A digital speedometer, fuel gauge and engine temperature gauge are housed in the upper level to be more in-line with the drivers line-of-sight, resulting in shorter eye movements between the most commonly referenced gauges and the road. A digital readout on the speedometer was chosen to further enhance the cognition times during meter viewing. The lower level of the instrument panel houses a tachometer, odometer with trip meter and Maintenance Minder display, an outside temperature gauge (Si, Hybrid and EX exclusive) and a variety of warning indicators. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the gear selector position is also displayed. Instrument panel illumination on all models except the Si uses a blue color scheme with white backlit buttons.

The Civic Si provides a rev-limit indicator light on the upper level of the instrument panel that flashes 600 rpm before the engine's 8000 rpm redline is reached, then goes to solid red at 8000 rpm. The rev-limit indicator is similar to what is used on racecars to alert drivers when to shift. The Civic Si also incorporates a red color scheme in the background illumination for meters and audio displays (and white backlit buttons).

The Civic Hybrid incorporates unique instrumentation that can display instantaneous fuel economy in the upper level of the instrument panel. The lower level displays battery charge level along with instantaneous IMA "charge" and "assist" displays, and "AUTO STOP" to indicate when the engine is in idle stop mode. The odometer will also display average fuel economy for Trip A and Trip B.

Steering Wheel The steering wheel on the Civic conforms to its new sporty character with a smaller diameter (360mm) that accents the vehicle's quick ratio steering. For comparison, the steering wheel is the same size as that used in the Honda S2000. All models feature manual tilt and telescope steering wheel adjustment in order to better accommodate drivers of various sizes. Civic Si, Civic Hybrid and Civic EX models include audio controls on the left side of the steering wheel for volume and channel selection. Civic LX and above trim levels include cruise control buttons on the right side of the steering wheel for set, accelerate, decelerate and cancel. Civics equipped with the available navigation system also have buttons on the steering wheel for inputting voice commands. Civic Sedan models use a two spoke design, while Civic Coupe models feature a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. Civic Si steering wheels are wrapped in leather for an even sportier feel.

Source: Honda PR