Honda Civic (2006)

The all-new multi-link double wishbone rear suspension design benefits from a new design that facilitates a longer damper stroke and improved positioning of the damper itself. The additional rebound stroke allows the vehicle to soak up bumps and harsh road surfaces with quietness and ease. The damper is mounted closer to the wheel for a more favorable 1.1:1 lever ratio (the relationship between the suspension movement and the distance that the damper actually travels). The previous relationship was 1.7:1. The more direct relationship means the forces acting on the shock do not become magnified and the intended tuning provides maximum benefit throughout a wider range of suspension travel. These changes combined with sport-oriented spring and damper tuning greatly increase the overall sporty feel of the vehicle and increase the feeling of coordination between the front and rear suspensions (a surprisingly uncommon trait in many vehicles).

The steering systems feature quick gear ratios for sharp and sporty transitions. Previously a high-mounted steering gearbox, the new steering system is now located lower in the vehicle to improve suspension geometry for a more direct feel and quick response. The Civic Si and Civic Hybrid feature a sport-oriented speed sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) that increases power assist at low speeds and reduces power assist at high speeds. The Civic Coupe and Civic Sedan use a speed sensitive hydraulic power steering system. All models have a tilt and telescope steering wheel.

Larger wheels and tires contribute to the Civic's improvement in ride and handling. The Civic Si uses Michelin's all-season Pilot HX MXM4 tire in size P215/45 R17 (also available is a new Pilot Exalto high performance summer version as a factory option) and 17x7 inch alloy wheels. A dealer installed 18-inch tire and wheel package is available. The Civic Hybrid features P195/65 R15 low rolling resistance tires with lightweight and aerodynamic 15x6 alloy wheels. The most popular LX and EX trim levels for sedan and coupe have P205/55 R16 tires and 16x6.5 inch wheels (the EX has alloy wheels and the LX has steel wheels with covers). The DX sedan and coupe ride on P195/65 R15 tires with 15x6 steel wheels with covers.

All Civics are equipped with a new 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Disc brakes are used on the front and rear wheels on Si and EX models; rear drum brakes are used on Hybrid, LX and DX models. The 4-channel ABS with EBD independently modulates braking power at each wheel, as opposed to the more common 3-channel system that modulates the front wheels independently and the rear wheels with equal braking force. Electronic Brake Distribution proportions brake power to the rear wheels based on vehicle weight distribution. The new 4-channel capability allows the rear wheels to react independently while cornering, representing a significant enhancement to the ABS system's ability to influence vehicle stability and safety. Further additions to the braking system include a new ABS control module (that applies the new 4-channel features) and a brake booster that improves pedal feel. Bottom line, the Civic stops with greater authority and added control.

Interior

High-tech and futuristic just begin to describe the Civic's new interior at the core of its design. Honda stylists and engineers prioritized sophistication to create a high-quality, advanced and sporty space with the latest technology, loads of storage and innovative ergonomics. More standard features and new available features like a voice activated navigation system highlight the dedication to taking the interior to an entirely new level.

A two-tier instrument panel positions priority gauges like the speedometer up high in the driver's field of vision. The increased body width allows the seats to be wider and more supportive, and a spacious multi-functional center console accommodates up to 20 compact discs and performs armrest duties for both front occupants. Active front seat head restraints are used to help minimize the potential for whiplash injuries in a rear collision.

Key interior dimensions on the sedan remain similar to the generous proportions of the 2005 model, with improvements in hip room, shoulder room, knee room in all seating positions. As the Civic Coupe has become more sport-oriented with unique exterior dimensions, the interior volume and rear seat room have become smaller to create a more personalized and sport-oriented space.

The latest generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on Si, Hybrid and EX models and features a 6.5-inch mechanical display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player and a new digital audio card reader that can play MP3 and WMA files from CompactFlash(R) cards. The navigation system features more than 6 million points of interest and can control the audio system. The voice recognition is capable of recognizing and inputting numbers, street names and cities.

All audio systems are more powerful with as much as 350 watts and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer on the EX Coupe and Si models. Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on LX and above trim levels (coupe) and EX and Hybrid models (sedan), allowing for portable music device playback through the car's speakers. XM(R) Satellite Radio is standard on navigation-equipped coupe models, while EX sedan and Hybrid models are XM-Ready. The LX models have a six-speaker 160-watt audio system with a single-disc CD player (four speakers for the LX sedan). All Civic audio systems have MP3/WMA CD playback capability. Coupe audio systems feature Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC) that automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. Coupe audio systems also feature CD/MP3 text readout with a customizable welcome screen. The DX models are pre-wired for an audio system and have four speakers pre-installed.

