Far as I can tell the "Sport " is largely exactly the same as last years "LX with sunroof", or an EX without leather? Just a name change, thats all.
For your $4500k over base you get the 16" alloys, and an upgrade to disks all round (only drums on the back of the cheaper civics), plus AC, cruise and sunroof and a few other inconsequential things. AC cruise and sunroof as options will always jack up the price. Why AC isn't standard given our climate I don't know, I like a sunroof and was prepared to pay for it, but Im sure there are plenty of buyers looking at this vehicle who might be put off by paying for something they dont necessarily want in order to get a few things that they do (Disks all round etc)
I own a 08 civic LX (S), and chose it over the (2.0l) Mazda 3 at a similar spec and price (The honda was a bit more) on the grounds that it just felt more solid and it drove just as well, if not a bit better in terms of turn in behaviour. I liked the split level digital speedo too, something that is no longer even commented on in this review. I agree with the earlier comment about needing a duster though!
In addition to the driving feel, it also seemed much more solidly built, with a more modern style than the Mazda.
Fuel efficiency / carbon footprint were a major consideration in putting together a shortlist, nothing bigger than a 2.0 was considered, and I suspect that this is a large part of the civics #1 sales spot. Putting a larger engine in as standard could well turn as many buyers looking for economy away as it would attract those looking for more power. Coming from the UK where my last car was a 1.1, even that 2.0l cutoff seemed somewhat luxurious. I dont get why north americans persist in large engines in compact cars, 2.3l is not a small engine in the rest of the world!
The manual tranny on the Honda was also slicker IMO, and as the car weighs less, the smaller engine results in better economy with no noticeable difference in pick up and performance, its revs willingly to the red line (advantage of the manual tranny too). Over the last year I have averaged 38 mpg (7.4 l/100km)
Frankly, in an ideal world there are only two things I would change about the Honda:
Put a 6 speed manual in it as quite often in 5th it would be nice to change up to get the revs down when cruising. Its obviously geared for pick up around town, but the down side to that is 3000rpm+ at highway speeds in 5th
Make the heater better. At -15 it heats up the car fine, but below that I suspect the efficient engine simply does not put out enough heat to get the inside toasty at all, no matter how far you drive. In cold temps the temp never quite gets to the middle of the gauge.
It would be nice if there were some less dull colours to choose from too.
Overall though its a fine vehicle at this trim level and I have no regrets at choosing it. Its relatively fuel efficient, its fun to drive, has a few toys like the sunroof, and it has room for 4, basically it checked all the boxes for me.
