Have You Seen the New 2006 Honda Civic?
I just got my first glimpse of a real live 2006 Honda Civic.
Impressive, to say the least. Redesigned almost completely and
despite the critics, the car looks good. The interior looks even
better. Let me give you my take on the vehicle at hand.
I got in the car, which seems roomier than last years model. The
first thing you notice is a two level instrument panel. Its all
black, so hard to discern what is on each level. With a turn of
the key, the lower dash illuminates with a center-mounted
tachometer while the upper tier shows a digital speedometer.
This allows a much cleaner looking console believe it or not and
I was able to keep my eyes on my speed and the road at the same
time.
The LX model I looked at was a 4-door model with a 5 speed
manual transmission. It had the standard 140hp 1.8 liter 4
cylinder engine. But the new Civic DX comes standard with the
features you need. Like all the airbags - not just the front
ones. You get the side curtain and rear air bags as well. ABS is
standard with EBD - Electronic Brake Distribution. It applies
more braking power where it's needed depending on your load.
Power windows are standard now, but with the LX they added the
auto up/down feature.
The LX also had a nice radio with 160 watts of power. Remote
entry, cruise, 16" wheels - albeit with hubcaps - AC and power
door locks.
The EX ups the ante to a nicer radio, 16" aluminum wheels,
moonroof, and an optional satellite navigational system. 4 wheel
disc brakes round off this model as the nicest of them all.
The Hybrid is different. It has a smaller engine, but with the
big electric motor assist. You don't have to plug it in or
anything. It charges itself. The transmission is a continuously
variable type. The dealer didn't have one of these yet, but I
hear they are a riot. 50 mpg and real getup and go power. You
see, the gas engine and the electric engine can work at the same
time. All the while you pass the gas station waving at your
friends.
Finally Honda gave all the models the same engine, except the
Si. Its going to have a 197 hp engine along with some other
goodies and should be able to smoke the competition as always. I
hope I have an opportunity to drive the new Civic Si.