Honda Civic Hybrid

As soon as the second-generation Prius arrived on the scene in 2003, the Civic Hybrid was cast in its role as runner-up in the hybrid world. It’s true that the Civic Hybrid is not quite as fuel-efficient, not quite as comfortable and roomy, and not quite as powerful as the Prius. But the gas-electric Civic, like Rodney Dangerfield, deserves more respect than it receives.

In fact, it’s the Civic Hybrid’s un-hybrid-like looks and sticker price that makes it such a compelling proposition. Prius buyers usually spend at least a couple thousand more dollars to buy Toyota’s celebrity hybrid than those who drive off with a Civic. And yet the Civic’s 40-mpg in the city and 45-mpg on the highway, places it right next to the Toyota Prius as two of the three vehicles with average fuel economy in the 40s. The other is the Prius-look-alike 2010 Honda Insight.

Perhaps more importantly, the Civic Hybrid looks like a cool car, not a cutesy electronic device. Auto critics have heaped praise on the Civic's design, calling it "gorgeous" and "head-turning."

The Civic matches a sporty design with all of Honda’s engineering prowess put to action. Honda is on the fourth generation of its integrated engine/motor hybrid design. The system combines a 1.3 liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine with a 20-hp electric motor to deliver a total of 110 hp. The Civic can save gas by de-activating all of its cylinders when they are not needed, and uses eight spark plugs to allow greater flexibility with the firing order for more complete combustion of fuel in the cylinder. Add improved battery packs and regenerative braking from the previous generation to produce a hybrid with Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions status. The feather in its cap is top safety rankings from NHTSA and IIHS.

So if the Prius design is not your cup of tea, and you can live with a compact rather than a mid-size sedan, then the Honda Civic Hybrid is worth a little respect and consideration.
Exterior

The Civic Hybrid destroys any notion that hybrids can't look cool. The reviews are unanimous:

* Autobytel: "Daring new styling."
* Automobile: "A real head-turner."
* USA Today: "Somewhere between engaging and gorgeous."
* Los Angles Times: "A handsome car."

Dan Neil of the Los Angeles Times identifies the Civic Hybrid's defining characteristic as its sloping windshield. He explained, "The slicked-back windshield look is often used on concept cars but is discarded in production cars because it creates an unmanageable flat space behind the steering wheel. Honda designers turned this space to their advantage, creating a beautiful two-tier instrument panel limned in organic shapes."

The hybrid comes with its own unique wheel rims, turn signals integrated into the sideview mirrors, and two exclusive paint options: Opal Silver Blue and Magnetic Pearl.
Interior

The Civic Hybrid looks almost identical to the conventional gas-powered sedan, which was redesigned—to rave reviews—for the 2006 model. Honda has made few changes to that winning design. Standard equipment is on par with the gas-powered Civic's top EX trim level. The Hybrid comes with power-assisted doors, windows, and mirrors—although the seats must be adjusted manually. A navigation system is the only factory option.

The blue backlit instrumental panel is split into two tiers. The top level, in line with the driver’s view above the steering wheel, features a digital speedometer, fuel gauge and engine temperature readout. In the lower tier behind the tilting, telescoping, and relatively small steering wheel is the tachometer, fuel economy readout, and a hybrid gauge—showing how much the hybrid batteries are being recharged (via regenerative breaking) or being used to assist the gas engine. An Idle-Stop indicator flashes when the gasoline engine has completely shut down to prevent burning fuel when the vehicle is at a stop. Gear-shifting is standard issue, unlike the Prius’s bounce-back joystick.

While the Civic Hybrid scores high points for style, finish and ergonomics, the cabin doesn’t rank as well for cargo space and comfort in the back seat. The rear-seat legroom was cut by 1.4 inches with the 2006 redesign, making it cramped when loaded with three adults. The Honda Civic Hybrid has 10.4 cubic feet for cargo space. To make room for the hybrid system’s battery pack, Honda has eliminated the rear folding seats on the Civic Hybrid. As a result, storage of long objects cannot be shared between the trunk and the back seats.

for more info visit HybridCars.com