Honda continues hot streak with its latest Civic

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- I wanted more seat time in the 2022 Honda Civic, and I got it.  This time, it was the peppy 1.5T Hatchback Sport Touring edition.

Why the Civic obsession?

Well, it's a baseline car, driven by motorists ranging from high school-age to senior citizens. Everyone knows what it is, dependable and common as corn. Arguably, it's the defining compact car of the modern era. And popular.

The all-new 2022 Honda Civic, the 11th generation of the model, was named the 2022 North American Car of the Year in January this year.  That's the third time Civic has pulled down the prestigious award.

Also, the Civic was the best-selling retail passenger car in the United States for the sixth year in a row.  Some 2 million Civics have been sold in the U.S. since 2016.

So when an automaker makes generational changes to icons such as this, you pay attention.  You hope they don't screw it up.  That has happened in history.  Look up the Ford Taurus if you don't believe me.

I'm happy to report that Honda did not screw up the Civic.  In fact, it's better than ever.  Many of my auto-reviewing colleagues agree.

The tested Sport Touring sedan is a prime example of all that's right with the venerable compact.

Power comes from a 1.5-liter, turbocharged-4 rated at 180 horsepower.  This is a decidedly robust engine for a compact machine, and I was able to dart the Civic around with in-your-face aggressiveness.  Yes, that was a big smile on my face all the time.

I think that's the best trait of the Civic.  It's just fun to drive.

And you look good doing it.

Honda classed up the Civic's exterior look, smoothing down some of the rough edges and employing an elegant, streamlined profile. It looks like a $40,000 car, yet even my loaded tester checked in at a reasonable $30,865 on the bottom line.

As good as the exterior looks, the interior is especially refined.  The signature attention-getter is honeycomb grille strip across the dash.  It's not only easy on the eyes, but it covers up the air vents -- providing an overall clean and classy look.

Another bonus, especially now: The tester had strong fuel mileage ratings of 30 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

All things said, the Civic lives on in top form. Nothing to add now but: Enjoy it and look forward to Generation No. 12.