It ain’t easy being green. Just ask Kermit the Frog, the wise and personable Muppet who always got sucker punched by Grover on the children’s television show “Sesame Street,” and who later dated a self-absorbed pig in a series of forgettable movies.
For 2006, however, Honda makes it easier being green. The Honda Civic Hybrid is completely redesigned with daring new styling, a more powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain, added interior space, and a bigger trunk. It still looks too much like a regular Civic sedan, and it doesn’t feature the handy utility of the
’s folding rear seats and hatchback configuration, but for about $21,500 and with real-world fuel economy in the high 40s, it might be worth getting out of line at the local Toyota dealer and checking out the latest high-mileage car from Honda.
is bigger, quicker, and thriftier than ever. The only option is a navigation system.
DesignInitially, the
2006 Honda Civic Hybrid will get noticed if for no other reason that its shape is a dramatic departure from the staid three-box look of the current model. As before, however, differences between it and the “regular”
sedans are limited. The Civic Hybrid gets a subtle lip spoiler on the trunk, flat-faced alloy wheels that look like punctured pie tins, turn signals embedded in the sideview mirrors, clear front turn signal lenses, and a micro antenna affixed to the trailing edge of the roof. Oh, and it says “Hybrid” on the back.
Gas/Electric EnginesEmploying next-generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology, the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid is more powerful, more fuel efficient, and meets strict AT-PZEV Tier 2 Bin 2 emissions regulations. Honda claims this IMA system can motor along on the batteries under certain low-load, steady state cruising conditions. We managed a 47.1-mpg average in a drive that covered two-lane country road, an 80-mph blitz down the freeway, and rush hour city driving.
Nuts and BoltsThe 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid’s power is transferred to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A new regenerative braking system – utilizing vented front discs and rear drums equipped with ABS, EBD, and brake assist – captures energy to recharge the nickel metal hydride battery pack. Low-rolling resistance tires are wrapped around unique lightweight alloy wheels bolted to a MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension. Guiding the whole package down the road is an electric steering system that offers predictable response off-center combined with light effort at slow speeds and decent heft at higher speeds.
InteriorIt might look radical, but the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid’s interior layout is extremely functional. The gauges are split between a digital display located at the base of the windshield and a traditional cluster viewed through the steering wheel. In the digital display, which acts much like a heads-up system, vehicle speed, remaining fuel, and instant fuel economy are shown. Average fuel economy is displayed in the lower binnacle next to the trip odometer and below a huge tachometer that no Civic Hybrid owner is every likely to consult. Note the small front quarter windows, just like those in the Toyota Prius.
Comfort More comfortable seating, front and rear, is one benefit of the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid redesign. Four six-footers can fit inside the Civic Hybrid, and those in the back seat won’t lack head or legroom, though it’s not as roomy back there as the Toyota Prius. Unlike other Civic sedans, the Hybrid doesn’t get a fold-down rear center armrest.
Safety The 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid focuses as much on safety as it does efficiency. Standard equipment includes dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; seat-mounted front side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; antilock brakes with independent electronic rear brake distribution and brake assist; and active head restraints. What does this mean to you? Honda expects the 2006 Civic Hybrid to receive five-star frontal crash-test ratings from NHTSA and a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the 40-mph offset frontal crash-test.
PricingHonda expects to place a window sticker totaling about $21,500 in the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid when it goes on sale October 5, 2005. A navigation system will run extra, though the price has not been set at this writing. That’s a reasonable amount to pay for a roomy sedan that gets 47 mpg without really trying.
Driving ImpressionsAs soon as you place the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid’s CVT into gear and set off down the road – which is, by the way, a far less complicated procedure than the different-for-difficult’s sake Toyota Prius – it’s clear that there’s a big difference between this new Civic Hybrid and the old Civic Hybrid. First, this one is comfortable to sit in. Second, it looks funky enough to attract some attention, though that’s more a function of the Civic’s new styling than palpable differences between regular and hybrid models. Third, it is far quieter inside and more refined. Fourth, it’s quick. Not speedy quick, but quick enough to get out of its own way. Finally, we got 47.1 mpg over 55 miles of rural two-lane roads, interstate highways, and congested city traffic. And we didn’t need to baby it to get that number.
Key Stats Estimated Base Price: $21,500
Gasoline Engine Size and Type: 1.3-liter inline four with variable valve timing
Gasoline Engine Horsepower: 93 at 6,000 rpm
Electric Motor Size and Type: 70mm wide permanent magnet with 158-volt nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery
Electric Motor Horsepower: 20 at 2,000 rpm
Combined Horsepower Rating: 110 at 6,000 rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Estimated EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 50/50 mpg
Observed Fuel Economy: 47.1 mpg
Leg room (front/rear): 42.2/34.6 inches
Head room (front/rear): 39.4/37.4 inches
Max. Cargo Volume: 10.4 cubic feet
Competitors:
Ford Escape Hybrid FWD, Toyota Prius
Photos courtesy of Honda America
