The all-new 2016 Honda Civic sedan has just been unveiled, breathing new life into one of the mainstays of the brand’s lineup. Here’s what families need to know before they head to the dealership for a test drive:

The 2016 Civic Sedan is new from the ground up. It has what Honda calls a “more athletic stance” and “sportier driving position.” We say its look falls more in line with what Toyota and Nissan with a more aggressive front fascia and dynamic side panels than ever before.

It comes in a variety of models. The 10th-generation Civic will include a sedan, coupe, high-performance Si models, a 5-door hatchback and the first-ever Civic Type-R model.

There are two engine options. Civic Sedan LX and EX trims will be powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder mated to either a 6-speed manual (LX trim) or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Civic Sedans in EX-T, EX-L trims and Touring trims will be powered by a 1.5-liter, direct-injected and turbocharged 16-valve DOHC inline-4, mated to a unique CVT. Honda’s expecting both engines to achieve over 40 mpg.

The interior is in line with other vehicles in its class. Soft touch materials are becoming standard offerings from other manufacturers and Honda is offering similar levels of sophistication in the 2016 Civic.  The automaker highlights a new one-piece, soft-touch instrumental panel with molded stitching; more premium seat fabrics; a new full-color TFT center meter (EX and above trims); a center console with piano black finish and high-contrast sliver bezel; door inserts with live stitching; an LED shift indicator and LED overhead lighting; and for EX and higher trims, a leather shift boot.

There’s going to be more room for your family. Honda has added 3.7 cubic feet of interior space giving 2 inches more of rear-seat legroom versus the outgoing model. Trunk space has been increased by 2.6 cubic feet with a lower liftover height, larger opening and wider and taller cargo area. Civic Sedan EX and above trims will feature a 60/40 split and folding rear seat.

Connectivity is the name of the Civic’s new game. Smartphone technology integrates with a 7-inch high-definition Display Audio touchscreen. Depending on your smartphone brand, either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are compatible with the sedan’s infotainment system.

The 2016 Civic Sedan comes loaded with advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. The Honda Sensing™ suite includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation and, for the first time in a Honda, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow.

image courtesy of Honda