Coupes are more expressive and aspirational than conventional sedans, but modern automotive marketing wisdom says that unless it’s a luxury or sports car like a BMW 3 Series or Nissan 350Z, a two-door won’t sell. Buyers of small cars choose them because they must for reasons of practicality, the theory goes, and a coupe is clearly impractical. Yet Honda, never afraid to buck a trend in the process of setting a new one, has continuously offered a Civic Coupe since 1992. That tradition continues with the introduction of the redesigned 2006 Honda Civic. The new Civic Coupe is still less practical than the Civic Sedan, but moves solidly into expressive and aspirational territory, taking a quantum leap forward in terms of design, comfort, safety, refinement, and technology.
Radically cab-forward in terms of design, the 2006 Honda Civic Coupe possesses a strong European flavor, a spirited driving character, and an upscale ambience that belies its fully-loaded price of around $20,000.
Photo 2 -- Exterior RearHonda offers three different versions of the 2006 Civic Coupe, each equipped with the same 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine teamed with either a manual or an automatic transmission. The base model is called DX, the popular mid-grade version is the LX, and the most upscale Civic is named EX.
Photo 3 -- Engine
Every 2006 Honda Civic Coupe gets the same engine, a 1.8-liter, inline four-cylinder equipped with i-VTEC variable valve timing. With 140 horsepower available at 6,300 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 4,300 rpm, the 2006 Civic Coupe’s engine is more powerful than both motors offered in 2005 and runs on regular unleaded fuel. A five-speed manual transmission sends the power to the front wheels, and is estimated to provide 30 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The optional five-speed automatic is expected to do even better when it comes to fuel efficiency, matching the manual’s city rating but getting 40 mpg on the highway.
Photo 4 -- Exterior FrontThis redesign of the 2006 Honda Civic might be the most radical of any in the car’s 33-year history. It is a distinctive, forward-thinking package defined by European flair and subtle detailing, and should wear well over time.
Photo 5 -- Navi SystemThe 2006 Honda Civic EX Coupe can be equipped with an optional navigation system with voice control, which works easily enough but groups the stereo and navigation functions together. Plus, the buttons are small and sun glare has a detrimental effect on legibility. We prefer the standard knobs and buttons for the stereo, which work as simply as those for the heating and air conditioning.
Photo 6 -- DashboardMore comfortable seating, front and rear, is one benefit of the 2006 Honda Civic Coupe’s redesign, but full-sized adults relegated to the back seat won’t want to stay long. At least it’s relatively easy to get into and out of the rear quarters through the large passenger’s side door, and thanks to the tilt-and-slide front passenger’s seat.
Photo 7 -- Exterior SideWith the 2006 Honda Civic Coupe’s redesign, engineers focused on safety. Standard equipment includes dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; seat-mounted front side airbags; front and rear side-curtain airbags; antilock brakes with independent electronic rear brake distribution; and active head restraints. Honda expects the 2006 Civic Coupe to receive five-star frontal crash-test ratings from NHTSA and a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the 40-mph frontal offset crash-test.
Photo 8 -- Exterior SideDespite an on-sale date of September 15, 2005, Honda hadn’t set final prices for the redesigned 2006 Honda Civic Coupe when we published this story. Estimates ranged from about $14,500 for the Civic DX to $18,500 for the Civic EX. Honda plans to sell about 85,000 Civic Coupes a year, roughly 25-percent of all planned Civic sales.
Photo 9 -- Exterior FrontImmediately, the 2006 Honda Civic Coupe’s quantum leap in refinement is noticeable, both in terms of cabin comfort and engineering. Quiet and responsive, the silky powertrain provides good punch off the line, managed by a fluid gearbox and a light clutch. The steering is linear and quick, and the brake pedal feels great underfoot. Tighter suspension tuning quells the sedan’s tendency toward body roll in corners and body bob on the highway, giving the 2006 Civic Coupe a more controlled, if slightly less cushy, ride quality.
Photo 10 -- GearshiftEstimated Base Prices: $14,500 (DX); $16,500 (LX); $18,500 (EX)
Engine Size and Type: 1.8-liter inline four with variable valve timing
Engine Horsepower: 140 at 6,300 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual (standard); five-speed automatic (optional)
Estimated EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 30/39 mpg (manual); 30/40 mpg (automatic)
Leg room (front/rear): 42.6/30.3 inches
Head room (front/rear): 38.0/35.1 inches (DX/LX); 37.8/34.7 inches (EX)
Max. Cargo Volume: 11.5 cubic feet
Competitors: Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus ZX3, Mini Cooper, Saturn Ion Quad Coupe, Scion tC, Volkswagen Golf
Photos courtesy of American Honda
