Honda Car Forum

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Overview

The Honda Civic is the cornerstone of Honda and its automotive heritage, earning recognition and acclaim as an icon in the automotive industry since its introduction in 1973. The Civic represents the first high volume production automobile that showcased Honda's spirit of innovation to a North American audience ready for something new. Cumulatively, Civic has reached 16 million customers globally and 7 million in the United States, where it has been the best selling retail compact car for the past nine years. The Civic was the seventh best selling vehicle overall in 2004 and third best selling passenger car. If the Civic were its own individual brand, annual sales in excess of 300,000 would make it the 13th top selling brand in the United States out of more than 40 possible brands (1).

As the Civic has been re-invented throughout its previous seven generations, each new model has consistently set new standards in the automotive industry with its innovative packaging, attractive styling, high fuel economy, low emissions, fun-to-drive performance, reliability and safety. The pioneering eighth generation 2006 model amplifies the defining character of the Civic with a long list of Honda technology and engineering innovations, resulting in a vehicle that is pure Honda, exclusively Civic and outside the boundaries of traditional small car thinking.

The 2006 Civic represents an extreme transformation of design and dynamics. Multiple powertrains for 2006 range from 197-horsepower (2) high performance to 51 mpg gas-sipping hybrid to an all-around performer with two body styles, representing one of the most diverse vehicles in the industry. An expressive and futuristic design with exciting performance and a dedication to providing advanced safety technology set the Civic apart from the competition.

(1) 2004 data.

(2)


Horsepower and torque calculations reflect new SAE J1349 procedures revised August, 2004.

• Four completely-redesigned models include the Civic Si Coupe, an ultra-efficient Civic Hybrid sedan, and well-equipped and technologically-advanced Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe


• Advanced safety systems include Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE)™ Body Structure for vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility and collision energy management, and a long list of standard safety equipment including side curtain airbags, driver's and front passenger's side airbags, and anti-lock braking


• Expressive exterior styling exhibits sporty character and refined presence


• Interior delivers more style and function than any other vehicle in segment


• New powertrain technologies include a new, even more intelligent i-VTEC engine with advanced valve control, and a fourth generation IMA Civic Hybrid powertrain that delivers higher performance and improved fuel economy with lower emissions

Some vehicles in the compact segment can provide fun-to-drive performance, or safety, or environmental performance; but only the Civic can deliver all of these traits simultaneously along with value, style and sophistication - with models custom tailored for a performance enthusiast, a technology enthusiast and a mainstream buyer.

All Models

• New exterior styling features a one-motion profile with an ultra-fast windshield rake, minimal front and rear overhangs and reduced gap between the tires and fenders


• Interior styling and functionality increased with two-tier instrument panel, improved seating areas and multi-functional center console


• Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure


• Standard front, front side and side curtain airbags


• Active front seat head restraints


• Standard 4-channel Advanced Logic ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution


• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition (available on Si, Hybrid and EX)


• XM® Satellite Radio (available on Si, Hybrid and EX)


• Front MacPherson strut suspension with enhanced geometry


• Compact multi-link double wishbone rear suspension with enhanced geometry


• Sedan and coupe each have a unique wheelbase and exterior dimensions


• Drive-by-Wire throttle control on all models


• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel

• 2.0-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine


• 197-horsepower (3) @ 7800 rpm and 139 lb-ft. torque(3) @ 6200 rpm


• 6-speed manual transmission with helical-type limited slip differential


• Exclusive exterior includes rear deck wing, aero cladding and Si badging


• Exclusive interior with deeply bolstered seats, red fabric stitching and unique trim panels


• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 87V tires (summer tire available)

Civic Hybrid Sedan

• 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 20 horsepower electric motor


• 110-horsepower(3) @ 6000 rpm and 123 lb-ft. torque(3) @ 1000-2500 rpm


• New lighter, more powerful and efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system with greatly enhanced energy regeneration capability and electric-only operation


• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard equipment


• 49/51 mpg city/highway (4)


• AT-PZEV emissions


• Exclusive interior styling includes IMA instrument panel meters and two-tone seating surfaces

(3) Horsepower and torque calculations reflect new SAE J1349 procedures revised August, 2004.

