What Is It?
2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
What's Special About It?
Honda's recent revamp of the Civic lineup is now complete with today's debut of the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. It will hit dealers in October.
President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Takeo Fukui, proudly announced that the new 1.3-liter Civic Hybrid offers a 20-percent increase in power from the previous Civic Hybrid, now achieving output similar to a 1.8-liter engine.
The new four-cylinder is paired with an improved Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. The IMA system now includes a smaller motor, more efficient batteries, and a continuously variable transmission with slightly different gearing. The engine by itself produces 94 horsepower, and gains an additional 20 hp with the assist of the electric motor, while achieving fuel-efficiency of 50 mpg for both the city and highway.
Most importantly, it can now be driven under battery-only power like a Toyota Prius, which is quieter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is 170 percent improved from the previous Civic Hybrid.
Unique to the hybrid's exterior are clear turn signal lenses, a small spoiler, futuristic-looking wheels and sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, while the interior gets funky blue lighting.
Standard features include remote keyless entry, a 160-watt audio system with an MP3 auxiliary jack and steering wheel-mounted controls, plus automatic climate control and 15-inch wheels.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The outgoing Civic Hybrid was boring, and never offered the funky appeal of the current Prius. Although the latest Civic Hybrid still closely resembles the rest of the new Civic lineup, the whole model line has moved up several notches on the style meter, allowing the Civic Hybrid to look modern and cool, even if it still looks like the rest of the family. — Kelly Toepke
2006 Honda Civic Hybrid
What's Special About It?
Honda's recent revamp of the Civic lineup is now complete with today's debut of the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. It will hit dealers in October.
President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Takeo Fukui, proudly announced that the new 1.3-liter Civic Hybrid offers a 20-percent increase in power from the previous Civic Hybrid, now achieving output similar to a 1.8-liter engine.
The new four-cylinder is paired with an improved Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. The IMA system now includes a smaller motor, more efficient batteries, and a continuously variable transmission with slightly different gearing. The engine by itself produces 94 horsepower, and gains an additional 20 hp with the assist of the electric motor, while achieving fuel-efficiency of 50 mpg for both the city and highway.
Most importantly, it can now be driven under battery-only power like a Toyota Prius, which is quieter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is 170 percent improved from the previous Civic Hybrid.
Unique to the hybrid's exterior are clear turn signal lenses, a small spoiler, futuristic-looking wheels and sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, while the interior gets funky blue lighting.
Standard features include remote keyless entry, a 160-watt audio system with an MP3 auxiliary jack and steering wheel-mounted controls, plus automatic climate control and 15-inch wheels.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The outgoing Civic Hybrid was boring, and never offered the funky appeal of the current Prius. Although the latest Civic Hybrid still closely resembles the rest of the new Civic lineup, the whole model line has moved up several notches on the style meter, allowing the Civic Hybrid to look modern and cool, even if it still looks like the rest of the family. — Kelly Toepke
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clanders says:
10:15 AM, 07/28/2010
I have had this car for 4 years and the CVT transmission just went out with only 92k miles. American Honda seems to think that this meet the standards that Honda owner expect. I expected to own this car 10 years and put 200k to 300k miles on it; i guessed wrong. Honda cannot repair the CVT and only replace them at $5700. Doesn't meet my Honda standards, how about you?