What’s new
The 11th generation of the Civic enters its second year except for the introduction of the 315 horsepower Type-R hatchback.  
 
Performance
Driven in its ultimate form, the Touring, the 2022 Civic is an impressive machine. The 1.5 turbo is quick, pretty serene, and much less drony than the same unit in the previous-generation car. Nicely-weighted, precise steering, stable handling and a firmly-resilient ride, make the new Civic a pleasure to conduct. With the six-speed manual transmission, with a light clutch and crisp gearchange, the 1.5T Civic is an engaging drive.  

The cabin is roomy, comfortable and well-appointed in Touring form. Poor heating, a source of complaint on the previous-generation car, is now good. 

Comments
Two familiar engines, a 158 horsepower, normally-aspirated 2L, and a 1.5L turbo with 180 horsepower (200 HP on the Si) return for mainstream versions of the car. The Type-R, powered by a 2L turbo four with 315 horsepower, is new for 2023 but, essentially, a myth, as it sold out the moment it was announced. The Honda Sensing system returns, with a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow as well as blind spot and lane departure warnings. Rear cross traffic is included on the Touring trim. The Civic is equipped with 10 airbags.

All models are equipped with L.E.D. headlamps. Except tor the Touring and the Type-R, which boast an LCD gauge cluster, Civic drivers face crisply-marked conventional instrumentation. Except for the Touring, which includes a nine inch, dash-mounted inforscreen, Civics feature a seven inch screen. The dashboard is very horizontally oriented and is adorned with a perforated mesh grille that disguises the dash vents. The climate is controlled via three dials, and infotainment functions can be manipulated via knobs for volume and tuning and hard buttons for other functions. The interior is tastefully conservative and is constructed from attractive materials. The iOS-Android infotainment is standard on all trims; with the connection being wireless on the Touring trim, which also includes wireless cellphone charging.

Pricing
Sedan: with a comprehensive active safety suite, air-conditioning and the expected power accessories, the base LX trim is nicely equipped and lacks nothing most potential buyers are looking for. Moving up to the EX adds alloy wheels, a sunroof, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, variable intermittent wipers and some minor items, and is reasonable value. The Sport trim adds little of value for the money asked other than a few "Sporting" style accents. However, the Touring, with the 1.5 turbo, leather seats, navigation, a Bose-branded audio system, power front seats, rear cross traffic, a TFT gauge package and larger info-screen, is very good value. The Si model adds 20 horsepower to the 1.5 turbo engine but curses the owner to use premium fuel, which makes the extra power like a poison chalice. Compared with the Touring, the Si lacks power front seats and navigation, but is more expensive, rendering it distinctly overpriced. Hatchback: Though equipment levels aren't significantly different, the LX hatchback costs over $5000 more than the LX sedan, with the Sport Touring hatchback bearing an MSRP nearly $5700 than the sedan of the same trim. This price gap seems excessive given that Mazda charges $1000 more for the 3 hatchback compared with the sedan. Moving from the LX hatch to the Sport adds bigger wheels, a sunroof and a heated steering wheel, leather clad steering wheel, but is overpriced. The Sport Touring includes leather seating, power front seats, a Bose-branded audio system, heated rear seats and rear cross traffic monitors, and is a tremendous value. The hyper-performance Type-R is priced about $13,000 more than an Si, which is not excessive given its substantially enhanced performance.


Reliability
Above average reliability predicted for the 2L Civic. Durability of the 1.5L turbo is uncertain and there have been complaints regarding premature wastegate failures which Honda has no interest in fixing. The turbo and intercooler are only covered for three years/60,000 kilometres. 

Sm. Front Driver: G

Mod. Front: G

Side: A

Roof: G

Sm. Front Pass.: G

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: G

What’s new
The manual transmission has been discontinued on mainstream variants. Trim levels have been renamed.
Comments
After a conservative design period exemplified by the previous-generation Sonata and Elantra, Hyundai has returned to flamboyance with the current Sonata and Elantra  The Elantra is fronted by a massive air intake in Hyundai's signature six-cornered shape. Slim-line headlamps emerge like winglets off the upper extremities of the air intake. There is a prominent lip spoiler moulded in at the bottom of the front fascia as well as very au courant sharp-edged triangular elements at its lower extremities. The side profile is coupe-like, with a steeply raked roofline. The dramatic side profile features a prominent double arrowhead motif that some will find compelling and others superfluous. This polarizing design has been warmly embraced by the public and sales have been brisk. Rear styling is clean, with a sleek integration of the taillights.

The new Elantra is dimensionally similar to the outgoing car, but cabin space is improved. On premium trims, Hyundai has opted to replace conventional gauges with a long, narrow computer tablet, like the one Mercedes-Benz debuted in the now-discontinued A-Class, containing a digital gauge package as well as the infotainment screen. The dash centre stack contains the audio and climate controls which look straightforward and easy to use, a Hyundai hallmark. The rest of the cabin is attractive and some two-tone finishes are available. A wireless version of the iOS-Android cellphone interface is offered.

