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The continuing evolution of small cars is cause for great optimism. Designing and building small cars that are stylish and efficient requires discipline and dedication. Such an accomplishment is the automotive equivalent of writing a short, simple sentence packed with carefully chosen words.

Honda has long been one of the leaders in this art form, and the Civic has a long and proud history. It has been the best-selling small car in this country for the last five years, but it has spurred countless innovations in small-car thinking during its 30-year life span.

Fortunately, small cars seem to be experiencing a resurgence of popularity. Those available, in addition to the Civic, include the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Echo. Each is leaps ahead of where small cars were a half-dozen years ago.

The Civic has a long and proud history. Not only is it the best-selling small car in America for the last five years, but it has been responsible for countless innovations in the last 30 years.

Now in its seventh generation, it has done more to shape the small-car segment over the years than any single make. The first Civics were quite tiny by today’s standards and the 2001 follows what is becoming the new paradigm for small cars: A taller roof yields a larger interior without expanding the overall footprint of the vehicle. The Civic’s larger interior moves it from a subcompact to the compact segment in the Environmental Protection Agency’s size rating. Front-seat dimensions are roughly the same as in last year’s car, but the back seat now has 2 more inches of legroom.

Coupe and sedan Civics are offered in three trim levels, with prices starting as low as $12,760 for a DX coupe and ranging to $17,960 for an EX sedan. The test car was a DX sedan with automatic transmission and dual side airbags, and it listed for $14,450. It had manual windows, manual outside mirrors and no power door locks. There was no tachometer, which made the instrument panel look a bit empty. Controls for heating and cooling were topped with knobs that felt less substantial than in previous Civics.

Engine size has been increased from 1.6 to 1.7 liters, yet overall size and weight have diminished by 7 percent. Horsepower for the DX and LX models gets a boost from 106 to 115, while the EX is rated at 127 horsepower. A boost in midrange torque improves throttle response in everyday driving. The new engine is certified as an ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle), and the most fuel-efficient HX coupe is rated at 36 miles per gallon in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.

Although overall dimensions are roughly the same as last year, the 2001 Civic has a completely new body structure with a flat floor, which adds to the body’s structural rigidity.

One of the biggest changes to come with the redesign of the Civic was the decision to use MacPherson strut front suspension for space-saving reasons. The rear suspension is still by do uble wishbones, but it is now more compact.

In everyday driving, the new Civic is light on its feet, with good road feel. It doesn’t have the road-gripping feel of a sports sedan, but it isnÕt intended to. That role will be filled with the return of the Civic Si next year. It will boast a 160-horsepower engine and a hatchback body.

The Civic gets a five-star front and side crash-test rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Civic’s front seats are wider this year, and permanent tethers for child safety seats are built into the back seat.

Price The base price of our Civic DX test car was $14,010. The sticker price was $14,450 including delivery.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.

{Point:} The new Civic is bigger inside, slightly smaller outside and has an engine that was enlarged to make it more responsive. Fuel conomy is excellent and there is more back-seat legroom.

{Counterpoint:} Removing the double-wishbone front suspension for a strut design hurts ride and handling a little, but not much. Some of the interior knobs and plastic instrument panel sections did not have the same quality feel as those in some previous models.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 1.7-liter, 4-cyl.
Transmission: automatic Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 103.1 inches
Curb weight: 2,471 lbs.
Base price: $14,010
As driven: $14,450
Mpg rating: 30 city, 38 hwy.
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