2014 Honda Civic goes on sale today

The 2014 Honda Civic is now on sale. The LX coupe starts at $18,980 including destination while the top trim, an EX sedan with navigation, comes in at $25,030.

A continuously variable gearbox is the only automatic transmission option this year, though a five-speed manual is available. Honda says the CVT is responsible for a 2 mpg improvement in the city and 1 mpg improvement on the highway. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder soldiers on underhood in all models besides the Civic Si, making 143 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque.

The 2014 model is restyled with bigger fog light cutouts, a new front fascia with a lower air intake and different grille, and new headlights. The rear gets a new bumper with different character lines and new taillights.

A 7-inch touchscreen is available, as is LaneWatch blind spot display and push-button start. The 2014 Civic also introduces HondaLink, which integrates the driver's smartphone with the car.

The company put out a little infographic about the Civic to coincide with the launch, touting its made-in-the-USA credentials.

At least part of the Civic's production has been done in the U.S. for 28 years. In fact, 26 percent of all compact cars made in North America were Civics. Overall, Honda has built 10 million Accords, 8 million Civics, 2 million Odysseys and 1 million Pilots on this side of the Atlantic.

Honda sold more than 307,000 Civics in the first 11 months of 2013 in the U.S., and 284,000 up to this point last year. That's a lot of movement for a vehicle that was immediately restyled. Only the Accord sold more for Honda.

By Jake Lingeman