Hurrah for Hybrid

Honda’s British-built Civic has had a make-over to bring the car bang up-to-date, as Sofie Lidefjard reports

When it comes to hybrids, there is one car in particular that everyone has heard of. In its shadow we find the Honda Civic, which deserves just as much, if not more, attention. The car has a lot to offer compared to its high profile rival. It compares well to both hybrid and small cars for its high quality, sleek design and fuel-sipping habits.

For your eyes only
Starting on the outside, the car looks great. Civic Hybrid has had a facelift, with cosmetic changes that further improve the overall appearance of the car.
    
A sportier new front bumper creates a more aggressive appearance and now incorporates the fog lights. The headlights have also been tweaked with a smoke chrome surround, complemented by a redesigned grille.
    
Features like 15" alloys, mirror integrated indicators, front foglights, body coloured side protectors and tapered headlights bring better aerodynamics, increased style and improved driving.

On the inside
The idea behind the Dual Zone dashboard design is simple: put all essential controls and information directly in front of the driver, in their peripheral vision, so it has the feeling of ‘just being there’. I felt this made controlling the car easier, safer and more engaging.
    
The multi–information display consists of two zones. On the upper zone you’ll find indications of speed, fuel economy and fuel levels. The lower zone contains the multi–function driver computer, showing fuel consumption and the outside temperature.

Safety
ABS and Electronic Brake–force Distribution are both fitted as standard for safe, powerful braking. Vehicle Stability Assist helps maintain control whilst cornering and accelerating. When it detects wheel–slip the system applies braking to the affected wheel and reduces engine power until traction is regained. Any understeer and oversteer that falls outside the system’s predicted range of vehicle responses is also corrected automatically.

Performance
The Civic Hybrid’s innovative 1.4 i–DSI engine combines the performance of a 1.6 litre engine with the fuel economy of a 1 litre engine. This combination, known as Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), helps Honda hybrids function with smaller engines to maintain great mileage.
    
The Civic Hybrid retains its petrol-electric drive train, which achieves CO2 emissions of 109g/k. This low emission figures means the car is exempt from the London Congestion charge and fits into low insurance and tax bands offering its o­­­wner further savings.
    
Integrated Motor Assist lets the 1.4 litre i-DSI petrol engine take the strain when accelerating and automatically switches to the electric motor when cruising. The battery also recharges itself when you slow down – so you don't need to do a thing.
    
Its aerodynamics and a lightweight body deliver responsive acceleration and sharp handling – achieving the performance of a saloon with a much sportier nature. The result is a car that is not only a good ‘green’ choice, it’s great fun to drive too!

Honda hybrid sales pass 300,000
Honda’s worldwide, total hybrid sales has hit the 300,000 mark, and will soon be bolstered by the all-new Insight, which goes on sale in April as the most affordable hybrid car on the market. The new Insight follows in the tracks of the Civic Hybrid, Civic IMA and first generation Insight – the world’s first mass production hybrid car, launched in 1999. Honda now sells hybrids in 40 countries around the world and expects to sell around 200,000 Insights globally each year, with 30,000 being sold in Europe.

ENGINE 1.4-litre IMA (Petrol Hybrid)
TOP SPEED 115 mph
0-62mph 12.1 secs
MPG (combined) 61.4
CO2 109/km