I just got my first glimpse of a real live 2006 Honda Civic. Impressive, to say the least. Redesigned almost completely and despite the critics, the car looks good. The interior looks even better. Let me give you my take on the vehicle at hand.

I got in the car, which seems roomier than last years model. The first thing you notice is a two level instrument panel. Its all black, so hard to discern what is on each level. With a turn of the key, the lower dash illuminates with a center-mounted tachometer while the upper tier shows a digital speedometer. This allows a much cleaner looking console believe it or not and I was able to keep my eyes on my speed and the road at the same time.

The LX model I looked at was a 4-door model with a 5 speed manual transmission. It had the standard 140hp 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine. But the new Civic DX comes standard with the features you need. Like all the airbags - not just the front ones. You get the side curtain and rear air bags as well. ABS is standard with EBD - Electronic Brake Distribution. It applies more braking power where it's needed depending on your load. Power windows are standard now, but with the LX they added the auto up/down feature.

The LX also had a nice radio with 160 watts of power. Remote entry, cruise, 16" wheels - albeit with hubcaps - AC and power door locks.

The EX ups the ante to a nicer radio, 16" aluminum wheels, moonroof, and an optional satellite navigational system. 4 wheel disc brakes round off this model as the nicest of them all.

The Hybrid is different. It has a smaller engine, but with the big electric motor assist. You don't have to plug it in or anything. It charges itself. The transmission is a continuously variable type. The dealer didn't have one of these yet, but I hear they are a riot. 50 mpg and real getup and go power. You see, the gas engine and the electric engine can work at the same time. All the while you pass the gas station waving at your friends.

Finally Honda gave all the models the same engine, except the Si. Its going to have a 197 hp engine along with some other goodies and should be able to smoke the competition as always. I hope I have an opportunity to drive the new Civic Si.