Summary:
Voted #2 by consumers, and the best hybrid car, the Honda Civic Hybrid is all new for 2006, and reviews say it has improved compared to last year’s model. The Civic Hybrid looks pretty much like any other four-door Honda Civic and doesn’t trumpet its hybrid status. Honda rolled out a new version of its Civic Hybrid that, with EPA gas mileage estimates of 49 mpg in the city and 51 on the highway, was more fuel-efficient than the prior-generation model. It used a new version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist system, which the company said allowed the car to operate on the electric motor alone when cruising conditions were right.
Reviews excitedly report that Honda has earned the Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle rating. The Civic Hybrid battery pack is also built to go the distance. It comes with an 8-year/80,000-mile warranty, and all emissions-related equipment comes with a more extensive warranty. That means you will be enjoying great gas mileage along with high-tech amenities, like the two-tier instrument panel, and available navigation system, for a good long time.
Engine:
Featuring a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with an electric motor, the Civic Hybrid makes 110 horsepower and 123 pounds-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission is standard.
MPG:
49 miles per gallon city; 51 miles per gallon highway; uses regular unleaded.
Interior:
There’s room for five in the Civic Hybrid, which has two-tone cloth seating surfaces. Air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, a CD stereo, and power windows, locks and mirrors are standard.
The Civic Hybrid has an interesting-looking instrument cluster that’s similar to the regular Civics. It features a digital speedometer that’s positioned near the base of the windshield, and a large tachometer in front of the steering wheel that’s within its own housing. There’s also a battery meter and a charge/assist gauge that monitors the electric portion of the power train.
The hybrid’s 10.4-cubic-foot trunk is slightly smaller than the regular sedan’s 12.0-cubic-foot cargo area. Unlike the regular Civic sedan, a 60/40-split, folding rear seat, which expands the effective cargo area, isn’t offered.
Exterior:
The redesigned Civic sedan looks futuristic compared to its predecessor. The hybrid takes the look even further, with disc-like 15-inch alloy wheels fitted with low-rolling-resistance tires. The A-pillars are practically over the front wheels, and the large front doors make getting in and out of the car easy. In addition to the wheels, a rear lip spoiler, hybrid badges and redundant turn-signal indicators in the side mirror housings serve to differentiate the Civic Hybrid from conventional models.
Safety Features:
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests, the Civic received the highest overall rating.
Warranty:
The Civic Hybrid comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, just like every other Honda. Its battery pack comes with an 8-year/80,000-mile warranty, and all emissions-related equipment comes with a more extensive warranty.