(4) Fuel economy values determined from manufacturer test results. Official 2006 EPA mileage estimates were not available at time of printing. Mileage figures shown for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary.

Civic Sedan and Coupe

• All-new 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with advanced valve control technology


• 140 horsepower @ 6300 rpm and 128 lb-ft. torque @ 4300 rpm(5)


• 30/40 mpg city/highway (automatic transmission) (6)


• ULEV-2 emissions in all 50 states


• 5-speed automatic transmission available (standard 5-speed manual)

(5) Horsepower and torque calculations reflect new SAE J1349 procedures revised August, 2004.

(6) Fuel economy values determined from manufacturer test results. Official 2006 EPA mileage estimates were not available at time of printing. Mileage figures shown for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary.

The Civic Enters a New Dimension

The Civic has always offered industry-leading features designed to reward customers with fun-to-drive performance, efficient and environmentally friendly operation and enhanced safety, and the 2006 model goes further than any Civic before it. The first noticeable difference is that both Civic Sedan and Coupe have entirely new dimensions that make each vehicle wider and shorter in height for a sleek, futuristic appearance that also benefits packaging efficiency, handling and ride quality.

Compared to its 2005 predecessor, the 2006 Civic Sedan has grown 1.4 inches in overall length (176.8 inches) and 1.5 inches in width (69.0 inches). Its 106.3-inch wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer, while the rear overhang is 3.1 inches shorter and the front overhang is 1.8 inches longer. Height has been reduced by 0.2 inches. The front track is 1.1 inches wider (59.0 inches) and the rear track is 2.2 inches wider (60.2 inches). Vehicle weight has increased by approximately 5 percent on each trim level - a relatively small gain considering the addition of extensive standard safety equipment, new features and greatly increased bending and torsional rigidity.

The 2006 Civic Coupe has been reduced 0.6 inches in overall length (174.8 inches) compared to the 2005 model, and is now 1.4 inches wider (68.9 inches). Its coupe-exclusive 104.3-inch wheelbase is 1.2 inches longer, while the front and rear overhang lengths remain unchanged. Overall height has been reduced by 1.6 inches (55.1 inches). The front track is 1.1 inches wider (59.0 inches) and the rear track is 2.1 inches wider (60.1). Like the sedan, vehicle weight has increased by approximately 5 percent on each trim level.

The Civic's popularity spans a wide range of customers - some prefer its high-performance potential, others want an all-around great car for daily commuting with style and economy, while some desire the ultimate in clean and efficient technology. For 2006, Honda is advancing multiple powertrain technologies to meet the needs of a diverse Civic customer by offering a 197-horsepower Civic Si, a 50 mpg Civic Hybrid, and a stylish and sophisticated Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe. No other vehicle in the segment covers as much ground as the Civic with its two body styles, three engines, four transmissions and five trim levels. All totaled, there are over 148 model, trim, option and color combinations for the 2006 Civic, more than ever before.

Honda recognizes that a "one size fits all" approach does not always fit the broad spectrum of compact car buyers and that special technology applied to various models provides greater satisfaction and benefit. For example, some cars offer sporty performance across an entire model range, but compromise on fuel economy, ride comfort and/or safety. Others provide good fuel economy and ride comfort, but offer minimal fun-to-drive performance. The Civic combines more desirable traits into a compact vehicle than any other nameplate, and then adds more performance, fuel economy, safety technology and sophistication to meet the demands of the market head-on (with its ACE body structure, of course).

