2009 Honda Civic Gets a Minor Face Lift

As small cars get more and more popular, Honda is one of the companies that is actually benefitting from this fact. Its newest Civic sedan has been selling in record numbers, but that doesn't mean Honda will be resting on its laurels.

For the 2009 model year, the popular Civic will get a minor face-lift along with some small trim changes. Also new for 2009 will be new variants that better equip options that American consumers want. The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid has been tweaked with the addition of standard electronic stability control and a new, optional leather-trimmed interior.

Meanwhile, the Civic DX value package includes air-conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system, an auxiliary input jack, power windows and 15-inch steel wheels with covers bundled in an affordable package. That model gets the standard 140-hp, 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine linked to a five-speed manual, with an optional automatic transmission. The performance-oriented Civic Si gets standard foglights and a restyled alloy wheel design for the new model year while its powertrain carries over unchanged.

The biggest news is the new LX-S package. In this trim, the sedan bundles such items as alloy wheels, sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters and silver stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rear deck spoiler and a chrome exhaust finisher with the standard engine and choice of transmissions. The major design changes include a new front bumper cover and grille design, along with new headlight and taillight color combinations.

Prices aren't expected to change for this new "makeover", but the new trim packages are expected to help consumers narrow down their shopping time. Small but significant changes will help keep the Civic ahead of the pack.

New looks and trim keep the Civic ahead of the curve.