2006-12-12 06:35:00Mike O’Lee
HONDA Civic
Unlike the previous 7th generation Civic which was quite forgettable, the new 8th generation Civic comes out with a bang. The sharp and provocative prototypes lights up car shows everywhere. Is this new Civic as good as it looks? Let’s find out.
From the outside, the new Civic does not look like an entry level sedan anymore. Sharp creases, short front and rear over hangs, deeply raked windshield gave this 4 door sedan a haunch and low stance. It’s wider by 2 inches and longer by an inch and half from the previous generation. The wheel base has increased by 3 inches.
The added length and width created a cavernous cabin. The futuristically styled 2 tier dashboard lights up everyone’s eye when they entered the cabin. Continuing with Honda’s tradition, the interior felt nice and expensive. All controls are logically laid out. There are supportive bucket seats in the front, and wide comfortable bench seat in the back. The interior felt almost as big as last generation’s Accord. Front and side airbags, side air curtains, ABS are all standard safety equipment.
The steering is sharp and communicative. There is a little stickiness on the drive by wire throttle. The new five-speed automatic transmission reacts quickly, returns with excellent fuel economy. The new Civic is still the nimble playful little sedan we known and love. The new stiffer chassis and bigger tires contributed big in the fun to drive category.
The new Civic will spoil anyone as their first car. After living with the new Civic for a while, all other entry level selections will seem mundane and boring. This new Civic has raised the bar for another mile.
From the outside, the new Civic does not look like an entry level sedan anymore. Sharp creases, short front and rear over hangs, deeply raked windshield gave this 4 door sedan a haunch and low stance. It’s wider by 2 inches and longer by an inch and half from the previous generation. The wheel base has increased by 3 inches.
The added length and width created a cavernous cabin. The futuristically styled 2 tier dashboard lights up everyone’s eye when they entered the cabin. Continuing with Honda’s tradition, the interior felt nice and expensive. All controls are logically laid out. There are supportive bucket seats in the front, and wide comfortable bench seat in the back. The interior felt almost as big as last generation’s Accord. Front and side airbags, side air curtains, ABS are all standard safety equipment.
The steering is sharp and communicative. There is a little stickiness on the drive by wire throttle. The new five-speed automatic transmission reacts quickly, returns with excellent fuel economy. The new Civic is still the nimble playful little sedan we known and love. The new stiffer chassis and bigger tires contributed big in the fun to drive category.
The new Civic will spoil anyone as their first car. After living with the new Civic for a while, all other entry level selections will seem mundane and boring. This new Civic has raised the bar for another mile.