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THE HONDA CIVIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CORNERSTONE OF HONDA and its automotive heritage since its introduction way back in 1973. Since then, it has garnered recognition and acclaim as Honda’s spirit of innovation. It has, more importantly, remained the one of the company’s top sellers, rolling off more than 16 million units worldwide, 7 million of them in the United States alone. Throughout the past seven generations, each new model has set the standard in packaging, fuel economy, styling, fun-to-drive performance and safety. And little has changed with the eight generation model, set to debut in 2006.

For the 2006 model year, the all-new Civic benefits from an extreme transformation of both design and dynamics. Under the hood, there are all-new engines and three new body styles (two slated to enter the US market), representing one of the most diverse vehicles in the industry.

At a glance, the 2006 Honda Civic is ten steps further up the design tree. It’s longer and wider than its predecessor, gaining 3.2 inches of wheelbase in the process. However, it sits lower and coupled with shorter overhangs and a wider front and rear track, it makes the 2006 Civic more aggressive and distinctive. Built on an all-new version of Honda’s Global Compact Platform, the all-new Civic gains 35 percent better torsional rigidity for improved dynamics. In addition, sound insulation has improved with better construction technologies. At the front corners, the independent MacPherson struts incorporates new geometry for stability. At the back, the all-new Double Wishbone adds a longer stroke and improved positioning of the dampers.

Under the rakish hood sits Honda’s next-generation inline-4s headed by its new 1.8-liter i-VTEC. With dual overhead cams and 16 valves, it generates 140 horsepower and can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. For speed freaks, Honda will carry on the same 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline-4 with 197 horsepower and a 6-speed manual transmission. The Hybrid Civic will complete the line with a 1.3-liter i-VTEC inline-4 with a 15 kW electric motor good for a combined output of 110 horsepower.

The 2006 Civic will also have improved standard features for both comfort and safety. Most models will gain the use of four wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD attached to a set of grippy 205/55 R 16 tires, while the Si model will add a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and 215/45 R 17 wheels into the mix.

The biggest change with the 2006 Civic is its interior. Whereas Civics of old remained rather dull and uninspired inside, the all-new model is set to break the mold. The most noticeable difference is the way designers divided the instrument binnacle into two tiers. Priority gauges such as the speedometer are located closer to the driver’s field of vision, while auxiliary gauges have been tucked as not to induce stress. The seats are now better bolstered and supportive than before, while adding more shoulder, knee and hip room versus the outgoing model.

Standard across the Civic range is a tilt/reach/rake adjustable steering wheel as well as six airbags. This further improves the compact Honda’s ratings in crash safety tests. In addition, the Civic is sufficient enough to protect pedestrians in the even of a collision.

The new Civic is also set to make audiophiles rejoice at its new audio system that integrates a new digital card reader that can play MP3 and WMA files from CompactFlash cards. This is in addition to the standard auxiliary jack on all models. Higher models will have seven speaker, 350-watts of power including an 8-inch subwoofer.

The Honda Civic’s popularity spans a wide range of customers and for 2006, it seems that Honda has gone the right route with equally diverse body styles, power train options and exterior/interior upgrades. No other vehicle in this segment covers as much ground as Honda’s new Civic, and engineers hope that their hard work will pay off with class leading sales.

By Ulysses Ang | Photos Courtesy of Honda North America