How to spot a Civic Hybrid
Visual cues that help distinguish a Civic Hybrid from its planet-killing brethren are subtle, but if you look closely you’ll spot them. Actually, the easiest clue is the badge on the trunk (obviously), but the roof-mounted antenna is also noticeable. In addition, there is a blue strip in the front grille, while the upper portion of the taillights sports a bluish tint. The hybrid also gets exclusive alloys.
Like the conventional Civics, the car’s visual presence is underwhelming. You shouldn’t mess with success, so Honda didn’t. With several new and exciting designs in the compact-car class, the Civic still doesn’t stand out. Honda has rarely been a risk-taker, although they could’ve been a little more adventurous with the Civic’s design.
Spacious cockpit
Inside, the Civic Hybrid gets a few exclusivities, such as automatic climate control and, of course, an energy flow indicator in the trip computer – but that’s about it. The optional leather upholstery in our U.S.-spec test car likely won’t be offered in Canada; rather, we’ll be getting premium cloth upholstery with front-seat heaters, a combination the U.S. can’t have.
Other interior standard goodies will include a touch-screen navigation system, a sound system USB port, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity as well as a leather-wrapped wheel with integrated audio and trip computer controls. The previous Civic Hybrid we drove had a lot less in the amenities department.
Some of the Civic’s evergreen virtues are its spacious, airy cockpit, comfortable seats and expansive greenhouse. These are aspects that shine brightly during the oh-so-important test drive at the dealer, and why a lot of people appreciate the Civic.
As for trunk space, it’s obviously reduced to make room for the battery pack. It’s only reduced slightly, however, from 344 litres to 303. As with most hybrids, the rear seatback doesn’t fold down.
Visual cues that help distinguish a Civic Hybrid from its planet-killing brethren are subtle, but if you look closely you’ll spot them. Actually, the easiest clue is the badge on the trunk (obviously), but the roof-mounted antenna is also noticeable. In addition, there is a blue strip in the front grille, while the upper portion of the taillights sports a bluish tint. The hybrid also gets exclusive alloys.
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| Visual cues that help distinguish a Civic Hybrid from its planet-killing brethren are subtle, the easiest clue is the badge on the trunk. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
Like the conventional Civics, the car’s visual presence is underwhelming. You shouldn’t mess with success, so Honda didn’t. With several new and exciting designs in the compact-car class, the Civic still doesn’t stand out. Honda has rarely been a risk-taker, although they could’ve been a little more adventurous with the Civic’s design.
Spacious cockpit
Inside, the Civic Hybrid gets a few exclusivities, such as automatic climate control and, of course, an energy flow indicator in the trip computer – but that’s about it. The optional leather upholstery in our U.S.-spec test car likely won’t be offered in Canada; rather, we’ll be getting premium cloth upholstery with front-seat heaters, a combination the U.S. can’t have.
Other interior standard goodies will include a touch-screen navigation system, a sound system USB port, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity as well as a leather-wrapped wheel with integrated audio and trip computer controls. The previous Civic Hybrid we drove had a lot less in the amenities department.
Some of the Civic’s evergreen virtues are its spacious, airy cockpit, comfortable seats and expansive greenhouse. These are aspects that shine brightly during the oh-so-important test drive at the dealer, and why a lot of people appreciate the Civic.
As for trunk space, it’s obviously reduced to make room for the battery pack. It’s only reduced slightly, however, from 344 litres to 303. As with most hybrids, the rear seatback doesn’t fold down.
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| As for trunk space, it’s obviously slightly reduced to make room for the battery pack (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |