Vehicle: 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
Price as tested: CDN$26250

Performance: Unlike the Accord, the Civic is a hybrid that focus more on economy than performance. The base engine is a 1.3L 8-valve SOHC with Honda’s advanced i-VTEC. The motor alone has 93hp and 89 lb/ft of torque. Combined with Honda’s IMA or Integrated Motor Assist, the hp and torque jump from 93 and 89 to 110 and 120 respectively. Its whisper quiet when it runs on IMA alone. The IMA has electric/gasoline transition more smoothly than equivalent Toyota’s Hybrid Syngery Drive. When the gasoline engine kicks in above 80 km/h, it drives just like any other gassers on the road. However, the fuel economy is underwhelming especially consider this is a Honda. We averaged only 6.5L/100km with 70% city and 30% highway during our testing. That’s disappointing when our last long-termer, the Accord SE with 2.4L i-VTEC engine, got an average of 6.7L/100km, in a heavier and more luxurious mid-size sedan. Its CVT doesn’t seem to live up to its promise by providing exceptional fuel economy, however, it works flawlessly with the hybrid powertrain. The shifts are smooth and efficient, very much all CVT should be.

Handling: Unlike the other Civics, hybrid is engineered as a comfort-oriented car from the beginning. With its 15″ high-profile tires which are designed for comfort and fuel economy, as well as soft suspension. Civic Hybrid’s handling capabilities are a pleasant surprise. There are still tons of body rolls and understeer, as expect from a hybrid. It actually drives confidently and reassuringly through the corners. It feels very forgiving despite of all the softness through the suspension and spring. Its electric power steering has good response but not much feedback, precision is up to usual Honda standard.

Brakes: As with most hybrids, this Civic’s braking system is the regenerative type. The pedal feels mushy. One has to nail it to the bottom of the floor in order to make the vehicle stops. It takes a long time to modulate its pedal due to its regenerative feature. The stopping distance is much better than expected.

Interior: Except for the standard auto climate control and slightly different gauges, the rest of the interior is typical Civic affair. Instead of the tachometer, it replaces with a gauge which shows whether you are running on electric or gasoline or whether its recharging the batteries.

Because of those batteries, there is no split fold-down rear seats.

Conclusion: With the gasoline-powered Civics already have excellent fuel economy, one has to wonder why would anyone need to go buy a hybrid version. It doesn’t drive any better than an equivalent Civic gasser. Its fuel economy is a huge disappointment given its weight and status of life. Its not practical due to those batteries, because it won’t allow the designers to occupy split fold-downr rear seats. Plus its not inexpensive at all. For only 2 grand more, the Accord SE with 2.4 engine is a more sensible choice. Or you can simply save 3 grand and get a Civic EX with 1.8.

Hybrid is the not the best of both worlds from a driver’s perspective, even in today’s skyrocketing gas prices. The fuel economy isn’t steller. Speaking of environment protection, both Honda and Toyota never mentioned about the recycle of those batteries after 5-6 years, which is usually the lifespin of battery. Those batteries will just ended up in landfill. On the other hand, replacement of batteries can cost you an arm and a leg after warranty.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 3.25/5