Honda Kicks Off Redesigned 2006 Civic
Honda
Published: Oct 29, 2005
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Honda couldn’t have timed the recent release of Civic models better. The eighth-generation 2006 Civic sedan, coupe, hybrid and Si should do wonders for the Japanese carmaker.
The demand for smaller vehicles is booming, thanks partially to rising gasoline prices. With Chicago as the backdrop, Honda kicked off a weeklong Civic test-drive presentation thi summer for the national media folks. Basking in the limelight of strong sales, the automaker isn’t taking things lying down.
It pulled out all the stops by ensuring that the project and safety leaders responsible for the Civic’s redesign were present in the Midwest city to take questions from journalists.
John Mendel, senior vice president of auto operations for American Honda Motor Co., pointed out that the Civic has served as a benchmark by which all other cars are judged.
“It is the first car that earned an EPA rating of 50 mpg,” he said. “Customers hold the Civic to a high standard. This new eighth-generation car focuses on safety, fun and blue skies for everyone.”
While acknowledging that the competition is hard at work, Mendel said that Civic has always been about a passion for the product, innovation, safety and environment, and technology. “Young buyers want excitement, bang for the buck in their vehicles,” he said. “They are used to a variety of new choices. That is why we now have an efficient and sporty sedan and coupe, hybrid and fun-to-drive and performance-oriented Si.”
During the technical presentation, Toshiro Morita displayed charts to show that the U.S. market is shifting from baby boomers to Generations X and Y. “The new generation seeks unique products that offer innovative performance,” said the large project leader for Civic.
“The 2006 Civic is a well-balanced vehicle with excellent quality. The exterior has a sporty one-motion form while the interior offers functional space that feels light and comfortable. The new dual-player configuration opens up the field of vision for the driver and allows him or her to sit in the seat, not on the seat.”
Morita said that because of the new power plant (1.8-liter i-VTEC), handling (high-rigidity body) and NVH (noise reduction), an advanced driving experience is possible. “Sound-absorbing materials provide improved insulation,” he said. “Engine emissions have been cut down as well, as we’ve reduced use of PVC, which generates chlorine when incinerated. The Civic has been completely reborn with a new standard.”
That brings up the Civic hybrid, which comes with the 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine. “The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology boosts the high-efficiency engine output by 20 percent,” said Akira Fujimara, another large project leader. “The i-VTEC is now a three-stage step instead of the previous two, boosting the fuel economy and power. The new regenerative braking system controls brakes hydraulically while recapturing energy that is given up by the motor.”
A key feature of the hybrid interior is the instrument panel showing the IMA, assist/charge and high-voltage battery display. Fujimara sums it up nicely. “The hybrid offers safer technology and emotional design but the best environmental package.”
Not far behind was the youth-touted coupe, which project leader David Burge believes is clearly different from the sedan because of its crouching form. “It has the sharpest windshield rake of any Honda vehicle,” he said. “The rear lip spoiler enables the coupe to have better stability during higher speeds.” Noting that all coupe models are distinctively different, Burge mentioned interior features such as ambient light, premium audio system of 350 watts, six speakers and an 8-inch woofer. “Youth want to personalize their vehicles,” he said. “And the coupe is the perfect fit.”
Honda saved the last but not the least important presentation for the Si by Mark Pafumi. “This is the 20th anniversary of Si in America,” he said.
“It has been the Civic performance leader because of its unique powertrain, sport-tuned suspension, sporty interior and recognizable exterior.”
The 2006 Si (197 horsepower) gets body-strength improvements, revised front and rear, boosted torque, upgraded brakes and 17-inch all-season Michelin tires, exclusively developed for the car. Interior enhancements include a three-spoke stainless steel pedal, REV limit indicator and a Si logo on the seat back.
THE DRIVE
The Civic handled the roads leading in and out of Chicago with amazing agility. We had the opportunity to test-drive all four models on a track, as well. Honda also had vehicles from its competitors for us to drive. The well-equipped sedan and coupe, the ever-efficient hybrid and the high-performance Si lived up to their reputations. (Detailed Civic review to come)
Starting at as low as $14,360 for the DX coupe and then going into the early 20s for the Si coupe, the Civic is a bargain. In light of higher gas prices, it’s a car you want to buy and keep for years to come. And when it comes time to sell, you will have the upper bargaining hand because of its high resale value.
For information and model specifications, click on www.honda.com. Nitish S. Rele is an Advertising Staff Writer for The Tampa Tribune.
