for buyers looking for a mix of sophistication, solid engineering and driving

pleasure in a low-maintenance, fuel-sipping small car. In its latest form,

the Civic continues the tradition.

The only caveat to be offered here is pricing. And the latter concern

has only to do with the EX model; pick an HX, LX or DX, or even an ultra-plain

CX hatchback, add those items you can't live without, and the value is

unquestionable.

In any case, give the CVT-equipped HX Coupe a trial spin. As a functional

and efficient innovation, it adds another techno-credit to the Civic's

long list of achievements. Honda is testing market response to the CVT

initially only in the coupe, but we expect to see it become an across-the-option

soon.

Ever since its debut in 1973, the Civic has been the car that defined

its class. And that's still true today.