The engine is a 147 horsepower 2L four hooked up to a CVT. Hybrid power is available, which combines the efforts of an Atkinson-cycle 1.6L gas four and a 32 kW electric motor to create 139 total system horsepower. Power reaches the wheels via a six-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission. The N-Line is powered by a 1.6L turbo four, and the N is motivated by a 2L turbo four. Driven briefly, the 2L turbo N engine, in normal mode, is smooth, flexible and spins enthusiastically. Sport mode adds some additional exhaust sizzle, and selecting “N” mode adds even more fun. Driver's can enjoy the Ssport or N modes while in the mood for fun but can switch them off to access pleasing refinement when driven more sedately. The six-speed manual transmission joins a snicky, short-hrow gearchange with a docile clutch. Steering is precise and beautifully weighted.

A free-standing infotainment screen sits at the top centre of the dashboard. Just below the centre dash vents are a volume knob and eight pushbuttons that control infotainment functions. The front sports seats of the N locate the driver well but never pinch. The comfortable seats are clad in a luxurious faux suede that also covers the central door panels. Though the car is low and the side windows are shallow, the driving position is very comfortable and visibility is good. Rear seat legroom is ample for this size of car. 

Pricing
With automatic transmission, alloy wheels, cruise control, the Bluetooth cellphone interface, forward collision warning, including for pedestrians, autonomous emergency braking and a lane keep assist sytems, the base Essential trim is very nicely equipped. The Preferred, with additional audio speakers, keyless go, leather wraps for the steering wheel and shifter, heated steering wheel and blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, is very good value. The Preferred Tech, which adds a sunroof, a Bose-branded audio system, navigation, a digital gauge package, a dual-zone auto climate control system, a sunroof and ambient lighting, is good value. The top 2L model, the Luxury, adds leather seats, enhanced cabin gtrim, wireless cellphone charging, a Bose-branded audio system and an active cruise control system, and is well worth picking. The hybrid version of the hybrid is priced $3200 more than its conventional 2L equivalent. Compared with the conventional Luxury model, the N Line, powered by a 201 horsepower 1.6L turbo four linked to a 7-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission, is priced $3200 more, with about $1400 devoted to additional equipment, with the balance attributable to the engine. 

Delivery delays of from two to five months were quoted for the Elantra in early 2023. Few buyers opt for the high-value Essential, with almost half of buyers opting for the Preferred trim. The Tech package on the Preferred trim is very popular. The Luxury and N Line trims are not harder to obtain that lesser models as higher-end models seem to have priority than lesser ones in the production process.  

Reliability
Insufficient data, not rated. Predicted reliability is average to above average during the warranty period. 

Sm. Front Driver: G

Mod. Front: G

Side: G

Roof: G

Sm. Front Pass.: G

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: P

What’s new
The manual transmission is no longer available on the LX trim. 

Comments
The Forte is an elegant, comfortable and serene compact car that is an afterthought in the minds of buyers focussed on the Civic, Corolla and to a lesser extent, the Elantra. 
The Forte 5 hatchback completed the model range that launched four years ago. Two engines, a 2L normally-aspirated four and a 1.6L turbo, are available. Driven briefly by the APA, the Forte’s 147 horsepower is ably matched to Kia's CVT to deliver smooth, brisk acceleration. The Forte's steering lacks much road feel but is nicely weighted and precise. The Forte has a well-honed ride-handling balance and the car has a well-sorted, mature feel. Forte drivers face precisely marked gauges, an easily manipulated infotainment screen and brilliantly simple climate controls. Seating is comfortable front and rear and rear seat legroom is at the upper end of this class. Excellent headroom. Good trunk space on the sedan with a substantial and flexible carbo bay on the hatchback. Cabin materials are very attractive with lots of soft-touch surfaces.

Pricing
Sedan: The LX, with air-conditioning, heated front seats, the iOS-Android cellphone interface and cruise control, is very good value. The EX adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a driver awareness monitor, wireless cellephone charging, rear climate vents, alloy wheels and a heated steering wheel, making it an excellent value. The EX+ trim grade includes a sunroof and L.E.D. headlamps, at a reasonable price. The EX Premium adds an adaptive cruise control, a more sophisticated forward collision warning system and a dual-zone climate control system at a reasonable price. 

The GT-Line, which combines a sporty look with the base 2L engine, includes heated and ventilated front sports seats, a power driver's seat, navigation and a number of other minor features, and is good value. The GT Limited, which includes a Harmon-Kardon audio system as well as the 1.6L turbo and the dual-clutch automated transmission, and is reasonably priced expecially considering the additional performance.  

