While exterior and interior design changes for the latest generation of Honda's compact Civic sedan were relatively mild on the whole, the Civic Hybrid received substantial changes that resulted in a healthy bump in fuel efficiency.
Forming the core of the Civic Hybrid is now a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), up 0.2-liters from the model it replaced. This new engine - when paired with an electric motor - is good for 110 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque (up from 123 lb-ft). All power is transferred to the ground through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Another important change for the latest Civic Hybrid is the switch to lithium-ion batteries. The new batteries enable more charge capacity and require less weight to be carried for each watt of stored power. The result is a noteworthy gain in fuel economy with new ratings of 44 mpg both in the city and on the highway. Those figure are up from 40/43 mpg on the outgoing model.
Like the model it replaces, the latest Civic Hybrid utilizes additional eco-friendly designs to set it apart from its traditional siblings. These changes include a more aerodynamic bodykit, full-face (more aerodynamic) alloy wheels and low rolling-resistance tires. Inside, base cloth models utilize exclusive seat fabric and unique door panel covers not found in the rest of the Civic range.
A special rear spoiler also helps cut down on drag, while electric power steering and an automatic climate reduce the air conditioning compressor's draw on the drivetrain.
Though Honda offers no stand-alone options, four variants are available, starting with the base Hybrid, moving up to the Hybrid with navigation and XM Radio, then to the Hybrid with leather upholstery, and finally to the Hybrid with navigation XM Radio and leather seats.
The leather trim package also includes heating elements for the seats and the exterior mirrors.
Other changes for the interior include a new intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), positioned in the upper tier. The i-MID displays audio system information, album artwork, personal wallpaper backgrounds and driver-feedback with the Eco Guide screen.
Eco Guide monitors driving style and displays how it affects fuel efficiency. Together with the blue/green Eco Assist indicators located to the sides of the digital speedometer, the displays help drivers build awareness of and confirm fuel-efficient driving styles. The Civic Hybrid's i-MID contains an exclusive hybrid power-flow meter display in addition to the standard information screens.
Safety technology for the Civic Hybrid is the same as the standard sedan, which includes two-row side curtain airbags, dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags, driver's and front passenger's side airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), anti-lock braking (ABS) with Brake Assist and a new Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering system that helps the driver steer in the ideal direction to mitigate oversteer or understeer situations.
Key Competitors
Rivals to the Civic Hybrid include the 51-mpg Toyota Prius as well as Honda's own Insight hybrid. Another option is the diesel-powered TDI variant of the Volkswagen Jetta.