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.

Honda 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.

Honda 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.



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).

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.

Honda 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.



Body

Honda Civic is built on an all-new version of Honda's Global Compact Platform. The solid unit body of the Honda Civic was designed from the outset to define a new standard for torsional and bending rigidity in the compact segment. The new Global Compact Platform implements advanced body construction technologies for enhanced safety, better rigidity, improved ride comfort and a quieter cabin. With 50 percent total high strength steel content and advanced new structural engineering, torsional rigidity increases by 35 percent.

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