The 8th-generation Honda Civic moves into new territory in terms of styling and technical underpinnings. Compared to the 2005 model year, the sedan is longer in overall length, wider, and gains 3.2 inches (now at 106.3 inches) in the wheelbase. Beyond the dimensional gains (including more hip and shoulder room on the inside), the Civic sedan latches onto its most powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain to date. The 1.8-liter SOHC 4-cylinder produces 140 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 128 pounds-feet of torque at 4300 rpm. When mated to the 5-speed manual transmission, the mile per gallon count is 30 city and 38 highway. Civic enhances its frontal impact energy absorption by the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) Body Structure, which primarily signifies a new front-end frame. New safety features for 2006 also include side curtain airbags and driver and front passenger side airbags, active front seat head restraints, and 4-channel ABS with electric brake distribution. Civic’s re-designed interior is immediately evident to the driver, who now takes in important operational data from a two-tier instrument panel. The upper dash reveals a digital speedometer flanked by a fuel gauge and engine temperature gauge, while the lower level read-out zone spotlights a large half-moon rpm gauge. Civic can be fitted with as many as seven sound outlets, including MP3/WMA CD, XM Satellite radio, and a digital audio card reader. The Honda Navigation System with voice recognition interfaces with a 6.5-inch display, and more than 7 million points of interest are available on a system that highlights relevant spots with logos, like the Shell icon to pinpoint nearby locales for Shell gas stations. The four-door Civic is packed with standard equipment. Civic 4-door EX (with navigation) is a great value at $19,760 (MSRP).