Civic Si and Civic Coupe Overview

The Civic Si showcases the high-performance potential of the Civic platform to the highest degree. The Civic Si can carve through twisty roads like a sports car, sprint from 0-60 quickly and still provide the everyday practicality of a Civic with its legendary quality, refinement and durability. Bottom line, the 2006 Civic Si is the best handling, best performing Civic to ever touch tire to asphalt in America.

Civic Si Specifications: 2006 vs. 2005

(7) Horsepower and torque calculations reflect new SAE J1349 procedures revised August, 2004.

(8) Fuel economy values determined from manufacturer test results. Official 2006 EPA mileage estimates not available at time of printing. Mileage figures shown for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary.

The Civic Coupe represents a new generation of advanced personal compact vehicle that is stylish, fun-to-drive and practical. The Civic Si's sporty influence carries over into the Civic Coupe with a strong performance feel and muscular styling while providing industry-leading value and fuel economy. For 2006, the Civic Coupe is more exclusive from its sedan counterpart than ever before with a shorter wheelbase and 100 percent unique sheet metal. The Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe share the same 1.8-liter engine that offers excellent power output and high fuel economy. For the first time ever, the coupe rides on a coupe-unique wheelbase (104.3 inches) compared to the sedan (106.3 inches).

(9) Fuel economy based on 2006 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary.

Civic Hybrid and Civic Sedan Overview

The Civic Hybrid provides the ultimate in clean and efficient technology with the highest fuel economy and lowest emissions of any Civic. A new generation of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology helps the Civic achieve an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 49/51 miles per gallon and achieve Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in all 50 states. Equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard equipment for 2006, fuel economy increases by 4 percent in the city and 6 percent on the highway (compared to the 2005 Civic Hybrid with CVT and AT-PZEV certification). The Civic Hybrid can now deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain steady-state cruising situations. Compared to the 2006 Civic Sedan with an automatic transmission, the Civic Hybrid provides a city fuel economy increase of approximately 63 percent and a highway fuel economy increase of 27 percent.

Civic Hybrid Specifications: 2006 vs. 2005

(9) Fuel economy based on 2006 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary.

Refinement with sophistication and safety summarize the Civic Sedan's sales volume-leading position as it brings together a balanced demeanor between performance and economy derived from the Si and Hybrid. Rich with features, the Civic Sedan boasts more standard equipment across its entire trim level range with higher quality audio systems, ergonomics and storage functionality. Innovation has been a hallmark of each new Civic; the 2006 Civic is no exception. New powertrain technology centers on a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine with the next generation of i-VTEC technology that uses variable valve timing to reduce pumping losses to the benefit of fuel economy, lower emissions and performance. The new engine represents a significant milestone in engine technology and helps the 1.8-liter Civic deliver performance similar to a 2.0-liter engine at lower rpm ranges and fuel economy similar to a 1.5-liter during cruising (140 horsepower and an estimated 40 mpg highway, automatic transmission - up 2mpg from the already top-of-class 2005 Civic Sedan).

Civic Sedan Specifications: 2006 vs. 2005

(10) Horsepower and torque calculations reflect new SAE J1349 procedures revised August, 2004.

Safety for Everyone

Honda makes choosing a safe car simple by including a high level of standard safety equipment in every Civic. Honda's strategy contrasts the common industry practice of bundling safety equipment such as anti-lock brakes, side airbags and side curtain airbags with unrelated comfort and convenience option packages.

The 2006 Civic integrates Honda's most advanced safety technology with the revolutionary ACE Body Structure, active front head restraints and segment-exclusive standard side curtain airbags and front side airbags in every model and trim level. The ACE Body Structure enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing front frame structures that provides an increased opportunity for two vehicles - including larger and smaller vehicles with differing bumper heights - to properly connect during a collision. A first-of-its-kind in the industry, the ACE Body Structure elevates real-world safety to a new level by better utilizing the crumple zones between two vehicles and dispersing energy away from the passenger area through more load-bearing channels.

