NEW FOR 2015:
- No changes
- Final year of production
If the idea of driving one of the most fuel-efficient small cars on the road appeals to you, but the notion of bringing attention yourself doesn’t, the Honda Civic Hybrid could very well be the right choice for you. But if you want one, you’d better act quick – this is the final year of production as an all-new Civic is on the way and a hybrid version will not be offered.
The Civic Hybrid was last updated two years ago, and like its fellow Civic siblings, remains fresh looking. Gone is the blue LED-lit grille, though the headlights, taillights and accent trims have a splash of blue to indicate the car’s eco-friendly nature. The cabin receives the same revised dashboard and soft-touch points as the standard model. Cabin space is generous, with rear-seat passengers enjoying good legroom and a flat floor. The trunk is a bit on the small side for the class, though, down 50L on the standard sedan at 303L.
The Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.5-litre single-cam four-cylinder paired to Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. The IMA in the Civic features a small 23-hp electric motor and a 20-kW lithium-ion battery pack. All Civic Hybrids feature a CVT transmission and drive the front wheels.
On the road, thicker windshield glass and more sound insulation greatly reduce road noise compared to the previous model, while improvements to the suspension and steering give the Civic Hybrid a much-needed composure on the road. It is worth noting that unlike the Prius, the Civic Hybrid is a mild hybrid and cannot be driven on electricity alone.
Unlike in the States where there are several trim levels of Civic Hybrid available, Canadians only receive one version. Our variant is well-equipped with cloth heated seats, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth, a multi-angle reverse camera, power windows, 15-inch alloy wheels, proximity key with pushbutton start, Eco Mode, 7-inch Display Audio system with navigation and LaneWatch blind-spot camera system.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed