The Civic adds another element to Honda’s multifaceted, once-small sedan with the Hybrid model. Whereas the Civic Si offers a sporty yet practical side and the Civic Type R shows off its inherent racing ability, the Hybrid delivers not just the expected efficiency bump, but it also adds a class-above level of driving ease and refinement.
Honda’s hybrid system is unique in its design, enabling EV-like smooth and quick acceleration without sacrificing the refueling convenience of today’s gas-powered cars. Now in its fourth generation, its essential design remains a traction motor that distributes power to the front axle, a neatly fitted battery pack that requires no loss to interior room, and an engine that primarily serves to recharge the battery pack through the second motor. As an additional party trick, the engine can also power the wheels directly when deemed most efficient. With this design comes a narrower scope of work for the engine, allowing it to be optimized to the point where it is one of the most thermally efficient engines ever mass-produced.
And despite the focus on efficiency, it is clear that Honda hasn’t forgotten about the appeal of familiarity and the need to “delight” those who appreciate driving.
The Civic Hybrid makes full use of its torquey motor for a smart shove off the line and up to highway speeds, and at the audible end, the engine mimics shifts as if it were mated to a fixed-gear transmission. Together, it’s an unexpectedly entertaining experience.
The Civic Hybrid may approach its sportier siblings when it comes to off-the-line acceleration, but it leaves legit mechanical performance upgrades, such as a limited-slip front differential and a torque-steer-reducing suspension design, to the Si and Type R. Instead, the Hybrid is far better suited for commuting than blasting up a winding mountain road, as the battery quickly winds down and acceleration becomes reliant on the capable, but eco-minded engine.
When left to more typical driving duties, the Hybrid’s 10.6-gallon fuel tank provides enough fuel for over 500 miles, and, as icing on the cake, it’s OK with regular gas when it’s time to refuel. What is less than stellar, however, but on par for a Civic, is the level of road noise, which challenges the Bose stereo for dominance at highway speeds.
The Civic offers the Hybrid in two well-equipped trims and as either a sedan or hatchback. That flexibility allows existing (and experienced) Honda manufacturing plants (in Ohio and Indiana) to more easily adapt their existing processes.
After a few-year hiatus, the Hybrid returns to the Civic lineup, where it feels right at home. The added everyday performance is a perfect match for the athletic chassis, while the low operating costs and boost in refinement are attractive to those who appreciate good engineering. After spending a week with the Civic Hybrid (provided at no cost by Honda), it became clear that the Hybrid doesn’t necessarily serve as another outward branch of the Civic lineup; rather, it is far more core to the brand. It’s refined, delivers smiles, and is an outstanding value. That sounds like your typical Civic to me.