Couple of points:
1. Interior volume is 0.1 cubic feet less than a Civic.
2. The 5-speed auto on the Sport model has torque converter lock-up in every gear, nice engine braking down shifts if you have it in "manual" mode using the paddle shifters.
3. It is drive by wire, electric power steering and has Honda's maintenance minder system.
4. You can get manual tranny (5-speed) in the Sport model.
5. Difference in cost of gas between 38 mpg and 41 mpg over 100,000 miles averaging 20,000 miles per year is $2.22/week. It's geared to give a more sporty, responsive feel, much like Mazda does with its vehicles.
6. Comes standard with 6 air bags, ABS, A/C and power windows, doors etc.
7. Sport model comes with a 200 watt stereo.
I've an e-mail in now to my dealer to order one.