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Honda Civic

Honda Civic Hybrid

It's the world's most efficient petrol-engined saloon - a car built to demonstrate the practicality of some of Honda's most advanced technology. Say hello to the all-new Civic Hybrid, a machine which aims to establish the Japanese firm as a global leader among electric engine builders.

March 2002

It's the world's most efficient petrol-engined saloon - a car built to demonstrate the practicality of some of Honda's most advanced technology. Say hello to the all-new Civic Hybrid, a machine which aims to establish the Japanese firm as a global leader among electric engine builders.

Destined to rival Toyota's established Prius hybrid, the new Civic is powered by an efficient 1.3-litre petrol engine and a 144-volt electric unit. Under normal driving conditions, the two motors operate independently, constantly altering the speed at which they run to ensure the car uses the minimum of fuel. In heavy traffic the Hybrid can also cut out, saving petrol and electricity as it coasts.

Capable of returning nearly 84mpg, the Civic promises to leave conventional diesel and petrol-engined competitors stranded at filling station forecourts. The system that offers this impressive fuel economy is based on the powertrain Honda developed for its two-seater Insight, but is both smaller and lighter. As a result, both engines are compact enough to fit under the bonnet, and the underfloor battery pack barely eats into luggage space.

Although the car is not yet on sale in the UK, Auto Express has already tested an early example, and we were extremely impressed by the performance and refinement. At idle, the engine is barely audible, and there's next to no vibration fed into the cabin.

The Honda's CVT gearbox is swift to respond to the throttle, and keeps engine revs steady under hard acceleration. Despite its size, the Civic feels surprisingly nimble. With both motors running together, performance is comparable to rivals' conventionally engined models, with a 0-60mph time of around 13 seconds and a 110mph top speed.

The Civic does without the Insight's lightweight aluminium and aerodynamic panels to keep costs down, giving the Hybrid a price similar to rivals' turbodiesel models. That means the car could be ί¿½15,000 when it is expected to go on sale late next year. Add to that the tax and fuel savings, and it's clear to see that Honda has taken a major step into the future.

Based on technology that drove the impressive Insight, this new Civic is a technological masterpiece, mixing incredible fuel economy with usable performance and a practical body. The build quality of the car we tested was second to none and on the road it proved as refined as much more exclusive models, while remaining nimble and easy to drive. The Civic is quick enough to keep pace with its conventionally engined rivals, and we can't wait until it hits Britain.

At a glance

* Civic Hybrid expected to go on sale in 2003, priced from ί¿½15,000

* Honda is powered by a mix of electric and petrol engines

* Available in saloon form only

* Boasts 0-60mph time of 13 seconds; top speed of 110mph

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