The Honda Civic has long been a benchmark in the compact car segment, renowned for its reliability, efficiency, and engaging driving dynamics. For the 2019 model year, Honda aimed to solidify the Civic’s leading position by introducing a refreshed design and a brand-new trim level that emphasizes sporty aesthetics and enhanced features: the 2019 Honda Civic Sport. This new trim, positioned strategically within the Civic lineup, offers a compelling blend of visual appeal, upgraded technology, and the inherent practicality and dependability that Civic owners have come to expect.
The 2019 Honda Civic refresh encompassed both the Sedan and Coupe models, bringing subtle yet impactful changes to the exterior and interior. Crucially, Honda made its suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, Honda Sensing®, standard across all trims, reflecting a commitment to safety for all drivers. But it’s the introduction of the Sport trim that truly stands out, injecting a dose of youthful energy and dynamic styling into the already popular model. Let’s delve into what makes the 2019 Honda Civic Sport a noteworthy addition to the Civic family and a strong contender in the competitive compact car market.
Sporty Design Cues Inside and Out
The 2019 Honda Civic Sport distinguishes itself visually with a range of unique exterior and interior enhancements designed to project a more athletic and aggressive persona. Building upon the already contemporary design of the 10th-generation Civic, the Sport trim adds elements that cater to drivers seeking a car with a bolder presence on the road.
Externally, the Sport trim immediately grabs attention with its upsized 18-inch alloy wheels. These larger wheels, an inch bigger than the standard wheels on lower trims, not only enhance the Civic’s stance but also contribute to more responsive handling. Complementing the wheels are fog lights, now framed by distinctive gloss black trim, adding a touch of sophistication and improved visibility in adverse weather conditions. The signature Honda “wing” grille also receives a gloss black treatment, seamlessly integrating with the blacked-out headlight design for a more cohesive and assertive front fascia.
Moving to the rear, the Civic Sport further differentiates itself with a black-painted decklid spoiler on the Sedan, adding a sporty silhouette and potentially improving aerodynamics. A “Sport” badge clearly denotes the trim level, while the most striking rear design element is the center-mounted chrome exhaust finisher. This wide, prominent exhaust tip, inspired by the performance-oriented Civic Si, signals the Sport trim’s enhanced focus on driving enjoyment and visual flair.
Inside the cabin, the sporty theme continues with red gauges, immediately injecting a sense of energy and dynamism into the driver’s view. The steering wheel and shift knob (on manual transmission models) are wrapped in leather, providing a premium touch and enhanced tactile feel. For models equipped with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), paddle shifters are included, allowing drivers to engage with the driving experience more actively by manually selecting simulated gear ratios. Textured aluminum sport pedals add another layer of sporty detail and provide improved grip. Finally, the seats are upholstered in unique materials, combining synthetic leather and cloth for a balance of durability, comfort, and sporty aesthetics.
Performance and Handling Upgrades for an Engaging Drive
While the 2019 Honda Civic Sport doesn’t receive powertrain upgrades compared to other non-turbo Civic trims, it benefits from specific chassis enhancements designed to deliver a more engaging and responsive driving experience. The Sport trim is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb.-ft. of torque, offering ample power for daily driving and spirited commutes. Buyers can choose between a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission for maximum driver involvement or an efficient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with available paddle shifters.
However, it’s in the chassis and suspension department where the Sport trim truly distinguishes itself in terms of driving dynamics. Honda engineers equipped the Civic Sport with exclusive shock absorbers, rear lower control arms, and a stiffer front stabilizer bar. These upgrades collectively result in improved handling precision, reduced body roll during cornering, and a more connected feel to the road. Combined with the larger 18-inch wheels and tires, the 2019 Civic Sport offers a noticeable step up in driving enjoyment compared to the base LX trim, making it a compelling option for drivers who appreciate a more athletic and responsive car.
Enhanced Features and Technology
The 2019 Honda Civic Sport is not just about sporty looks and handling; it also represents a step up in terms of features and technology compared to the base LX trim. One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of a redesigned 7-inch Display Audio system. This system, a welcome improvement for many users, reintroduces physical buttons and a volume knob, addressing a common criticism of earlier touchscreen-only interfaces. The updated system also boasts improved Bluetooth® integration for easier smartphone pairing and seamless connectivity.
Critically, the Display Audio system in the Sport trim includes Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration as standard. This allows for seamless smartphone integration, enabling drivers to access navigation, music, communication, and other apps directly through the car’s infotainment screen. Complementing the upgraded infotainment system is an enhanced 8-speaker audio system, providing a richer and more immersive sound experience compared to the standard audio setup in the LX trim.
Beyond infotainment, the Sport trim inherits the comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, now standard across all 2019 Civic trims. This suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), among other features, enhancing safety and driver confidence. Standard features also include upscale touches like an electronic parking brake with automatic Brake Hold and a 7-inch digital TFT instrument cluster, further elevating the overall driving and ownership experience.
Positioning and Value Proposition
The 2019 Honda Civic Sport is strategically positioned between the base LX and the more feature-rich EX trims. It offers a compelling middle ground, providing a significant upgrade in styling, handling, and technology over the LX while remaining more accessible than the higher trims. For buyers seeking a Civic with a more expressive design and a more engaging driving character without breaking the bank, the Sport trim presents a very attractive value proposition.
Compared to the LX, the Sport trim adds desirable features such as the 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, sporty exterior accents, upgraded interior trim, the 7-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the enhanced 8-speaker audio system. These additions justify the Sport trim’s price premium over the LX, delivering a more well-rounded and enjoyable vehicle. While the EX trim offers further upgrades like dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and Honda LaneWatch™, the Sport trim focuses on delivering a sporty and youthful appeal, making it a distinct choice within the Civic lineup.
Conclusion: The 2019 Honda Civic Sport – A Winning Combination
The 2019 Honda Civic Sport successfully blends enhanced style, engaging driving dynamics, and upgraded technology into the already acclaimed Civic package. With its unique exterior and interior design cues, sport-tuned chassis, and user-friendly technology features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Sport trim broadens the Civic’s appeal to a wider range of buyers, particularly those seeking a compact car with a youthful and dynamic edge. By offering a compelling combination of value and sporty character, the 2019 Honda Civic Sport reinforces the Civic’s position as a leader in the compact car segment and a top choice for drivers seeking a reliable, fun-to-drive, and stylish vehicle. For those considering a 2019 Honda Civic, the Sport trim is definitely worth a closer look, offering a compelling upgrade that enhances both the visual appeal and driving enjoyment of this iconic model.
