2007 Honda Civic: What's New

Vehicle Overview
A redesigned eighth-generation version of Honda’s smallest model went on sale for the 2006 model year. Honda calls it the most-changed Civic since the model was introduced to the U.S. market in 1973. The only significant change for 2007 is the addition of a high-performance Civic Si sedan.

Five distinct models are available: Civic sedan and coupe, Civic Si sedan and coupe and Civic Hybrid sedan. In addition, approved Honda dealers in California and New York carry a Civic GX that is powered by natural gas. Powertrain choices include a high-performance 197-horsepower four-cylinder engine in Civic Si models and a gasoline/electric powertrain in the Civic Hybrid.

Honda promotes the Civic’s safety features, including its Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that improves vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility and collision energy management. All models have side-impact and side curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints and antilock brakes. Three Civic trim levels are available: DX, LX and EX.

Exterior
Honda says the Civic features an “expressive and futuristic design.” Design touches include a steeply raked windshield, minimal front and rear overhangs, and reduced gaps between the tires and fenders. Civics use a MacPherson strut front suspension and a compact multilink double-wishbone rear suspension.

DX models ride on 15-inch tires, but LX and EX versions get 16-inch rubber. A power moonroof is installed on EX models.

Sedans and coupes have unique wheelbase and exterior dimensions. Sedans are 176.7 inches long, 69 inches wide, stand 56.5 inches tall and have a 106.3-inch wheelbase. Coupes are almost 2 inches shorter, roughly the same width, 3 inches shorter and have a 2-inch shorter wheelbase.

Interior
Inside each five-passenger Civic, the driver faces a two-tier instrument panel and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. A multifunction center console is installed. Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition is available in Si, Hybrid and EX models. XM Satellite Radio is available. Trunk space totals 11.5 cubic feet. Each Civic has power windows.

Under the Hood
Regular Civic coupes and sedans use a new 1.8-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder that delivers 140 hp and 128 pounds-feet of torque. All models use drive-by-wire throttle control. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed automatic is available.

Safety
Standard safety features include antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, side-impact and side curtain airbags, and active head restraints in the front seats.

Driving Impressions
While popular and well-known for reliability, recent Civics have been faulted for sterile styling and rather monotonous behavior. In its current form, the Civic sedan gets a more handsome face, spirited performance and a nearly flawless automatic transmission.

Due to its relatively taut suspension, surface imperfections are noticeable in the Civic sedan, but they’re not annoying. Steering effort is light yet satisfying, and the Civic is quite agile.

Ingress is good, both in front and back. The front seats are comfortable and provide abundant back support, but their short bottoms aren’t as strong on thigh support. Seat cushioning is adequate, but a little more might be welcome. Backseat space rivals that of some midsize models.

The large tachometer and digital speedometer are easy to read. Visibility is satisfactory, but the triangular glass panes ahead of each front side window provide no improvement in visibility. Oddly, the Civic’s steering-wheel rim feels rubbery and almost cheap, which is out of character for Honda. The available navigation system’s controls aren’t the easiest to use.

Civic Si
For 2007, Honda’s performance-oriented Si model is now offered as both a sedan and a conventional two-door coupe. The sedan features a rear deck spoiler, cladding and Si badging that is different from the coupe’s rear spoiler and cladding.

Both the Civic Si coupe and sedan hold a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder that develops 197 hp at 7,800 rpm and 139 pounds-feet of torque at 6,200 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential are installed. Interiors feature deeply bolstered seats with red fabric stitching. Alloy wheels hold 17-inch tires.

Civic Hybrid
Introduced as a 2003 model, the Civic Hybrid was redesigned alongside the regular Civic sedan for the 2006 model year. The powertrain includes a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 20-hp electric motor; total system output is 110 hp and 123 pounds-feet of torque.

In its first generation, the Civic Hybrid’s gasoline engine was dominant, and electric power kicked in as needed to provide additional energy. Unlike Toyota and Ford hybrid powertrains, Honda’s system couldn’t operate in electric-only mode. Now, under certain low-speed cruising conditions, the gasoline engine can deactivate temporarily and the Civic Hybrid can run solely on battery power. Honda says this Integrated Motor Assist system offers greater fuel-efficiency.

A continuously variable transmission is standard. Hybrid interiors feature two-tone seating surfaces.