Inside, every Civic incorporates side curtain airbags and front side airbags as standard equipment, along with Honda's first-ever active head restraints that are designed to reduce the chance of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Additional standard safety features include dual-stage dual-threshold front airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), anti-lock brakes (ABS), front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also new for the 2006 Civic.

"Some consumers may not fully realize the importance of safety equipment when purchasing a vehicle," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For that reason, Honda is dedicated to make choosing a safe car simple for everyone as demonstrated by the high level of standard safety equipment on every 2006 Civic."

The previous generation Civic (2001 - 2005) set a new standard for small car safety when the 2001 Civic Coupe with side airbags became one of the first two passenger cars ever to earn the federal government's top Five Star safety rating for the driver and front passenger and rear seat passengers in both frontal and side impact crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2006 Civic builds on Honda's industry-leading emphasis on safety and outdistances the competition by implementing new technology and features that go beyond mandated standards and traditional safety protocols.

Powertrains for All: i-VTEC 2.0-Liter, 1.3-Liter, 1.8-Liter / 6MT, 5AT, 5MT, CVT

The Civic is available with three unique powertrains that include a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine in the Civic Si, the 110-horsepower and ultra-efficient 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist in the Civic Hybrid and an innovative 140-horsepower 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine in the Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe that achieves performance similar to a larger engine and fuel economy similar a smaller engine. (A fourth powertrain that uses natural gas will be available in early 2006 in the Civic GX; details will be available near its launch date.)

Each Civic powertrain engages a further-evolved "intelligent" application of Honda's exclusive Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) technology known as i-VTEC. In the U.S., Honda's original VTEC valvetrain technology first appeared in 1990 and was subsequently adapted to a wide variety of engines for its ability to extract powerful performance from smaller and more efficient engines. When the letter "i" is used with VTEC, it symbolizes an advanced form of variable valve timing that simultaneously raises performance and fuel economy while lowering emissions. The world of i-VTEC performance encompasses multiple technology applications including Variable Timing Control* that advances or delays the rotation of a camshaft, or Variable Cylinder Management that deactivates some of the cylinders**, or all of the cylinders***. In the 2006 Civic Sedan and Coupe, i-VTEC relates to an innovative new way to reduce pumping losses inside the engine****.

* Honda Accord 4-cylinder, Civic Si, CR-V, Element, Acura RS-X and TSX each employ Variable Timing Control (VTC)

** Honda Accord Hybrid and Odyssey employ Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to deactivate three of its six cylinders

*** The 2006 Civic Hybrid can de-activate all four of its cylinders through VCM

**** The new 2006 Civic Sedan and Coupe employ the next generation of i-VTEC that reduces fuel consumption and enhances performance

Civic Si Powertrain: 2.0-Liter / 6MT

• 2.0-liter i-VTEC DOHC 4-Cylinder Engine with Variable Timing Control (VTC)


• 6-Speed Manual Transmission


• Helical-Type Limited Slip Differential

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High revving power, quick shifting precision and tenacious grip describe the Civic Si powertrain. The 16-valve 2.0-liter engine uses Honda's i-VTEC "intelligent" valve control system that combines Variable Timing Control (VTC) to continuously adjust camshaft phase with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) that adjusts valve lift, timing and duration. Combining these two systems results in impressive horsepower and high torque with good fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. The Civic Si utilizes VTEC and VTC for both intake and exhaust valve control to produce 197 horsepower (11) at 7800 rpm and 139 lb-ft. of torque (11) at 6200 rpm. The air intake system and the exhaust system are tuned to provide a deep sound and resonance, adding a level of performance feedback more commonly found on racecars. Further refinement is found in the drive-by-wire throttle body for smooth acceleration response and a chain driven balancer unit in the oil pan minimizes engine vibration.

