THE INCONSPICUOUS COUPE (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 163

Ask most coupe owners what they want from their car and, if they're truthful, a large percentage of it will be a 'look at me' factor. Coupes say something about their owners, that they are young at heart, fun loving and appreciate a healthy dose of style over substance. For every rule, however, there are always exceptions. Honda's Civic Coupe is a case in point. Leaving aside the charismatic CRX model which are considered separately, the Civic Coupe isn't really a car that's easy to visualise. Most wouldn't register its presence in the traffic so inoffensive is the styling of any of the three generations we look at here. Take away the showmanship and what benefits do the coupes bestow over their more practical hatchback siblings? The answer is very few. Nevertheless for those who want a Civic but don't want a car that's an everyday occurrence, the coupes are well worth a look. Their unspectacular image means that used bargains are plentiful.

Modelsword count: 34

Models Covered: Fifth generation Civic - 1994-1996: (1.5i Coupe [LSi]) Sixth generation Civic - 1996-2001: (1.6i Coupe [LS, SR ,Sport] / 1.6i VTi Coupe) Seventh generation Civic - 2001 - to date (1.7i Coupe)

Historyword count: 235

The fifth generation Civic was very much a revolution in terms of styling, refinement and quality for Honda. Prior to this, the Civic had been unashamedly a 'cheapie' but as the car matured it reached ever upmarket. The coupe version was introduced in 1994, but was offered only with the standard 1.5-litre engine in LSi trim. The sixth generation Civic was launched early in 1996 and had grown larger again. The styling was yet more assured. A 103bhp 1.6i LS Coupe was available from the outset, as was the punchy SR model. A number of special editions subsequently appeared, each named less originality than their predecessor. Winter 1996 saw the 'Winter' special edition, followed in June 1997 by the SE special edition. In July 1998, the Special Limited Edition was launched. Early in 1999, the Coupe models were mildly restyled, air conditioning added as standard and the 158bhp VTi engine fitted to the Coupe. The SR was replaced in November 1999 by the 114bhp 1.6i Sport at which time the VTi received a boot spoiler and CD player as standard. This model lasted until March 2001 whereupon a seventh generation model replaced it. Built in Marysville, Ohio and powered by a 123bhp 1.7-litre engine, this model focused on comfort and refinement rather than the vivid performance of its VTi forebear. A limited edition model was launched in early 2002 with black leather and silver paint.

What You Getword count: 124

If you're looking for a small coupe that can accommodate human beings in the back, the Honda Civic is a good place to start looking. All models are reasonably proportioned, getting bigger as the generations progressed. All VTEC cars are brilliant - driving enthusiasts queue here. If you can't afford one or want something less frantic but still sporty, try an L or M-plate fifth generation Coupe; it looks superb, particularly with alloy wheels. The sixth generation car will probably be remembered as the one to have, especially in VTi trim. Here was car that knocked on the door of the fabled 100bhp per litre from a normally aspirated engine, members of which include the McLaren F1, the Ferrari 355 and the BMW M3.

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