Unfortunately, the system has two issues that we hope will be addressed in the 2012 Civic Hybrid. First of all, brake pedal feel is uneven and slightly irritating because of the brake regeneration, especially at low city speeds. And second, the car is equipped with a start/stop system and when the engine fires back up, it creates a moderate level of vibration and harshness. Newer hybrids have addressed this problem somewhat.
Our fuel consumption average over the course of the week is 6.1 L/100 km. We're far from the city/highway ratings of 4.7 and 4.3 L/100 km, but we're in the dead of winter and the car is wearing Michelin X-Ice rubber, not low rolling-resistance tires.
The rest of the car is what you'd expect from any normal Civic.
That means a spacious cabin, although you do sit low in this car. The slanted dashboard creates an even roomier atmosphere, and the top-mounted digital speedometer is the best thing this side of a heads-up display. The vast expanses of glass mean great outward visibility.
In addition, the flat floor in the rear-seat area is a blessing, as a middle occupant won't be fighting with outboard passengers for foot space. Unfortunately, the Hybrid doesn't offer a split-folding rear seatback, and trunk volume drops from 340 litres to 294, both the result of having to house the battery pack.
The Civic feels solid, its cockpit is quiet, and the ride comfort is excellent, except on badly maintained city streets.
As for its equipment list, well, it's pretty similar to that of the SE model, which costs over $6,500 less than the Hybrid. Actually, you also get a power sunroof in the Civic SE. I'm all for saving the planet, but not at any price for the consumer.
The Civic Hybrid is a great little car, offering low fuel consumption and high resale value. You can't go wrong purchasing a Civic, despite knowing nothing about cars. But we'd pass on the hybrid model, at least for now.
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| Our fuel consumption average is 6.1 L/100 km, but we're in winter and rolling on winter tires. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Our fuel consumption average over the course of the week is 6.1 L/100 km. We're far from the city/highway ratings of 4.7 and 4.3 L/100 km, but we're in the dead of winter and the car is wearing Michelin X-Ice rubber, not low rolling-resistance tires.
The rest of the car is what you'd expect from any normal Civic.
That means a spacious cabin, although you do sit low in this car. The slanted dashboard creates an even roomier atmosphere, and the top-mounted digital speedometer is the best thing this side of a heads-up display. The vast expanses of glass mean great outward visibility.
In addition, the flat floor in the rear-seat area is a blessing, as a middle occupant won't be fighting with outboard passengers for foot space. Unfortunately, the Hybrid doesn't offer a split-folding rear seatback, and trunk volume drops from 340 litres to 294, both the result of having to house the battery pack.
The Civic feels solid, its cockpit is quiet, and the ride comfort is excellent, except on badly maintained city streets.
As for its equipment list, well, it's pretty similar to that of the SE model, which costs over $6,500 less than the Hybrid. Actually, you also get a power sunroof in the Civic SE. I'm all for saving the planet, but not at any price for the consumer.
The Civic Hybrid is a great little car, offering low fuel consumption and high resale value. You can't go wrong purchasing a Civic, despite knowing nothing about cars. But we'd pass on the hybrid model, at least for now.
 |
| The slanted dashboard creates an even roomier atmosphere, and the top-mounted digital speedometer is the best thing this side of a heads-up display. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |