Honda’s Refreshed Civic Adopts CVT

Honda Motor Co.'s 2014 Civic compact sedan will eschew its traditional 5-speed automatic transmission for a continuously variable unit.

The CVT boosts the Civic's city fuel economy rating to 30 mpg from 28 mpg for the 2013 model. Highway mileage is unchanged at 39 mpg.

Honda's engineers have programmed the CVT to mimic a 7-speed fixed-ratio automatic during engine braking or when passing kick-down power is needed.

Honda has previously offered CVTs on the Civic Hybrid and 4-cylinder Accord models.