It might look radical, but the 2006 Honda Civic Coupe’s interior layout is extremely functional. The gauges are split between a digital display located at the base of the windshield and a traditional cluster viewed through the steering wheel. In the digital display, which acts much like a heads-up system, vehicle speed, remaining fuel, and engine temperature are shown. In the lower binnacle there’s a huge tachometer flanked by dormant warning lights. An average fuel economy display would be nice to have, especially with the price of gas reaching three bucks a gallon in some parts of the country, but that feature is only offered on the Civic Hybrid.

Shown in this photo is the optional navigation system with voice control, which works easily enough but groups the stereo and navigation functions together. Plus, the buttons are small and sun glare has a detrimental effect on legibility. We prefer the standard knobs and buttons for the stereo, which work as simply as those for the heating and air conditioning.

Materials are tasteful and upscale for a small car, with plush fabric upholstery, a soft mesh headliner, and quality parts and panels with a refined look and feel. Leather seating is not offered on the 2006 Honda Civic Coupe.