I actually bought the sports model with $1500 lower than the MSRP. Rear break is disk as well. I am not feeling much powerful than my replaced 106HP Civic in terms of acceleration. I just wish I had bought the WRX model instead. Suspension is bumpy as it is sports model, but my wife told me it doesn't feel as bad in the rear seat (comparing to the Mazda CX-7 we tested drive before). Overall, I am somehow happy with the ride. Average gas consumption is 11/100km mixed hw and city.