This redesign of the 2006 Honda Civic might be the most radical of any in the car’s 33-year history. It is a distinctive, forward-thinking package defined by European flair and subtle detailing, and should wear well over time. From some angles it’s hard to tell if the 2006 Civic is coming or going – so short are its hood, rear deck, and overhangs – but there’s no denying that this is a contemporary, upscale look for the new Civic.

Importantly, the 2006 Honda Civic Coupe shares no exterior sheetmetal with the Civic Sedan, though the cars look similar from the windshield pillars forward. Up front, the sedan’s chrome grille spear is replaced by a dark metallic-finish garnish, and the headlights on the coupe are different. Also note that the Civic Sedan’s front quarter windows and folding side mirrors are replaced on the Civic Coupe with a single pane of glass and fixed mirrors. And the rear of the coupe is entirely different from the sedan.

While we’re having trouble warming up to the 2006 Honda Civic Sedan’s rear end, we think the Civic Coupe is extremely attractive. It resembles the sleek Honda Accord Coupe, but with that bigger car’s fleshy hips liposuctioned to proper proportions. From the side, our favorite bits are the rakish roofline, the wedge profile, the hefty door handles, and the neatly integrated moldings in the lower character line.

The 2006 Honda Civic Coupe’s trunk holds 11.5 cubic feet of cargo, and while that doesn’t sound large, the cargo area is usefully shaped with a low liftover height, a large opening, and a nice lining. Plus, with a folding rear seat, the Civic will hold longer items when necessary. Gooseneck hinges mean fragile packages need to be stowed toward the middle, and we didn’t see a handle on the inside of the lid to assist with closing, but otherwise the Civic should prove capable when it comes to carting stuff.