Nice review!

I've finally driven the Civic 1.8, and I share many of your sentiments... especially the complaints about the dash and the brake pedal... in addition:

I still like the steering and handling of the Mazda better, though. The Civic has a quick rack, but lacks road feel and steering tactility and rolls more than the Mazda. The 1.8 is really, really quick... a much more convincing 140 horses than Toyota's 1.8 and miles better than Ford's 1.8, though still not as torquey as the 2.0 Focus or Mazda3, which are more expensive.

At first, I thought the Civic was smaller than the Mazda3, but after the test drive, I rate rear space as equal. The Mazda has a bigger trunk, though, and the lack of fold down rear seats on all Civic variants is still a problem.

Despite this, I really think Honda has a hit on their hands. It's really a car worth considering... and the long waiting list shows it.