2006 Honda Civic: What's New

Vehicle Overview
A redesigned eighth-generation version of Honda’s smallest model goes on sale for the 2006 model year. Honda calls it the most-changed Civic since the model was introduced to the U.S. market in 1973.

Four distinct models are available: Civic sedan and coupe, Civic Si coupe and Civic Hybrid sedan. The automaker says three all-new engines promise greater performance and efficiency. Powertrain choices include a high-performance 197-horsepower four-cylinder engine in the Civic Si and a gasoline/electric powertrain in the Civic Hybrid.

Honda promotes the safety features of the newest Civic, including its Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that improves vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility and collision energy management. All models have side-impact and side curtain-type airbags, active front-seat head restraints and antilock brakes. Three Civic trim levels are available: DX, LX and EX.

Exterior
Honda calls the 2006 Civic “an extreme transformation of design and dynamics.” The company says it features an “expressive and futuristic design.” Design touches include a steeply raked windshield, minimal front and rear overhangs, and reduced gaps between the tires and fenders. Civics use a MacPherson strut front suspension and a compact multilink double-wishbone rear suspension.

Sedans and coupes have unique wheelbase and exterior dimensions. The sedan is 1.4 inches longer than its predecessor and has a wheelbase that’s 3.2 inches longer; its width has grown by 1.5 inches. Front and rear track widths have increased, and the new model is about 5 percent heavier. Coupes are 0.6 inches shorter overall and 1.4 inches wider and have a wheelbase that’s 1.2 inches longer. Height has been reduced by 1.6 inches. DX models ride on 15-inch tires, but LX and EX versions get 16-inch rubber. A power moonroof is installed on EX models.

Interior
Inside each five-passenger Civic, the driver faces a two-tier instrument panel and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. A multifunction center console is installed. Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition is available in Si, Hybrid and EX models. XM Satellite Radio is available. Trunk space totals 11.5 cubic feet. Each Civic has power windows.

Under the Hood
Regular Civic coupes and sedans use a new 1.8-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder that delivers 140 hp and 128 pounds-feet of torque. Honda claims its power output is comparable to a 2.0-liter engine but has fuel economy that compares to a 1.5-liter motor. All models use drive-by-wire throttle control. A five-speed-manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed automatic is available.

Safety
Standard safety features include antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, side-impact and side curtain-type airbags, and active head restraints in the front seats.

Driving Impressions
While popular and well-known for reliability, recent Civics have been faulted for sterile styling and rather monotonous behavior. In its 2006 form, the Civic sedan gets a more handsome face, spirited performance and a nearly flawless automatic transmission.

Due to its relatively taut suspension, surface imperfections are noticeable in the Civic sedan but they’re not annoying. Steering effort is light yet satisfying, and the Civic is quite agile.

Ingress is good, both in front and back. The front seats are comfortable and provide abundant back support, but their short bottoms aren’t as strong on thigh support. Seat cushioning is adequate, but a little more might be welcome. Backseat space rivals that of some midsize models.

The large tachometer and digital speedometer are easy to read. Visibility is satisfactory, but the triangular glass panes ahead of each front side window provide no improvement in visibility. Oddly, the Civic’s steering-wheel rim feels rubbery and almost cheap, which is out of character for Honda. The available navigation system’s controls aren’t the easiest to use.

Civic Si
Honda’s performance-oriented Si model, formerly a hatchback coupe, is now a conventional two-door coupe. At 104.3 inches, its wheelbase is 3.1 inches longer. Overall length has grown by 9.1 inches to 174.8 inches.

The Civic Si holds a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder that develops 197 hp at 7,800 rpm and 139 pounds-feet of torque at 6,200 rpm. The previous Si was rated at 160 hp and 132 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed-manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential are installed. Exclusive exterior touches include aero cladding and a rear wing. Interiors feature deeply bolstered seats with red fabric stitching. Alloy wheels hold 17-inch tires.

Civic Hybrid
Introduced as a 2003 model, the Civic Hybrid has been redesigned alongside the regular Civic sedan. The powertrain includes a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 20-hp electric motor; total system output is 110 hp and 123 pounds-feet of torque.

In its first generation, the Civic Hybrid’s gasoline engine was dominant, and electric power kicked in as needed to provide additional energy. Unlike Toyota and Ford hybrid powertrains, Honda’s system couldn’t operate in electric-only mode. Now, under certain low-speed cruising conditions, the gasoline engine can deactivate temporarily and the 2006 Civic Hybrid can run solely on battery power. Honda says this next-generation Integrated Motor Assist system offers greater fuel-efficiency.

A continuously variable transmission is standard. Honda estimates the 2006 Civic Hybrid will yield fuel economy of 50 mpg in both city and highway driving. Hybrid interiors feature two-tone seating surfaces.