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06-16-2006, 09:54 PM
A vehicle's EPA mileage rating suddenly is more important to buyers than whether an MP3 player can be plugged in … (http://www.nj.com/business/expresstimes/index.ssf?/base/business-0/115008555237470.xml&coll=2)
Scott Wasser - NJ.com - June 12, 2006
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Honda_Civics_2006.jpg
The editor of this column asked if the popularity of small cars is surging because manufacturers are offering more appealing vehicles or because more buyers are placing a priority on fuel economy.
The simple answer is yes. It's not an either/or situation, although there is some degree of cause and effect.
In all but the primo luxury class, a vehicle's EPA mileage rating suddenly is more important to buyers than whether an MP3 player can be plugged into the radio. And while most vehicle manufacturers have more trouble anticipating consumer demand and trends than the Eagles have holding onto free agents, they're not stupid. They're now trying to cash in on the heightened interest in fuel economy by delivering small, economical vehicles that are nevertheless appealing.
Honda has always made appealing small vehicles. For the 2006 model year, it delivers a totally redesigned Civic, which exemplifies the trend toward sexier small cars and better fuel economy. It also may be Honda's best small car ever. It was named "Motor Trend" magazine's "Car of the Year" in the face of formidable competition that included the Audi A3, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz CLS and R-Class.
The new Civic appears to have arrived just in time for Honda as well as buyers. The Civic has been America's best selling subcompact for nine straight years, with over 300,000 sold in 2005. Yet in the face of fierce and increased competition, Honda sold less Civics last year than in 2004. The new Civic is reversing that trend with year-to-date sales running 20 percent ahead of 2005.
After spending a week with a 2006 Civic EX, reasons for the new model's popularity are as conspicuous as a country music performer at a rap concert. This vehicle has it all: good performance, loads of features, and terrific value. But perhaps most important in today's marketplace, it delivers outstanding fuel economy in an exciting package.
That's not to say the Civic EX is going to burn rubber all over town or be the first vehicle launched at stoplights. It feels peppy and responsive in normal driving, and has no problem cruising the interstate at any safe speed. But impatient drivers might wish it had a bit more punch in highway passing situations, and more than 9 seconds ticked off on my stopwatch before the 140-horsepower engine had pushed the 2,800-pound test vehicle to 60 mph.
Still, that's not bad for an economy car, and the new 1.8-liter engine is standard issue even on the least expensive Civic. In addition, Honda recently began offering a sporty Civic Si model for drivers with a greater need for speed. Those who put a priority on fuel economy, meanwhile, will be delighted to see the new Civic's 30 city/40 highway EPA mileage rating. I was impressed with the nearly 32 mpg averaged during my test. And if that's not enough for you consider the hybrid version of the new Civic.
Every '06 Civic is endowed with styling that belies its economical persona. The low, sleek front end looks like it belongs on a sports car, and the rear end looks like it was designed by BMW stylists. In between is a roundish body that is more indicative of the Civic's true nature. In addition to providing generous passenger and cargo room for a subcompact, the somewhat bulbous body confirms that the Civic isn't intended to be the sport touring sedan its front and rear styling suggests.
You might not guess that, however, from driving the Civic. Its steering is on the light side, but as quick as an all-star shortstop's hands and as accurate as his arm. The Civic not only goes where it is pointed, but does so quickly and with minimal fuss. A 35-foot turning diameter makes it feel nimble. Front and rear stabilizer bars and fairly large tires (205/65R16 on the EX) minimize body lean and give it good grip in the corners.
There is a modest tradeoff for the Civic's handling prowess: a firm ride. Overall, the Civic is comfortable, particularly on the highway. But road rubbish around town tends to slap the Civic a bit harder than it does competitors whose suspensions are focused on cushiness at the expense of all-around performance. On the other hand, it is difficult to find a subcompact whose interior is as subdued as the Civic. Its engine is one of the smoothest and quietest four-cylinders around, and its cabin does a wonderful job of isolating passengers from wind, road and other outside noises.
That pretty much sums up the Civic EX that I drove, which was equipped with everything mentioned yet had an MSRP of around $21,000. That not only makes it one of the best subcompacts on the road, it makes it one of the best automotive values.