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The Civic Si is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. Designed to be exceptionally compact and lightweight, this 6-speed has also been engineered to shift with extremely short and precise throws. A final drive ratio of 4.76:1 promotes aggressive acceleration while a tall 6th gear provides for relaxed highway cruising. The short-throw clutch has an innovative torsion mechanism that considerably reduces noise. Multiple synchronizers are utilized, and 5th and 6th gears feature single carbon synchronizers for a direct shift feel.

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Most vehicles have open differentials that send power to usually just one wheel in a corner, resulting in wheel spin and less potential for applying throttle and acquiring faster acceleration. The helical type limited slip differential (LSD) in the Civic Si improves acceleration and cornering performance by insuring that both front wheels receive an optimum level of torque at all times. In a straight line, both wheels are better utilized to put the engine's power to the ground with minimal wheel spin. During hard cornering, the LSD transmits more torque toward the outside wheel to bias more power to the tire with the most grip and facilitates the outside wheel's longer travel distance relative to the inner wheel. Primary benefits include the ability to accelerate harder exiting corners and enhances the vehicle's responsiveness to throttle inputs in corners.

(11) Horsepower and torque calculations reflect new SAE J1349 procedures revised August, 2004.

Civic Hybrid Powertrain: 1.3-Liter/ IMA / CVT

• 1.3-liter i-VTEC Engine with Variable Cylinder Management and i-DSI


• Fourth Generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System


• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)


• Cooperative Regenerative Braking System

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Honda was the first vehicle manufacturer to offer a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain in North America with the introduction of the Honda Insight in December 1999. Improved versions of the IMA system have appeared in the 2003 Civic Hybrid and the 2005 Accord Hybrid. Adding to its long history of advanced green technologies, Honda's fourth generation hybrid powertrain in the 2006 Civic Hybrid offers improved power, efficiency and capabilities. Horsepower increases by 18 percent and combined fuel economy increases by about 5 percent, versus a similarly equipped 2005 Civic Hybrid.

Honda's industry leading reputation for extracting power and fuel economy from its gasoline engines explains its unique approach to electric hybridization. First, Honda can build a small engine with exceptionally high power output and high efficiency as the foundation for the hybrid powertrain. This integrates well with Honda's simple, elegant, and efficient IMA system that eliminates the need for a large, heavy and complex electric drive system. Second, Honda's hybrid performance strategy lends itself well to the driving habits of North American consumers who tend to live in suburban settings and have commutes that include mixed highway and city driving by delivering similarly high economy levels for both driving modes.

Some hybrid systems built by other manufacturers actually provide higher city fuel economy than highway - a feature that benefits only those who live in dense urban areas with heavy stop and go traffic. City drivers also tend to put fewer annual miles on their vehicle, which minimizes the return on investment for a hybrid powertrain. Overall, Honda's advanced IMA system provides the greatest advantage to high mileage commuters, who can benefit the most from clean and efficient hybrid technology.

The fourth generation Honda IMA system consists of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine connected to a high power electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the electric motor. Like all contemporary hybrid powertrains, the system uses a gasoline engine as the primary source of power and an electric motor provides additional power and electricity regeneration capability. During acceleration, the engine or the engine and electric motor propel the vehicle.

During cruising, the gasoline engine and/or the electric motor can propel the vehicle. This means the Civic Hybrid can drive on the electric motor alone in certain cruising situations, a new capability for 2006. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as generator to charge the battery pack. At a stop, the engine can enter an idle stop mode to save fuel, and the engine is turned off until the brake pedal is released.

Overall, the 18 percent more powerful 110-horsepower fourth generation Honda IMA powertrain provides stronger starting and overtaking acceleration compared to its predecessor while its estimated city/highway fuel economy of 49/51 mpg provides a maximum driving range over 625 miles. The gasoline engine and electric motor combine to produce a maximum output of 110-horsepower (12) @ 6000 rpm and 123 lb-ft. of torque (11) @ 1000-2500 rpm.

(12) Horsepower and torque calculations reflect new SAE J1349 procedures revised August, 2004.

