May 1, 2006

Hybrid Long-term Test Wrap-up:
2006 Honda Civic Hybrid

Photo: Paul Williams. Click image to enlarge

By Paul Williams
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Ottawa, Ontario - When we began our long-term test of the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius, Winter was arriving, and gas prices were, thankfully, stabilizing. Four months later, Spring is in the air, and gas prices are going crazy. Any fuel-efficient vehicle is coveted these days, but I feel a particular satisfaction when the Honda Civic Hybrid's engine "auto-stops" at an intersection where there happens to be a gas station within view.

Yes, there's a definite psychological component to hybrid ownership. You're not a geek: you're just plain smart.

To cut to the chase, as I know everyone is interested in the mileage, the Civic Hybrid returned a combined 6.1 L/100 km (46 Imperial MPG) over the past 4,900 km. One long trip (1,500 km) returned 4.8 L/100 km (59 Imperial MPG), at speeds ranging between 90-115 km/h. This is better than our earlier session with the car, where we obtained up to 8.0 L/100 km combined, and is perhaps due to the warmer weather, the fact that the car is now "breaking in," and our initial city-driving bias. And don't forget, the car is currently fitted with Michelin X-Ice winter tires, so even better results may be obtained on standard, all-season tires.

Photo: Paul Williams. Click image to enlarge

To be fair, it should be pointed out that I drive moderately in all the vehicles that I test (unless I'm on a track). My habit is not to floor the accelerator when starting, and not to drive 160 km/h on the highway. That's doesn't mean I never hit the gas, but typically, I'm a fairly smooth - read, fuel efficient - driver to begin with.

That being said, these are very satisfactory numbers in my opinion. Unlike the Prius, the Civic Hybrid definitely does give better mileage on the highway, where I've seen the onboard computer dip to 4.3 L/100 km. But a combined 6.1 L/100 km in mixed driving is a vast improvement over something like my personal Ford Focus, which sometimes can barely eke out 350 km before the needle hits "Empty." (You'll be filling up with your trip odometer at 600-750 km in the Civic Hybrid, with 12-15 litres left in the tank).

Photo: Paul Williams. Click image to enlarge

As we prepare to return the Civic Hybrid to Honda Canada, a visual inspection showed no damage or wear after suffering the long, Ottawa Winter. Indeed, there were no service issues at all and the car ran flawlessly from Day One. We did note that the "auto-stop" feature (actually called Auto Idle Stop) stopped working for a period of time, but that turns out to be normal when the temperature goes below -12 degrees Celsius (or above 38, but we didn't experience that). When the auto-stop ambient temperature limits are exceeded, the other hybrid technologies continue to function, however.

Photo: Honda. Click image to enlarge

And while at first I found the Civic Hybrid wheels less than inspiring, I've come to like them. In fact, the whole car in its dark blue metallic paint (it looks blue to me, but it's officially called Sparkle Grey Pearl), polished rims, air dam and discrete rear spoiler is a very sharp. Too bad the colour choices are limited to white, two silvers and the grey. What kind of choice is that? I'd like to see it in some distinctive signature colours, or at least some kind of green (a no-brainer, you'd think, given the car's "green" status).

Even though this is not a super-powerful vehicle (110 horsepower combined gas and electric), we had no trouble accelerating or passing, and with four good-sized people on board, the Civic Hybrid starts on an incline with no problem. When accelerating rapidly, the continuously variable transmission summons up the torque you need, although it can be noisy doing so.

Photo: Honda. Click image to enlarge

After you've completed your manoeuvre, it settles back down to an almost imperceptible hum. As with all moderately powered cars, however, you need to judge your distances - this isn't a 255 hp Accord V6 Hybrid, and doesn't accelerate like one.

The Civic Hybrid is an exceedingly quiet and smooth running car in normal driving conditions, and wind noise is virtually non-existent on the highway. It starts instantly at the turn of the key (unless the outside temperature is extremely low), idles and accelerates without fuss, and nimbly moves around in traffic while insulating passengers from the noise outside. It's a relaxing vehicle to drive.

