That represents no change from the outgoing Civic, although the new car boasts more interior room and a more responsive chassis, as well as uprated fuel economy and the availability of a new natural gas model set to be available nationwide.

That $15,805 gets you a base Civic DX coupe with a five-speed manual transmission and no radio or air conditioning. Honda figures that most buyers will bypass the price leader to pony up for the $17,855 Civic LX sedan (add $800 for an automatic). The efficiency-oriented Civic HF sedan will list from $19,455 with a standard five-speed automatic, while the range-topping Civic EX-L sedan with navigation and XM Satellite Radio stickers for $23,455.

The new larger displacement engine in the Civic Si delivers peak power at a more accessible 7000 rpm compared to the previous Si engine’s 7800 rpm power peak. The engine’s increased displacement results in a substantial 22-percent increase in peak torque. The new 170 lb-ft rating occurs at just 4400 rpm, 1700 rpm lower than the previous engine’s 139 lb-ft at 6100 rpm. Even with its increase in displacement, horsepower and torque, the 2012 Civic Si has an estimated EPA city rating of 22 mpg (up 1 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si) and increases highway fuel economy with a rating of 31 mpg (up 2 mpg compared to the 2011 Civic Si). In addition, the Civic Si engine meets strict Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) emissions standards

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The Honda Civic Si is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. Designed to be compact and lightweight, the 6-speed has also been engineered to provide quick and precise shift action. The Civic Si also includes a clutch with a torsion mechanism that enhances refinement in terms of engagement and feel.