Stability control is now standard throughout the model lineup.

Other upgrades for 2012 include more interior room (3 inches of additional shoulder room up front and another 1.6 inches of rear legroom), and a few new technology features such as a 5-inch information display, the increased availability of iPod connectivity and a driving mode designed to help deliver maximum mpg.

Inside, the dash is different, but not necessarily better than the previous model. I like the new “upper deck” with the new display screen which is standard on all models above the most basic DX trim level. Called the “intelligent Multi-Information Display,” the screen sits to the right of the speedometer and gives trip computer, audio, clock, and, if equipped, navigation information.

All seats are comfortable, in both models, though in the hybrid model, you can’t lower the rear seats to increase cargo space, because of the placement of the battery.

For the mostly 12-year-olds I hauled around in both models, everyone had plenty of room, except for the one stuck in the middle of the rear seat in the hybrid. The consensus was that spot was noticeably harder than any other seat spots.

I got to test drive the more plush EX-L Civic, but the compact best-seller comes in a variety of trims, in either a sedan or coupe model.

Four trim levels, ranging from the base DX, to the midrange LX and EX and the top-of-the-line EX-L are available.

The hybrid comes in two trim levels, the EX and the EX-L.

Maybe it’s not so much that Honda has failed to wow me with a new redesign – maybe it’s the fact its competitors, like the Hyundai Elantra, the Chevy Cruz and the Ford Focus have upped their game with more options, nicer textiles and higher grade materials than in years past. The Civic has some real competition that is, somehow, offering up some nice features and extras while keeping their prices lower than the Civic.

This is a strange review for me – if the Civic were any other car, I would be raving about it. But because Honda has raised the bar for excellence so high, I somehow felt a little letdown with this redesign. The Civic is still a great choice, if not the top choice, for a small sedan or hybrid purchase. But, I wouldn’t buy it blindly, without test driving a few other options and compare prices.

The price for my test Civic EX-L with navigation was $24,200.

The hybrid version I drove had all the same features as the EX-L and came in at $26,500.