There is a "Sport" setting on the transmission, which has the effect of maintaining a higher engine speed for a longer period of time than usual. This simulates driving in "third," let's say, rather than shifting up to fourth or fifth in a conventionally geared car. Power, therefore, is more readily available when you put your foot down in this mode, but it is noisier, and I didn't use this option at all. Others may like it.

Photo: Honda. Click image to enlarge

The audio system could be better, although it does have a jack for your MP3 player. Some buyers would probably appreciate an optional high-end system from the factory (or dealer), although you can retrofit an alternative system into the Civic Hybrid's dash by using a different front plate.

A navigation system is not available in any Canadian Civic at this point (with no plans to bring it here, I am told by Honda Canada). This can be solved (not that it's a big problem) by using a portable system plugged into the 12-volt power point on the dash. Fortunately, there's another 12-volt power point in the centre armrest/storage bin for powering your cell phone, or other device.

Unlike the Prius, the Civic Hybrid is very much a sedan. The rear seat doesn't fold or have a pass-through, and although the trunk is of reasonable size, there isn't the interior flexibility you'd get from a hatchback. The completely flat floor in the rear helps with legroom there, but transporting long items (like skis) is not this car's forté. However, on several highway trips and during everyday city driving, I found the seat and driving position comfortable, the interior roomy enough, and the trunk plenty sufficient for luggage on long trips.

Photo: Honda. Click image to enlarge

The controls in this car are very easy to identify and operate, except for one. I continually had problems finding the driver's power window switch (it's right below two unrelated switches with pictures of windows on them, whereas the power window switch just has three dots on it), but it is auto-up and auto-down, which is appreciated.

As we pointed out in earlier articles, the Civic Hybrid (like all 2006 Civics) comes with standard anti-lock brakes, front and side impact airbags, and full side curtain airbags. Honda's ACE body structure is specially designed and constructed to protect occupants in a collision, and the 2006 Civic is a Top Safety Pick by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also features turn signals built into the rear view mirrors and a trip computer. Unlike the Prius, where it is part of an extra-cost package, no stability control or traction control is available on Civics.

The value proposition for hybrids is still a matter of debate. Is it worth spending extra to get the hybrid technology, or should you just buy a less expensive vehicle and realize your savings there?

Photo: Honda. Click image to enlarge

As the least expensive hybrid on the market, we think of the Honda Civic Hybrid as a very well equipped and safe small car with excellent interior design, a modern exterior, and the benefits of a non-polluting, fuel efficient hybrid powerplant. At $25,950 (note the slight price increase since the 2006 model's introduction in 2005), and because of its many standard features and appointments, the Civic Hybrid is a bargain no matter how you look at it. In Ontario, a tax rebate of up to $2,000 is available to help with the cost, and rebates are also available in Prince Edward Island, British Columbia and Quebec.

And if you need more convincing, pretty much the full Honda Civic line won Canadian Car of the Year awards for 2006 (as judged by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada). The Honda Civic sedan was overall Canadian Car of the Year, the Honda Civic Si won best new Sports/Performance car and the Honda Civic Hybrid won best new Alternative Fuel vehicle: quite an accomplishment.

With the Civic Hybrid, consumers get a superior vehicle plus some of the most advanced, affordable and reliable hybrid technology available. And don't forget that psychological factor, because here's a vehicle that doesn't bring you down when the price of gasoline goes up.

We'll miss this fuel-efficient, good-looking, pleasant-driving car.

Related stories on CanadianDriver

• Hybrid long-term test: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and 2006 Toyota Prius
• Hybrid long-term test update: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and 2006 Toyota Prius
• Hybrid Long-term Test Wrap-up: 2006 Toyota Prius

• Buyer's Guide: 2006 Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid

Manufacturer's web site

• www.honda.ca

Paul Williams is an Ottawa-based freelance automotive writer and senior writer for CanadianDriver.