Dramatic Styling and Spirited Performance Contradict Entry-level Pricing

It's difficult to believe that the thrifty Honda Civic has now

2006 Civic is a long, long, loooong way away from the first, pint-sized models. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

transported students and commuters in North America for 34 years. It doesn't seem that long ago that a brand new, sky blue 1977 model found its way into the welcoming hands of a friend's younger sister. Back then, when John Travolta had us disco'ing to the thump of Saturday Night Fever, the Civic was viewed as innovative and cool. That view hasn't diminished over the decades, in fact it seems to strengthen with each new generation of Civic. For 2006, Honda has launched the 8th generation of this frugal sedan and coupe while unfortunately, once again, dropping the three-door hatchback version from its North American lineup. For how long? Only time and consumer demand will tell, although a lack of consumer demand for the pricy SiR was the reason it went wayward in the first place.

Nevertheless, my Civic Coupe tester was the DX-G model, which

Basic, but well equipped: DX-G stocked with goodies such as keyless entry, power locks and air conditioning with pollen filter. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

 is essentially the entry-level Civic DX with the addition of air conditioning, air filtration, power locks, keyless entry and an armrest; call it well-equipped for an economy car, but nowhere near loaded. Of course loading it up with all the bells and whistles would defeat the purpose if that purpose is to own a thrifty, relatively inexpensive, highly spirited econo-box (or econ-wedge? - Ed.), which is exactly what the Civic Coupe is... and more.

While assessing my test car's qualities and detractions, I had to keep my expectations in perspective, repeatedly reminding myself that I was evaluating an economy class compact, not an Acura RSX or BMW 3-Series coupe. It was easy to allow the Civic's athleticism, solid build quality and sporty design to delude me into thoughts of grandeur rather than thoughts of temperance.

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Ooohs and ahhs to the Civic's bi-level dash almost out-powered the CD/MP3/WMA stereo. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

number of folk espying my silver-bullet tester were surprised to learn that the sleek, eye-catching coupe before them was an entry-level Civic. That astonishment intensified once they climbed into the co-pilot seat and absorbed the unique interior surrounding them. The loudest "ahhh" went to the bi-level instrument cluster, which places a large analogue tachometer where the speedometer normally resides while replacing the conventional speedometer with a large digital readout situated further ahead, just below the base of the windshield. This avant-garde arrangement is quite discussion inducing. In practical terms, it works. The vehicle's speed is readily available without casting one's eyes from the roadway. Also beneath the arched canopy housing the speedo is an engine temperature gauge and a fuel gauge. I noticed at night on an unlit road that the blue glow from these LCD readouts is captured on the windshield, however, this annoyance is easily corrected by lowering the illumination setting.

From a very supportive, height adjustable driver's seat -

HVAC system looks slightly odd, but is very well laid out. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

unfortunately sans lumbar support - all of the Civic's switchgear is intuitively situated and easily reached. The use of large dials for HVAC and audio settings along with larger than typical audio buttons is refreshing. Too often compact cars suffer from needlessly compact switchgear, difficult to use with gloved hands or without distraction. While the instrument panel may be within easy reach, head and legroom up front hasn't been compromised to make it so; the same can't be said for rear seating positions where real estate is noticeably absent.