Honda Civic Hybrid (2006-) Review

Overview

• Next: Reliability and Quality

The Civic Hybrid? It's the hybrid that isn't the Prius. Honda, as a technology-led company, may not be delighted about being seen as number two in a field of two, but increasing numbers of private and business buyers are cottoning on to the Civic's charms.

It's available only as a four-door saloon, which is hardly the body style of choice in 21st century Europe, but then again not everyone is drawn to the ostentatiously futuristic lines of the Prius.

This is Honda's second Civic Hybrid, or Civic IMA. It's wider, longer and lower than the previous one, and has both higher performance and better economy. It can't match the frugality of Honda's first production hybrid, the Insight, but that quirky two-seater had extremely limited appeal. Honda has not let the wind tunnel dominate the Civic Hybrid's styling, as it did with the Insight and as Toyota did with the current Prius - there are aerodynamic wheels, but that's about it.

The Civic Hybrid has a 1.4-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor/generator and a CVT automatic transmission. The electric motor is there chiefly to boost the petrol engine during brisk acceleration, although it can also run the car on its own during cruising or, briefly, low-speed manoeuvring. Together they make 113bhp and 166lb-ft of torque, which is about as much power as you'd expect from a conventional 1.6-litre petrol engine and rather more torque.

You can't plug the Civic in to the mains to charge the battery. It gets all its charge from the engine and from the improved regenerative braking system, which not only soaks up energy that would otherwise be wasted during deceleration but also aids the slowing-down process.

There are two versions: the relatively basic ES, which may appeal to those whose environmental concern is part of a wider rejection of luxury; and the EX, introduced in the autumn of 2007 in response to demand from business buyers who were attracted by the Honda's spaciousness and low running costs but deterred by its lack of rep-friendly Bluetooth and sat nav. The ES costs a Prius-beating £16,600 and the EX is £19,300.