It really is an aesthetically comfortable car, and the proverbial "tush" comfort level will not disappoint most people. Even Consumer Guide rated this vehicle better than the 2002 Prius in long distance driving comfort. As an aside, the hybrid appears a tad different in the front fascia when compared to its sisters, although few people will notice.
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| What about performance? Well the Civic Hybrid won't win any drag races with its 0 to 100 km/h in 10 to 12 second times, but it doesn't feel sluggish either. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
But what about its performance? It clocks 0 to 100 km/h in about 10 to 12 seconds, hardly supercar territory but just the same not feeling sluggish except up long hills. What is amazing is the seamless interaction of the Integrated Motor Assist system (IMA) and the gas engine. Unlike the Toyota system, Honda uses a 13-hp electric motor to aid the 85-hp engine, not to replace it under certain low-load conditions. First time drivers of an HEV will be taken aback with what happens at a stoplight. The engine turns itself off, firing up upon the release of the brake.
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| The addition of a multibar display allows the driver to see the status of the hybrid power generation or electric motor process. (Photo: Honda) |
Normally I have a pedal-to-the-metal driving style. However, the addition of a multibar display in the instrument panel had a mystifying effect on me. It is intended to allow the driver to alternatively see the status of the hybrid power generation or electric motor assist process. I found myself being a little more kind and gentle on the car, trying to improve my km/L (mpg) averages, and "earn" more battery-bars by charging off-throttle. Not sure if something is wrong with me or if I'm becoming converted - but to what?
The real value of the hybrid is how clean it is, barely contributing to air quality reduced smog levels that are common in nearly every major city. Early in June this year, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) awarded the Civic Hybrid certification as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) under the state's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) program. The certification means that the vehicle produces about 90 percent fewer smog-forming engine emissions than required of a typical new vehicle in its class.