| 008 edition continues the second generation of | | | | audio system with six speakers and steering |
| the Honda Civic hybrid, which was introduced in | | | | wheel audio controls, power windows and locks, |
| 2006 and has maintained a strong share in the | | | | front map lights, cruise control, exterior |
| ever-expanding hybrid market. | | | | temperature gauge and a navigation system with |
| In fact, with the exception of the Toyota Prius, | | | | voice recognition. |
| which dominated hybrid sales in the United States | | | | The Civic hybrid also has automatic climate control |
| in 2007, the Civic hybrid in the country's most | | | | and mirror-mounted turn signals, both not available |
| popular hybrid. | | | | in other Civics. |
| Like I experienced when I first test drove the | | | | The near-futuristic instrumentation panel also |
| Civic hybrid in 2004, the current version in | | | | provides all Civics with a unique visual. The |
| exceedingly quiet. During stops, for example, it | | | | odometer and speedometer cluster panel is |
| seems the vehicle's engine has stopped. Instead, | | | | narrow, horizontal and contoured for the driver's |
| it's the engine operating solely on electric power. | | | | vision just over the curved top of the steering |
| The hybrid Civic is equipped with a | | | | wheel. It's a unique look, and it works — |
| 110-horsepower, 1.3-liter engine with two relatively | | | | just like the regular Civic has worked since 1972 |
| new features largely known by acronyms, IMA | | | | Some critics have categorized the hybrid Civic as |
| (Integrated Motor Assist) and CVT (Continuously | | | | underpowered, and its acceleration is slower than |
| Variable Transmission). A five-speed manual | | | | any of the 24 gas Civic models. But that doesn't |
| transmission was previously available, but now the | | | | make the hybrid slow. |
| hybrid is only offered with an automatic | | | | On the contrary, in several situations, mostly |
| transmission. | | | | notably while merging during tight traffic, I |
| The IMA, as previously mentioned, allows a | | | | accelerated ahead of other vehicles with ease. |
| vehicle to operate solely on electric power in | | | | The only potential issue with the Civic hybrid is its |
| certain situations. The CVT feature replaces | | | | lack of a folding rear seat. The vehicle's sizable |
| conventional gears with a belt-and-pully system | | | | battery is located behind the rear seats, so it |
| that continuously and automatically adjusts to | | | | can't be folded. |
| provide a more efficient and nearly unlimited | | | | Non-folding rear seats are rare in four-door |
| number of drive ratios. | | | | sedans but the consolation is small considering the |
| Since its redesign in 2006 (the 33rd year of the | | | | hybrid's vast attributes — economy to |
| vehicle's distribution in the United States) the Civic | | | | design, functionality to comfort. |
| no longer looks staid. It's now a sporty, full-sized | | | | Safety Features — Dual front, front side |
| sedan that comfortably seats five advances | | | | and side curtain airbags |
| down the road with authority. | | | | Fuel Mileage (estimates) — 40 mpg (city) |
| The exterior features include: chrome front grille, | | | | 45 mpg (highway). |
| angular front headlamps, a longer, slanted and | | | | Warranty — Bumper to bumper, 3 years |
| near panoramic front window and expanded | | | | 36,000 miles; Powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles, |
| length and width. An the interior also has a long | | | | Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles. |
| standard features list: 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 | | | | |