claims to fame has been mechanical sophistication. In this regard, as in

so many others, the Civic will not disappoint.

Getting small powerplants to do the work of larger ones is a Honda trademark.

Any one of the three Civic engine choices combines sprightly performance

and exceptional smoothness with outstanding economy. All Civic engines

use a 4-valve design for maximum efficiency; the EX and HX coupe units

add a variable valve timing system (called VTEC by Honda) that makes them

extraordinarily responsive at any speed.

Combined with the standard 5-speed manual transmission--one of the easiest-shifting

gearboxes around--the Civic engines cater to people who like to drive.

When mated to the optional 4-speed automatic, which uses electronic controls

to minimize unnecessary shifting on hills, they deliver effortless operation.

Good as they are, though, neither of the conventional transmissions

is as impressive as the HX coupe's CVT. Controlled by what looks like an

automatic's shift lever--complete with three forward ranges, though only

Drive is really necessary for most use--the belt-drive transmission is

a fascinating device. Pull away from a stop and the engine rpm rises faster

than the car accelerates. In less time than you might expect, engine and

car speed synchronize, without the usual pauses for gear-changing. It is

uncannily smooth, and more responsive than a normal automatic. It's also

more fuel efficient.

The CVT does take a little acclimation before comfort sets in. One tester

initially likened it to driving a manual-transmission car with a slipping

clutch. This is most noticeable during hard acceleration: The engine spins

right up to its maximum speed and stays there until the driver lifts off

or the desired vehicle speed is reached.

Throttle lift-off will likely occur first, as the CVT Civic has a maximum

speed well in excess of 100 mph. Used more prudently, the CVT is efficient

enough to return real-world fuel economy in the high-30 mpg range.

There's nothing lacking in the remainder of the Civic's mechanical hardware,

either. The four-wheel double-wishbone suspension is more expensive than

conventional struts, but pays off with a blend of ride and handling qualities

seldom found in low-dollar cars. Steering ease and precision brake performance

are other Civic strengths, though limiting the availability of antilock

braking to only uplevel models is an unfortunate move on Honda's part,

in our view.