Larger, Faster and More Efficient Between Toyota and Honda, the world was officially introduced to the mass-produced hybrid automobile in 1997. Cars like the quirky
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| Besides bearing technology that speaks of preserving the world for future generations, the latest generation Civic Hybrid actually looks as if it's from the future. (Photo: American Honda) |
Honda Insight and the roomy but oddly-shaped Toyota Prius were the first to venture into that brave new world, but by no means have they been the last step forward. The technology that's featured on these cars is improving rapidly; thinner motors, more efficient power generators, lighter, smaller batteries - and the list goes on and on. Remarkably, these two arch nemeses managed to propagate the hybrid scene, now teeming with entries from Toyota's subsidiary brand Lexus, and American automakers Ford and GM, with Nissan and Subaru in hot pursuit. Besides bearing technology that speaks of preserving the world for future generations,
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| Both conventionally powered and hybrid versions of the new Civic Sedan have grown significantly. (Photo: American Honda) |
the latest generation Civic Hybrid actually looks as if it's from the future. The all-new four-door notchback sedan became the basis for the totally revised Civic Hybrid; this shape, while not the most flattering of the Civics available, is popular in the Hybrid's biggest markets - North America and Japan. Both conventionally powered and hybrid versions of the new Civic Sedan have grown significantly, increasing in outward dimensions by 1.4 inches in length, to 176.8 inches, 1.5 inches in width, to 69.0 inches, and the biggest increase of all, its wheelbase makes a gain of 3.2 inches to 106.3 inches - approaching midsize territory.