2006 Honda Civic: an extreme transformation of design and dynamics

Honda of America released full details on the North American version of the 2006 Civic:

The Honda Civic is the cornerstone of Honda and its automotive heritage, earning recognition and acclaim as an icon in the automotive industry since its introduction in 1973. The Civic represents the first high volume production automobile that showcased Honda's spirit of innovation to a North American audience ready for something new. Cumulatively, Civic has reached 16 million customers globally and 7 million in the United States, where it has been the best selling retail compact car for the past nine years. The Civic was the seventh best selling vehicle overall in 2004 and third best selling passenger car. If the Civic were its own individual brand, annual sales in excess of 300,000 would make it the 13th top selling brand in the United States out of more than 40 possible brands.

As the Civic has been re-invented throughout its previous seven generations, each new model has consistently set new standards in the automotive industry with its innovative packaging, attractive styling, high fuel economy, low emissions, fun-to-drive performance, reliability and safety. The pioneering eighth generation 2006 model amplifies the defining character of the Civic with a long list of Honda technology and engineering innovations, resulting in a vehicle that is pure Honda, exclusively Civic and outside the boundaries of traditional small car thinking.

The 2006 Civic represents an extreme transformation of design and dynamics. Multiple powertrains for 2006 range from 197-horsepower high performance to 50 mpg gas-sipping hybrid to an all-around performer with two body styles, representing one of the most diverse vehicles in the industry. An expressive and futuristic design with exciting performance and a dedication to providing advanced safety technology set the Civic apart from the competition.

2006 Civic Highlights Four completely-redesigned models include the Civic Si Coupe, an ultra-efficient Civic Hybrid sedan, and well-equipped and technologically-advanced Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe Advanced safety systems include Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE)(TM) Body Structure for vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility and collision energy management, and a long list of standard safety equipment including side curtain airbags, driver's and front passenger's side airbags, and anti-lock braking Expressive exterior styling exhibits sporty character and refined presence Interior delivers more style and function than any other vehicle in segment New powertrain technologies include a new, even more intelligent i-VTEC engine with advanced valve control, and a fourth generation IMA Civic Hybrid powertrain that delivers higher performance and improved fuel economy with lower emissions New Technology and Features Some vehicles in the compact segment can provide fun-to-drive performance, or safety, or environmental performance; but only the Civic can deliver all of these traits simultaneously along with value, style and sophistication - with models custom tailored for a performance enthusiast, a technology enthusiast and a mainstream buyer.

All Models

New exterior styling features a one-motion profile with an ultra-fast windshield rake, minimal front and rear overhangs and reduced gap between the tires and fenders

Interior styling and functionality increased with two-tier instrument panel, improved seating areas and multi-functional center console

Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure

Standard front, front side and side curtain airbags

Active front seat head restraints

Standard 4-channel Advanced Logic ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition (available on Si, Hybrid and EX)

XM(R) Satellite Radio (available on Si, Hybrid and EX)

Front MacPherson strut suspension with enhanced geometry

Compact multi-link double wishbone rear suspension with enhanced geometry

Sedan and coupe each have a unique wheelbase and exterior dimensions

Drive-by-Wire throttle control on all models

Tilt and telescoping steering wheel

Civic Si Coupe

2.0-liter i-VTEC(TM) 4-cylinder engine

197-horsepower (2) @ 7800 rpm and 139 lb-ft. torque3 @ 6200 rpm

6-speed manual transmission with helical-type limited slip differential

Exclusive exterior includes rear deck wing, aero cladding and Si badging

Exclusive interior with deeply bolstered seats, red fabric stitching and unique trim panels

Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 87V tires (summer tire available)

Civic Hybrid Sedan

1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 15 Kilowatt electric motor

110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 123 lb-ft. torque @ 1000-2500 rpm

New lighter, more powerful and efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system with greatly enhanced energy regeneration capability and electric-only operation

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard equipment

50/50 mpg city/highway

AT-PZEV emissions

Exclusive interior styling includes IMA instrument panel meters and two-tone seating surfaces

Civic Sedan and Coupe

All-new 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with advanced valve control technology

140 horsepower @ 6300 rpm and 128 lb-ft. torque @ 4300 rpm

30/40 mpg city/highway (automatic transmission)

ULEV-2 emissions in all 50 states

5-speed automatic transmission available (standard 5-speed manual)

The Civic Enters a New Dimension The Civic has always offered industry-leading features designed to reward customers with fun-to-drive performance, efficient and environmentally friendly operation and enhanced safety, and the 2006 model goes further than any Civic before it. The first noticeable difference is that both Civic Sedan and Coupe have entirely new dimensions that make each vehicle wider and shorter in height for a sleek, futuristic appearance that also benefits packaging efficiency, handling and ride quality.

Compared to its 2005 predecessor, the 2006 Civic Sedan has grown 1.4 inches in overall length (176.8 inches) and 1.5 inches in width (69.0 inches). Its 106.3-inch wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer, while the rear overhang is 3.1 inches shorter and the front overhang is 1.8 inches longer. Height has been reduced by 0.2 inches. The front track is 1.1 inches wider (59.0 inches) and the rear track is 2.2 inches wider (60.2 inches). Vehicle weight has increased by approximately 5 percent on each trim level.

The 2006 Civic Coupe has been reduced 0.6 inches in overall length (174.8 inches) compared to the 2005 model, and is now 1.4 inches wider (68.9 inches). Its coupe-exclusive 104.3-inch wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer, while the front and rear overhang lengths remain unchanged. Overall height has been reduced by 1.6 inches (55.1 inches). The front track is 1.1 inches wider (59.0 inches) and the rear track is 2.1 inches wider (60.1). Like the sedan, vehicle weight has increased by approximately 5 percent on each trim level.

Advanced Personal Concept Provides Specialized Performance and Dynamics The Civic's popularity spans a wide range of customers - some prefer its high-performance potential, others want an all-around great car for daily commuting with style and economy, while some desire the ultimate in clean and efficient technology. For 2006, Honda is advancing multiple powertrain technologies to meet the needs of a diverse Civic customer by offering a 197-horsepower Civic Si, a 50 mpg Civic Hybrid, and a stylish and sophisticated Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe. All totaled, there are over 148 model, trim, option and color combinations for the 2006 Civic, more than ever before.

2005-09-01 Please quote Autoindex.org if You use this news article!