Sharp and still as popular
The Civic continues to be the best-selling car in Canada -- and luck has nothing to do with it. The flattering lines of the new model (introduced for 2006) make it look and feel sportier and larger than ever before. Designers managed to create a beautiful compact sedan that stands out from the competition. In fact, the Civic looks like a midsize car due to its slender yet athletic silhouette.
Remote entry needs improvement
Access to the EX-L model is handled by a remote entry system. However, it becomes rapidly annoying as the remote does not unlock all the doors, even if you push the button twice. The remaining doors have to be unlocked from inside. Maybe we were stuck with a faulty or deprogrammed keyfob. Regardless, starting the engine will trigger automatic locking of all the doors.
The trunk, however, is easy to unlock either by pulling the small lever at the base of the driver's seat or by using the remote which, for once, is totally obedient. Decent cargo capacity and flexibility are available, especially when you fold the 60/40 split rear seatbacks. Moreover, the opening of the trunk drops pretty low, which makes loading grocery bags a breeze. Too bad there's no interior handle to close the lid -- be prepared to get your hands dirty.
Quality interior
The grey color scheme is well matched to the materials used in the Civic EX-L, including plastics and leathers. The quality of these is worth mentioning. The dashboard does not create any glare on the windshield, while its forward-oriented design improves visibility for the driver. Having said that, the A-pillars are a bit obtrusive when making a left of right turn. The small, triangular side glass helps a little, but you still have to be careful.
Front occupants benefit from heated seats and a number of small storage compartments. The ventilating system proves effective and quiet, while the controls are easy to manipulate. The same holds true for the stereo, which includes 6 speakers for good sound quality. Overall, the interior remains quiet, even at highway speeds.
The Civic continues to be the best-selling car in Canada -- and luck has nothing to do with it. The flattering lines of the new model (introduced for 2006) make it look and feel sportier and larger than ever before. Designers managed to create a beautiful compact sedan that stands out from the competition. In fact, the Civic looks like a midsize car due to its slender yet athletic silhouette.
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| The Civic continues to be the best-selling car in Canada. |
Remote entry needs improvement
Access to the EX-L model is handled by a remote entry system. However, it becomes rapidly annoying as the remote does not unlock all the doors, even if you push the button twice. The remaining doors have to be unlocked from inside. Maybe we were stuck with a faulty or deprogrammed keyfob. Regardless, starting the engine will trigger automatic locking of all the doors.
The trunk, however, is easy to unlock either by pulling the small lever at the base of the driver's seat or by using the remote which, for once, is totally obedient. Decent cargo capacity and flexibility are available, especially when you fold the 60/40 split rear seatbacks. Moreover, the opening of the trunk drops pretty low, which makes loading grocery bags a breeze. Too bad there's no interior handle to close the lid -- be prepared to get your hands dirty.
Quality interior
The grey color scheme is well matched to the materials used in the Civic EX-L, including plastics and leathers. The quality of these is worth mentioning. The dashboard does not create any glare on the windshield, while its forward-oriented design improves visibility for the driver. Having said that, the A-pillars are a bit obtrusive when making a left of right turn. The small, triangular side glass helps a little, but you still have to be careful.
Front occupants benefit from heated seats and a number of small storage compartments. The ventilating system proves effective and quiet, while the controls are easy to manipulate. The same holds true for the stereo, which includes 6 speakers for good sound quality. Overall, the interior remains quiet, even at highway speeds.
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| The dashboard does not create any glare on the windshield. |