   2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. Click image to enlarge |
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Review and photos by Michael Clark
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2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
Have you hugged your planet today?
The jury appears to be still out in the Court of Public Opinion in regards to the benefits of the modern hybrid automobile. The market-niks are quick to jump on the fuel sips and paltry emissions, while the pundits caution potential buyers against the long-term global impact of production methods for hybrid-related systems. Who’s right? Who cares? Now before you start slinging environmentally-conscious mud at this scribe’s ever-expanding forehead, remember the Inside Story creedo, prepared at great expense, and at the last minute; “If the cupholder does not fit, you must acquit”. In other words, if the interior features of any hybrid or non-hybrid vehicle are sub-par, then the ownership experience will be a negative one, regardless of the good under the hood. This week’s goodness comes from the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid, with an MSRP of $26,350 (prices shown do not reflect freight, taxes, or regional incentives).
Who knew a two-spoke wheel could look and function this well? The column provides manual tilt and telescoping action, while the spoke-mounted tabs can remotely command the audio system and cruise control. Wipers boast variable intermittent sweep. Headlamps do not receive an auto-on detent. The digital dash array places the speedometer read-out at a forward eye-level mount.
   2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. Click image to enlarge |
The upper display includes fuel, km/h or mph display, and a toggle between engine coolant temperature and a real-time fuel consumption sweep. The larger of the two displays is found in the traditional instrument panel address, with emphasis on tachometer and the status of the Integrated Motor Assist (electric boost) system. Quadrant selection for the Continuously Variable Transmission is found to the right of the tachometer, rounded out by the usual gang of idiot lights. To the left of the driver are the dash-mounted control tabs that control trip odometer and fuel economy meters, as well as the instrument panel dimmer. The holds an auto up/down switch for the driver only, with a touch pad and position toggle for the remote power heated exterior mirrors. The exterior mirrors are of the breakaway style, with Hybrid-exclusive turn signal markers.
The audio and HVAC controls on the Civic appear to have grown from scratch into their respective positions, with zero clash factor. Climate control is automatic, with dial-in temperature adjustment. It should be noted that the rear electric defroster switch is also responsible for feeding the equally-electric heat to the exterior mirrors. Take heed in the shift department; the CVT lever tends to drop into the ‘S’ (Second) range far too easily. A gate would be great.
There is definitely no shortage of stuff storage within the Hybrid, or any current-model Civic. Front and rear doors provide ample lower storage compartments, so ample that designated parking for bottles has been omitted. Flexible storage pockets adorn the driver and passenger seatbacks. The only detractor to the abundance of storage cavities is that the majority are wide open to prybar eyes. You’ve got the power, as in 12 volts of the DC. The first plug-in is below the HVAC controls, paired with the auxiliary audio input jack. The second port is appointed within the cavity of the centre console, which has a sliding armrest lid for increased comfort. The dual front cupholders of the Civic brand are the cinchers by which all cinchers should be judged. Four spring-loaded tabs contact the lucky cup, with good depth. Their only detractor is that they are not removable for mondo-sized buckets of soft drink. (Seriously; your bladder can’t afford the long-term damage.) A roll-top cover conceals the cupholders when not in use. The non-locking glove box is best suited for literature storage.
    2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. Click image to enlarge |
There appears to be a genuine attempt within the Civic Hybrid to reduce the use of electrical draw, regardless of how minimal that service may appear. Take the visor-mounted vanity mirrors, which have elected to receive indirect illumination from the front map lights, instead of dedicated glow. Requiring no electricity would be the ability for them to slide for sun shading, which they are incapable of performing. The Hybrid uses a rubbery roof-mounted antenna, removable for aggressive car wash brushes.
The IS Comfort Dummy looks pleased, and he is, with an adjustable driver’s seat height adjustment lever, ample headroom, and legroom. The Boo-Hiss centres around the lack of availability of heated seats. Rear seating comfort is good for the 5-foot/8-inch Dummy, though the Dummy’s noggin is hard pressed to press the Dummy’s fist between the noggin and the headliner.
When the hybrid version of a car-based vehicle arrives, there is usually a noticeable reduction in the size of the cargo hold. The Civic Hybrid trunk space is a respectable 294 litres, only 46 litres less than a conventional Civic. The hybrid battery is sandwiched between the cargo wall and the rear seatback, which can never enjoy any form of fold-down function. As with most lower-end offerings, the Civic trunk floor has resorted to a corrugated style of plastic for support.
A Styro-Biscuit embedded in the temporary-style spare holds the jacking tools, and provides some additional support for the trunk floor. Honda will change that spare for you, as part of its Roadside Assistance commitment. The program lasts for the first three years of ownership, with no distance limit.
I need to be strong here, and keep the cartoon Angel/Devil barrage from invading my psyche. This is somewhat difficult, considering that the 197 horsepower Si fun wagon is only $340 more than the angelic Hybrid. In the final counting of the beans, what continues to shine through is the purity of thought and ingenious design that continues to adorn the Civic. It really is that good, whether it’s low-dough DX, spicy Si, or planet-saving Hybrid. Everything you need, without ever feeling overdone. Best of all, there is hardly a trade-off experienced to go Hybrid, other than the price bump.
Five well-deserved stars, with a side of gravy.