Hatchback: The supplement to migrate from the sedan to hatchback body style costs $1000 on the GT Limied and $1100 on the EX. 


Reliability
Not rated. Unproven CVT transmission and 2L four. The Forte should be reliable during the warranty period. Five year/100,000 km basic warranty, an extended powertrain warranty is recommended.   

Sm. Front Driver: G

Mod. Front: G

Side: P

Roof: G

Sm. Front Pass.: G

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: P

What’s new
Horsepower for the normally-aspirated 2.5L four increases from 186 to 191. 

Comments
The sedan and hatchback body styles are as dissimilar from one another as two cars sharing the same structure and components can be. The sedan looks very conservative and in some ways echoes the silhouette of the second-generation 3 that debuted for 2010. The hatchback borders on the radical; displaying taut unbroken surfaces that somehow manage to impart a sense of visual tension. The hatchback shares a direct design connection with the current MX-5.
The 3's exterior dimensions are similar to those of the Honda Civic, but unlike the roomy Civic, the 3's cabin space is tight, and the lack of rear seat legroom may be a deal breaker for some buyers. Size constraints aside, the 3's cabin is a study in tasteful, conservative design and its cabin fixtures border on sumptuous. 
Power is produced by Mazda’s familiar 2L and 2.5L fours. Two six-speed transmissions, a manual and a conventional automatic, are available. All-wheel drive is optional. Powered by a 2.5L, the 3 GT sedan is quick, quiet, and with precise steering, powerful brakes and a carefully-honed ride-handling balance, a delight to drive. The turbo engine in the 3 delivers strong, linear performance with no drama, but emits unpleasant sounds to the point some buyers may swerve it to enjoy the smoothness of the normally-aspirated 2.5L.
The 3 is viable alternative to a small luxury-branded car like an Audi A3 and one that promises with a bonus of better reliabilily and long-term durability.  

Pricing
The base GX trim lacks a forward collision warning or autonomous emergency braking but with blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, heated front seats, rain-sense wipers, alloy wheels, L.E.D. headlamps and the iOS-Android cellphone interface, it is comprehensively equipped. The GS, which adds a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, a lane-keep assist system, a lane departure warning, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, a heated steering wheel and a rear centre armrest, is a bargain. The GS Luxury package adds a power driver's seat, a memory system, a sunroof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and is good value. The GT, which includes leather seating, a Bose-branded audio system, navigation, a 360 degree camera system, rear parking sonar, active headlamps, brake hold, a heads up display system and a number of minor feature, is tremendous value. The hatchback body style, marketed as the Sport, adds $1000 to the price of a 3. All-wheel drive adds $2500 to the price of the GS but only $2000 on the GT, as the bigger 2.5 L engine standard on the GT, is necessary to get the AWD powertrain. The turbo engine, offered only on the GT model, costs an extra $2400. Though not cheap, the GT turbo is quick and luxurious enough to be a substitute for a luxury-branded car like the Audi A3. 

Reliability
Predicted reliability is above average. The 3's larger capacity, non-turbo engines and a conventional automatic transmission augers well for powertrain durability. The unlimited mileage basic and powertrain warranty is a real plus for high-mileage drivers. 

Sm. Front Driver: G

Mod. Front: G

Side: G

Roof: G

Sm. Front Pass.: G

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: A

What’s new
Incredibly, the RVR is in its 13th years on the market, which is more that twice the lifespan of most generations of cars. 
Performance
The RVR's 2L four lacks torque below 3000 rpm, is noisy and performs just adequately  The available CVT works well enough but employs a lot of noisy revs from the coarse engine to deliver tepid, unenthusiastic acceleration. Good control of road and wind noise combines with low-rev cruising to make the RVR a relaxing car on the highway. An absorbent ride is accompanied by noticeable lean in corners, which turns to understeer when pushed. Porpoising is evident on long undulations and the car can be deflected off its path by mid-corner bumps. The brakes have an inert pedal feel. Light, lifeless steering.
The RVR's cabin is fronted by a classically conservative dashboard housing clear instrumentation and straightforward controls. The dash and the upper door panels are padded in a material with a very upmarket appearance, and while most other surfaces are hard to the touch, their matte finishes are quite attractive. Faux alloy trim pieces brighten the cabin. The front seats are large, deeply padded, very comfortable and are swathed in appealing fabrics. The door panels have cloth inserts matching those on the seats. With good space utilization, the RVR can easily house a quartet of adults and can take three people in the back seat for short hops. The fixed, full-length glass roof panel equipped with an electrically-retracting screen that fully blocked the rays of the sun when closed. The roof is frustrating in that most drivers would prefer at least some part of it to open. That said, some rear seat passengers enjoyed the panoramic views afforded by the massive glazed area. Small lights, located alongside the tracks of the sunscreen reflect onto the glass, which amused some passengerslly at night. The RVR's regularly-shaped cargo bay is a bit shallow below its cargo cover, but expands considerably when you fold down the rear seats.

Comments
Mitsubishi offers the 2L four as well as the 2.4L, but should withdraw the 2L as it is slow and noisy. The car is marketed as an SUV or crossover, but in terms of size, versatility and price, it is in reality just a tall hatchback.  

Pricing
Standard on the LE, SEL and GT, all-wheel drive is a a $2500 option on the ES and $2700 on the SE. Moving up from the ES to the SE adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, alloy wheels, deep-tint glass and fog lights, but is overpriced. The SE all-wheel drive replaces the 2L engine with a 2.4L four. The SEL and LE trims are so close together in price and equipment that one of them is cleary not needed. The range-topping GT adds a large format fixed-glass roof, leather seating, a Rockford Fosgate audio system and a forward collison warning and automomous emergency braking, at a good price. All colours are optional from $150 to $450.


Reliability
Average to above average reliability predicted. Few complaints have been received regarding the RVR despite the fact it went on sale in 2011. Some replacement parts are expensive. The long 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty is compelling for some buyers.   

Sm. Front Driver: A

Mod. Front: G

Side: G

Roof: G

Sm. Front Pass.: NR

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: NR

What’s new
No changes of note for the Sentra this year other than being fronted by the new Nissan logo. The 2023 was extremely late but did show up in mid-February 2023.   

Performance
The current-generation Sentra is a big improvement on its predecessor but it is not compelling in any way, especially as a lack of expected durability makes the choice of one when some durable competitors exist, a bit of a mystery. 

Driven in SR form with manual transmission, the Sentra was a pleasant enough machine. The clutch is docile and the shifter is precise and nicely weighted. Gearing was a bit odd and the engine spins a bit too quickly at highway speeds considering the car has a six-speed transmission. The engine is smooth and quiet, revs happily enough but power is lacklustre for what is supposed to be the "sporty" version of the car. The CVT transmission exhibits a lot of the sonic stretchiness that annoys people about CVTs and a feature many makers have eliminated. Steering is nicely weighted and geared, but feels detached. The Sentra's ride exhibits a common Nissan trait in that it handles a single bump well but loses its composure when more than one bump is encountered. Braking has a good pedal feel and solid response. 

The front seats bring mixed reviews, some love the deep-padded comfort while others find them too soft. The rear seat is supportive, with enough roof for adults. An overly low roof makes getting in and out of the car difficult and restricts headroom. Cabin materials were hit and miss, with some being very luxurious while others look budget oriented. The driver faces crisply marked, conventional gauges, and while its graphics look amateur, the free-standing info screen and the controls for the climate and audio system work well. Air conditioning, a weak point in some Nissans, works well. Very mediocre sound system.

Comments
Introduced in 2020, the Sentra boasted a return to contemporary style for Nissan, and the car is actually one of the most attractive cars in its class. While American brands have abandoned the compact car segment, Nissan and the other Asian manufacturers field strong entries in this class, awaiting the day when the current taste for crossovers recedes. The dashboard of the Sentra includes a large, easily-scanned gauge package in front of the driver, a big format standalone screen at the top centre of the dash and logical controls for the infotainment and climate controls. The rest of the cabin reflects a will on the part of Nissan to spend some time on design and a bit more money on cabin fittings than it has in the past. 
Power for the new Sentra is derived from a 2L four that produces 149 horsepower. The 2L is more than adequate but most makers offer a higher power engine in this class of car. Most Sentras will send power to the wheels via a CVT but a six-speed manual transmission is slated to be available on the base model, likely more to advertise a low MSRP than to quell customer demand.  
The Nissan Safety Shied 360, with intelligent emergency braking, rear intelligent emergency braking, forward collision monitor, a driver awareness monitor, a rear seat occupancy warning and 10 airbags, are all standard. 

Pricing
Even the base S trim includes comprehensive active safety equipment. The S Plus is really nothing but an automatic transmission option. Upgrading to the SV adds alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors with turn signals, dual-zone climate controls, active cruise control, upgraded textiles, two additional speakers, remote starting and a number of minor items and is a bargain. The SV Special Edition adds a sunroof, spoiler and larger wheels and is priced to reflect its additional equipment. The SR trim includes larger wheels, a rear centre armrest, L.E.D. headlamps, fog lights, a "sporty" body kit, leather wrapped shifter and steering wheel and a heated steering wheel and is priced to value. The SR Midnight upgrade offers little of value The SR Premium range-topper includes faux suede seating panels, a power driver's seat, Bose-branded audio, a 360 degree camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a few minor items and is good value.  

Reliability
Reliability is predicted to be below average. 

Sm. Front Driver: NR

Mod. Front: NR

Side: NR

Roof: NR

Sm. Front Pass: NR

Head/Seat: NR

Headlight: NR