In the coupe, the front seatbacks stretch broad and deep, and headrests are open at the center like a doughnut. Front seatbelts attach to a side anchor bar that slides out of the way when someone climbs into the back seat. The seat also cooperates for rear entry by sliding forward under power when the seatback tilts forward, then returns to its original position due to a memory setting. That forward movement creates the largest possible portal for rear entry, but it's still not an easy matter to fold your body into the rear seat of this (or any) coupe, much less haul yourself out.
The rear bench seat is large enough for two adults to ride comfortably. Three is a crowd. In the sedan, rear legroom increases by nearly two inches over the previous-generation (pre-2001) Civic sedan. The coupe gains about a half inch over the previous-generation coupe. Rear-seat space for hips and shoulders is fractionally larger in the new Civic than in the previous-generation model. The flat floor allows rear-seat passengers to spread their feet out, and is among the best compacts in this regard. This is particularly noteworthy in the coupe where traditionally a two-door format skimps on rear foot space.
The hatchback is quite practical with a big cargo compartment that opens up further when the rear seats are folded.
The cockpit looks clean and efficient with a new instrument panel tucked beneath a barrel cowl. Round white-on-black analog instruments include an oversized speedometer and tachometer in a central position flanked by smaller fuel and coolant gauges. In the coupe, gauges show silver highlights and glow with amber light at night. The Si features black numbers on white gauges, giving it a sporty appearance; a bright red Si badge adds color.
HVAC controls are wonderfully designed with large rotary dials for heating, ventilation, and fan speed stacked just to the left of the audio system controls. Separate buttons for air conditioning, recirculate, and rear-window defrost are arrayed just below the audio system. It's a clean design that's very easy to operate.
We wish we could say the same for audio system, which suffers from small buttons and knobs. Also, the stereo sounded only mediocre.
Safety equipment includes front seatbelt pretensioners for lap and shoulder, two-stage frontal airbags, three-point safety belts for five seat positions, child seat anchor brackets for the back seat and an emergency trunk release lever inside the trunk. Optional side-impact airbags are available, along with anti-lock brakes. Next Page