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Honda Civic Hybrid 2009 Road Test Report

2009

The revised model of the Civic Hybrid is new for 2009, it utilises the same technology under the bonnet as the previous Civic Hybrid – in that it has a 1.3 litre petrol engine with IMA (the battery) - but has received a welcome face lift, giving it a contemporary look more in line with the Civic and Accord; where as the older model looked a little dated, that cannot be said of the 2009 car.

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Performance

The 2009 Civic Hybrid features the same petrol-electric drive train as its predecessor; therefore it is still Honda’s lowest CO2 emitting car, at a low 109 g/km (B Category for VED purposes.) Fuel economy is also one of the cars strong points with a combined mpg of a frugal 61.4. As you would expect with a car aimed squarely at the environmentally conscience market the car is not designed for high speeds or aggressive acceleration, instead behind the wheel you have a tendency to want to drive conservatively, you find yourself glancing at the mpg dial and the battery indicator. In urban situations, driving under 30mph and with a light right foot (and on level ground), the battery can take over entirely, this takes a bit of practice but the results are increased fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Ride & Handling

The car offers a fairly firm ride, similar in many respects to other Civics, and does not drive any differently from the previous Civic Hybrid. The car is a larger animal than a standard Civic so handling feels a little less responsive than a sporty Type S or Type R but I found no problems with cornering around the twisting country lanes on my test drive.

Build Quality & Reliability

As you would expect with any Honda-badged car, the Civic Hybrid is one well made vehicle. The build quality is of a high standard, which is reflected in Honda’s 3 year/90,000 mile warranty. The doors close with a reassuring thud, the car ‘feels’ well put together, and the overall impression is one of quality. Honda is also confident on the quality and reliability of the IMA component with an 8 year warranty.

Safety & Security

While the car does not hit the magic 5 star rating for Occupant rating in the Euro NCAP, it does achieve a very respectable 4 star rating, while also offering a impressive 4 star rating on Child Protection and 3 star rating for Pedestrian protection. The Civic Hybrid benefits from having dual curtain AND front and side airbags. Security is also impressive with a CAT 1 alarm system and the usual Honda Superlocks.

Space & Practicality

Larger than a standard civic, the Hybrid has enough room to accommodate 4 good sized adults comfortably, and also comes with a good sized boot – plenty of room for you numerous “bags for life” shopping.

Ownership & Value

In all respects the Honda is every bit a “standard” car; just because it has benefits from utilising Hybrid technology doesn’t place any particular extra or unconventional demands on the owner. People are opting for the car on the basis of its high fuel economy, and low CO2 emissions, but this comes at a price, the Civic Hybrid is more expensive than going down the route of a frugal diesel, but if you get a warm glow by doing your bit of the environment then its money well spent!

Submitted: 03/12/2008 10:35:00

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