Honda has joined the hybrid bandwagon by creating the Civic hybrid vehicle. What are its strengths compared to non-hybrids as well as others in its class? Can it prove to be quite a contender in the ongoing race for maximum fuel economy and efficiency? Find out more about the new model and features and determine if it might be your very next car.
The Honda Civic Hybrid
The Honda Civic Hybrid is the hybrid counterpart of the gas-powered Honda Civic sedan. Honda innovated the transmission, system and engine of the vehicle in order to become more fuel-efficient. The style and design are reminiscent of the conventional model. The Honda Civic Hybrids engine earned international acclaim by winning the International Engine of the Year for three consecutive years from 2002 to 2004 in the 1 to 1.4-liter division. In 2003 and 2004, it also won Best Fuel Economy as well as Motor Trend 2006 Car of the Year.
In 2006, the Civic Hybrid was redesigned featuring a cool brand new look as well as an EPA gas mileage of around 49 mpg city driving and 51 mpg highway driving. It has the new version of Hondas Integrated Motor Assist system which allows the car to run on the electric motor solely with the right cruising conditions.
The exterior of the new model looks very modern compared to the previous one. The car features 15 inches of disc-like alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires. The A-pillars were placed over the front wheels. Getting in and out of the Civic Hybrid was relatively easier due to the large front doors. Other futuristic additions were hybrid badges, rear lip spoilers and turn-signal indicators right inside the side mirror housings.
The interior is generous in space with a maximum seating capacity of 5 persons. The car also features two-tone cloth seats, air conditioning, CD stereo, power locks, steering and mirrors. The XM Satellite Radio and navigation system is standard in all units. There is also a digital tachometer, battery meter and charge/assist gauge check the electric capacity of the power train. The 10.4-cubic-foot trunk is rather small compared to the conventional 12 cubic feet. The rear seat also doesn't fold down.
More Impressions
The Honda Civic Hybrid features a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor capable of generating power of up to 110 hp and 123 lbs-ft of torque. All units have the standard continuously variable transmission.
The Civic has a variety of safety features having the highest rating like antilock brakes, side-impact, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The car may not be what one considers super fast but acceleration is good. There's also an engine auto-stop feature that immediately shuts down the engine when idling for added fuel efficiency.
The Honda Civic Hybrid can be fueled at any station having a 12.3-gallon tank able to go as far as 490 miles. Total gas mileage is significantly better than a conventional Civic. Greenhouse gas emission of the hybrid vehicle totaled around 4.4 tons every year compared to the regular Civics 6.3 tons. The car is an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle or AT-PZEV and is for sale in all states at around $21,000 to $23,000.
The Good And The Bad
The hybrid has very firm and stable suspension with a well-controlled body roll. Passengers may feel some rattles and shakes on exceptionally uneven paths and roads. Steering and maneuvering is relatively easy. Visibility is also excellent on all sides. The idle-off capability is a good thing but the Civic may have to be restarted manually sometimes during full stops.
The style is definitely one of the best qualities of the car in addition to several standard accessories like the XM Satellite Radio, power locks and windows and navigation system.
Some passengers report more jittery experiences even on fairly even roads. The interior is decent but the seat surfaces could look better. There are also not many luxury options available despite the sporty appearance of the Honda Civic Hybrid. Headroom at the rear is rather low and the rear seats don't fold so luggage could be a problem. The non-linear braking performance and split instrument panel are also minuses. Overall, the Civic Hybrid rates very well considering that the good points still far outweigh the cons.
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