A year after the Civic sedan received a freshened exterior design, the Honda Civic 2-door coupe receives its exterior makeover for 2014, though with sportier results. Up front, the coupe gets a new narrower grille design, which feeds directly into the wraparound headlights, creating a grinning effect. Honda gave the hood a more sharpened, bladelike appearance, and the front and rear bumpers have been redesigned as well. Other exterior updates for the 2014 Civic coupe include new taillights, side mirrors and larger wheels on some trims.

In another big move for 2014, Honda replaces the coupe's previous 5-speed manual transmission with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), designed for improved fuel efficiency. Honda says CVT-equipped Civics will now achieve an additional 2 mpg, except on trims equipped with paddle shifters, which get an additional 1 mpg.

Inside, the updates are less noticeable but help improve appearance and comfort. Lower-end Civic Coupe trims get upgraded cloth upholstery with black or gray color-coordinated themes. Mid- and upper-level trims now come equipped with a new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen, which drivers can double-tap and swipe just like a smart phone.

For 2014, Honda offers the front-wheel-drive Civic coupe at entry-level LX, mid-level EX and top-shelf EX-L levels, as well as in a sporty Si version. Power for all coupe trims except the Si comes from a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, which produces 143 hp, an increase of 3 hp over the previous year. Torque checks in at 128 lb-ft. The engine links to either a 5-speed manual transmission, which comes standard in the LX and EX, or the new CVT, which is optional in the LX and EX and standard in the EX-L. The EX and EX-L also get new standard paddle shifters for manual shifting. Fuel economy numbers check in at 28 mpg city/36 highway with the manual transmission and 29/38 with the CVT.

As in previous years, the Civic Coupe Si gets a larger 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. Thanks to refinements in the exhaust system, the engine now generates 205 hp, an increase of 4 hp over the 2013 version. Torque also jumps by 4 lb-ft, to 174 lb-ft. In the Si, Honda pairs the bigger engine with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and includes a limited-slip differential, which helps to improve traction and keeps the Si firmly planted during acceleration and aggressive driving maneuvers. Fuel-economy numbers check in at 22/31 mpg. The bigger engine requires premium fuel.

The Civic Coupe rides on an upgraded, slightly stiffer suspension for 2014. Honda recalibrated the coupe's front springs and added thicker stabilizer bars in the front and rear, which help reduce body roll in corners. The suspension continues to include MacPherson struts in the front and a multilink configuration in the rear. The LX gets new larger 16-inch steel wheels for 2014, while the EX receives a new 16-inch alloy wheel design. The EX-L rides on new larger 17-inch alloy wheels, and the Si gains larger 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the coupe's cabin continues to improve, thanks to frequent updating over the past few years. The upgraded cloth upholstery in all 2014 trims except the EX-L provides a premium feel and look. The 2-tiered dashboard layout, which rolls over from previous years, places key readouts at the top of the dash, closer to the driver's line of sight, and less-important displays and indicators on the lower tier. On the LX trim, the center console, which angles toward the driver to create a wraparound effect, features a 6.5-inch Intelligent Multi-Information Display, including a rear-view camera. All other trims gets the new Display Audio touchscreen, which also integrates with the available navigation system. Other new standard features for 2014 include push-button start and an updated blind-spot alert system, as well as auto on/off headlights on the EX and EX-L trims.

As in the previous year, the LX's list of standard features includes air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 4-speaker 160-watt audio system with speed-sensitive volume control. The EX gets 2 additional speakers, plus a 60/40-split rear seatback and an optional navigation system with XM satellite radio and turn-by-turn directions, while at the top of the line, the EX-L includes leather upholstery, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The EX-L also can be ordered with the navigation system.

Standard safety features for the Civic include 6 airbags, as well as vehicle stability control and antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Daytime running lights also come standard on all Civic Coupe trims.