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Building on the strong foundation of the 2005 Civic Hybrid 1.3-liter i-DSI gasoline engine, the 2006 1.3-liter i-VTEC with VCM gasoline engine implements a wide assortment of new technology including a three-stage i-VTEC system that provides a low and high cam profile to increase power output while also adding Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) capability to deactivate all four of the engine's cylinders (instead of three previously). The new valvetrain helps to drastically reduce internal pumping losses during deceleration and contributes to the increase in electrical regeneration of 170 percent. The engine still features an "intelligent" dual and sequential ignition system that uses two spark plugs per cylinder and allows for more complete combustion of the fuel by firing the two spark plugs either at the same time or in a sequential, one-two fashion depending on the driving condition. By itself, gasoline engine output is rated at 93 horsepower @ 6000 rpm (+ 9 percent) and torque is rated at 89 lb-ft. @ 4500 rpm (+2 percent).



width=161 height=158 align=bottom>Dramatic new technology has also been added to the electric motor, Intelligent Power Unit and battery pack to improve performance, reduce size and minimize weight. The 15-kilowatt electric motor uses a high performance magnet and flat wire construction to improve torque output by 30 percent, horsepower by 46 percent and efficiency by 3 percent. By itself, the electric motor is rated at 20 horsepower @ 2000 rpm and torque is rated at 76 lb-ft. @ 0-1160 rpm. The brain of the IMA system - the Intelligent Power Unity (IPU) - is 13 percent smaller and weighs slightly less. Related components including the Power Control Unit (PCU) and DC/DC converter are also smaller and weigh less while providing greater operational capabilities. The 158-volt battery pack provides 27 percent more assist power, can recharge 14 percent faster and its size has been reduced by 12 percent.


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A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is standard equipment on all Civic Hybrids. The newly designed transmission provides a wider range between the maximum and minimum gear ratios to enhance acceleration and minimize engine rpm at high speeds. The transmission provides smooth and predictable transitions and helps keep the IMA system operating at its peak efficiency.


A hybrid dual scroll air conditioning compressor that is both engine and internal electric motor-driven helps minimize the air conditioner's impact on fuel economy and allows the Civic Hybrid's automatic climate control system to operate even when the engine is in idle stop mode.

A cooperative regenerative braking system has been added that intelligently directs braking power between the hydraulic brakes and the electric motor (which acts as a generator to provide significant resistance for braking). Less reliance on the traditional braking system and reduced engine pumping losses translate into greater electrical regeneration (170 percent more than the 2005 Civic Hybrid) and ultimately improved fuel economy. When braking, a brake pedal sensor sends a signal to the vehicle's IMA computer (IPU). The computer activates a servo unit in the brake system's master cylinder that smoothly proportions braking power between the traditional hydraulic brakes and the electric motor to maximize regeneration. Previous versions of Honda's IMA systems proportioned braking power at a pre-set rate below the maximum regeneration threshold and with no variable proportioning.

Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe Powertrain: 1.8-Liter / 5MT / 5AT

• 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine


• 5-Speed Manual Transmission


• Electronically-Controlled 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

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The Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe benefit from a new generation of Honda engine technology that provides performance similar to a 2.0-liter engine and fuel economy similar to a 1.5-liter engine. The all-new 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower @ 6300 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm with an estimated EPA city/highway fuel economy of 30/40 miles per gallon. The new engine offers significantly improved low rpm torque and top end power. A new 5-speed automatic transmission (available) extracts this extra power to its fullest potential. Additional new Civic technology includes a drive-by-wire throttle control and a dual-stage air intake.




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The Civic's 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine minimizes pumping losses during cruising and low engine load situations, an important factor in creating more efficient engines. Pumping losses are reduced when the variable valve timing allows an intake valve to remain open for a brief time period as the piston begins its compression stroke. By keeping an intake valve open during part of the compression stroke, some of the volume of unburned air/fuel mixture in the cylinder moves back inside the intake manifold and lowers the volume being compressed, or "pumped."

