors first to load packages or children, the newly

available remote keyless entry system ($200) will save you a great deal of

aggravation.