Honda researchers conducted a study that tracked the eye movements of drivers and prioritized the Civic's gauges and their placement for quick recognition time. Based on this research, a two-tier instrument panel was created that takes advantage of the generous dashboard space from the steeply raked windshield. A digital speedometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge are housed in the upper level to be more in-line with the driver's line-of-sight resulting in shorter eye movements between the most commonly referenced gauges and the road. The lower level of the instrument panel houses a tachometer, multi-information digital display, odometer with trip meter and a variety of warning indicators. The Civic Si provides an rpm rev-limit indicator on the upper level. The Civic Hybrid can display instantaneous fuel economy in the upper level and the lower level displays battery charge level along with instantaneous IMA charge and assist displays.

The digital odometer readout also functions as a multi-information display that shows Maintenance Minder service related items based on vehicle usage. The Maintenance Minder system automatically indicates when to have standard service performed based on actual driving conditions (tracked by the ECU) and minimizes the guesswork related to whether the vehicle is being used in standard or severe use conditions for maintenance interval purposes. The display indicates when to change the oil, air cleaner, transmission fluid, spark plugs or coolant, as well as when to rotate the tires.

Body Styles, Models, Trim Levels and Options

The 2006 Honda Civic is available in two body styles and four models. The coupe is available in two models as either an Si, or as the EX, LX or DX trim level models. The sedan is available in two models as either the Hybrid or as the EX, LX or DX trim level models. Below is a listing of the major features by each model and trim level (new equipment shown in italics).

Civic Coupe DX, LX and EX

Standard features on the Civic Coupe DX include a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), 15-inch steel wheels with covers, P195/65R15 tires, Advanced Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD, advanced dual-stage dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags, driver's and front passenger's side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, rear head restraints in all seating positions, front seatbelts with load limiters and dual pre-tensioners, two LATCH points in the rear seat, daytime running lamps, power front windows, power locks, tilt and telescope steering wheel, folding rear seat, a dual trip meter odometer, the Maintenance Minder system and a trunk lid lip spoiler.

The Civic Coupe LX adds 16-inch steel wheels with covers, P205/55R16 tires, keyless entry, 6-speaker 160-watt AM/FM Audio System with CD Player (MP3/WMA enabled), auxiliary audio input jack, multi-function center console with armrest, progressive blue illumination instrument panel meters, auto up and down driver's power window, and painted interior and exterior trim pieces.
The Civic Coupe EX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, 7-speaker with subwoofer AM/FM/XM-Ready Audio System with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled), 60/40 split folding rear seat, one-touch power moonroof, ambient console lighting, round exhaust tip finisher and available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation (also includes XM Satellite Radio).

Civic Si

The Civic Si includes Civic Coupe EX features plus a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited slip differential, 17-inch alloy wheels, P215/45R17 tires (available in summer version), rear wing spoiler, Si badging, amber inner headlight ring, sports grille, sport exhaust tip, deeply bolstered seats with premium seating surfaces, red illumination instrument panel meters, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather wrapped aluminum shift knob, aluminum sport pedals, and a rev-limit indicator light.

Civic Sedan EX, LX and DX

Standard features on the Civic Sedan DX include a 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), 15-inch steel wheels with covers, P195/65R15 tires, 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD, advanced dual-stage dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags, driver's and front passenger's side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, rear head restraints in all seating positions, front seatbelts with load limiters and dual pre-tensioners, two LATCH points in the rear seat, daytime running lamps, power windows, power locks, tilt and telescope steering wheel, folding rear seat trunk pass-through, a dual trip meter odometer and a Smart Maintenance Indicator.

The Civic Sedan LX adds 16-inch steel wheels with covers, P205/55R16 tires, keyless entry, 4-speaker 160-watt AM/FM Audio System with CD Player (MP3/WMA enabled), multi-function center console with armrest, progressive blue illumination instrument panel meters, auto up and down driver's power window, auto up front passenger window, and painted interior and exterior trim pieces.

The Civic Sedan EX adds 16-inch alloy wheels, 6-speaker AM/FM/XM-Ready Audio System with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled), 60/40 split folding rear seat, power moonroof and available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation.

Civic Hybrid

The Civic Hybrid integrates features from Civic Sedan EX and adds a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor Assist, automatic climate control, 15-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, P195/65 R15 low rolling resistance tires, special hybrid badging, rear lip spoiler, side mirror turn signal indicators, two-tone seating surfaces, IMA system meters (fuel economy, battery level and charge/assist) and automatic climate control. Compared to the Civic Sedan EX, a moonroof and folding rear seat are not available in consideration of weight savings and IMA packaging.