Scott Wasser is a freelance auto writer who has been reporting on cars and motorcycles since 1988. E-mail him at carguysw@aol.com.
Scott Wasser - NJ.com - June 12, 2006
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Honda_Civics_2006.jpg
The editor of this column asked if the popularity of small cars is surging because manufacturers are offering more appealing vehicles or because more buyers are placing a priority on fuel economy.
The simple answer is yes. It's not an either/or situation, although there is some degree of cause and effect.
In all but the primo luxury class, a vehicle's EPA mileage rating suddenly is more important to buyers than whether an MP3 player can be plugged into the radio. And while most vehicle manufacturers have more trouble anticipating consumer demand and trends than the Eagles have holding onto free agents, they're not stupid. They're now trying to cash in on the heightened interest in fuel economy by delivering small, economical vehicles that are nevertheless appealing.
Honda has always made appealing small vehicles. For the 2006 model year, it delivers a totally redesigned Civic, which exemplifies the trend toward sexier small cars and better fuel economy. It also may be Honda's best small car ever. It was named "Motor Trend" magazine's "Car of the Year" in the face of formidable competition that included the Audi A3, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz CLS and R-Class.
The new Civic appears to have arrived just in time for Honda as well as buyers. The Civic has been America's best selling subcompact for nine straight years, with over 300,000 sold in 2005. Yet in the face of fierce and increased competition, Honda sold less Civics last year than in 2004. The new Civic is reversing that trend with year-to-date sales running 20 percent ahead of 2005.
After spending a week with a 2006 Civic EX, reasons for the new model's popularity are as conspicuous as a country music performer at a rap concert. This vehicle has it all: good performance, loads of features, and terrific value. But perhaps most important in today's marketplace, it delivers outstanding fuel economy in an exciting package.
That's not to say the Civic EX is going to burn rubber all over town or be the first vehicle launched at stoplights. It feels peppy and responsive in normal driving, and has no problem cruising the interstate at any safe speed. But impatient drivers might wish it had a bit more punch in highway passing situations, and more than 9 seconds ticked off on my stopwatch before the 140-horsepower engine had pushed the 2,800-pound test vehicle to 60 mph.
Still, that's not bad for an economy car, and the new 1.8-liter engine is standard issue even on the least expensive Civic. In addition, Honda recently began offering a sporty Civic Si model for drivers with a greater need for speed. Those who put a priority on fuel economy, meanwhile, will be delighted to see the new Civic's 30 city/40 highway EPA mileage rating. I was impressed with the nearly 32 mpg averaged during my test. And if that's not enough for you consider the hybrid version of the new Civic.
Every '06 Civic is endowed with styling that belies its economical persona. The low, sleek front end looks like it belongs on a sports car, and the rear end looks like it was designed by BMW stylists. In between is a roundish body that is more indicative of the Civic's true nature. In addition to providing generous passenger and cargo room for a subcompact, the somewhat bulbous body confirms that the Civic isn't intended to be the sport touring sedan its front and rear styling suggests.
You might not guess that, however, from driving the Civic. Its steering is on the light side, but as quick as an all-star shortstop's hands and as accurate as his arm. The Civic not only goes where it is pointed, but does so quickly and with minimal fuss. A 35-foot turning diameter makes it feel nimble. Front and rear stabilizer bars and fairly large tires (205/65R16 on the EX) minimize body lean and give it good grip in the corners.
There is a modest tradeoff for the Civic's handling prowess: a firm ride. Overall, the Civic is comfortable, particularly on the highway. But road rubbish around town tends to slap the Civic a bit harder than it does competitors whose suspensions are focused on cushiness at the expense of all-around performance. On the other hand, it is difficult to find a subcompact whose interior is as subdued as the Civic. Its engine is one of the smoothest and quietest four-cylinders around, and its cabin does a wonderful job of isolating passengers from wind, road and other outside noises.
That pretty much sums up the Civic EX that I drove, which was equipped with everything mentioned yet had an MSRP of around $21,000. That not only makes it one of the best subcompacts on the road, it makes it one of the best automotive values.
Scott Wasser is a freelance auto writer who has been reporting on cars and motorcycles since 1988. E-mail him at carguysw@aol.com.