During cruising or other stable, low-load driving conditions, the new engine utilizes a dedicated set of cams to close one of the intake valves and retard that valve's timing, exerting backpressure on the air-fuel mixture. This reduces the actual intake air volume. Meanwhile, the throttle is opened wider to provide optimum control over engine output. Opening the throttle valve wider, in other words, widening the path that the air flows through - reduces pumping losses to result in a significant improvement in engine efficiency.

The pumping loss reduction yields fuel economy similar to an engine with a displacement of a 1.5-liter engine. The ability to reduce pumping losses during low engine loads allows for more aggressive tuning of the engine during high loads such as when accelerating. During high load situations, the VTEC system provides high output valve timing for maximum power. Gone is the normal valve timing, replaced by two fundamentally greater extremes. A dual-stage air intake, a lightweight powertrain and optimized gearing further add to the performance character of the vehicle.

Whereas traditional VTEC operation changes valve opening duration based on higher oil pressure during high rpm operation at one side of the valvetrain's rocker arms, the Civic's i-VTEC system can switch valve timing duration at low rpm and low oil pressure using two hydraulic actuators on both sides of the intake rocker arm. This engagement method is similar to that used on the Accord Hybrid and Odyssey i-VTEC systems.

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This Civic's i-VTEC valve timing reacts to driving conditions related to throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm and gear selection. A sophisticated drive-by-wire throttle control, air flow meter and dual-stage air intake allow the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to create seamless transitions between the two modes of engine operation.





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The Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe are available with either a 5-speed manual transmission (standard) or an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission (available). The 5-speed automatic transmission - among the first in the entry level compact class - is all new for 2006 and improves on the previous 4-speed automatic design with a wider overall ratio that maximizes acceleration in gears one through four and optimizes fuel economy in its overdrive fifth gear. The computer controlled "direct control" transmission provides amazingly smooth shifts. The direct control, along with gear ratios closely matched to the output curve of the engine, help to deliver more power at just the right time to provide overall vehicle performance competitive to vehicles with 4-speed automatic transmissions, yet more horsepower.

The 5-speed manual transmission has also been redesigned into a more lightweight and compact unit that minimizes power-robbing rotating mass and adds a rotating select link for quick and direct gear changes. Additional features include a low friction design with single cone synchronizers in all gears and high capacity bearings throughout. From a performance standpoint, the new manual transmission has a higher torque capacity and a shorter, firmer and more direct shift feel.

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Advanced Personal Compact Styling

The 2006 Civic is available as either a sedan (Civic Hybrid, Civic Sedan) or a coupe (Civic Si, Civic Coupe). All models follow the "Advanced Personal Compact" design theme that incorporates a sweeping roofline and ultra-fast windshield rake that highlights the vehicle's advanced one-motion profile, low and wide stance, and superior aerodynamic performance. The sedan and coupe each have 100 percent unique sheetmetal and unique proportions such as wheelbase, height and windshield angle. Wheel openings on both minimize the gap between the tire and the body to some of the lowest levels in the industry of just 1.9 inches front and 1.7 inches rear (a reduction of 0.7 inches front and 1.2 inches rear, respective to the 2005 Civic Sedan).


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As the performance leader for the lineup, the Civic Si conveys an aggressive attitude that speaks to the performance potential underneath that also carries over into the Civic Coupe. The steeply raked windshield creates a 21.9-degree angle that is even sleeker than the 23.9 degree rake in the Acura NSX supercar. The long trunk deck, with its frontward sloping bumper, accents the forward motion conveyed by the overall vehicle shape. A trapezoidal lower body with short front and rear overhangs further convey a powerful stance.



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The Civic Hybrid styling sets the direction for the Civic Sedan with a technologically sophisticated and refined presence derived from a monoform design, long wheelbase and short front and rear overhang. The steeply raked windshield on the sedan forms a 23.9-degree angle.