Honda Civic Hybrid 2008

Australian price $32990 4 door sedan Approx drive away

!st generation(2003-2006)
It began back in 2003 with its 1.3 Vtec lean burn internal combustion engine. The electric motor is a brushless 15 Kw. The batteries in the Honda gen 1 are 120V Nickel-metal hydride with a 6.0 a.h capacity. This vehicle was not a plug in nor was it able to be adapted for this purpose. In the USA along with the Multimatic S continuously variable transmission a 5 spd manual was available.

2nd Generation (2006-Present Model)
Power increased to 69Kw @ 6000 rpm and the 1.3 lt engine remained basically the same with the improvement of VCM variable Cylinder management and a 3rd stage of i-Vtec. Manual trans is not available EPA increase to 40 mpg (US) (5.9 L/100 km, 16.94 km/L) city, 45 mpg (US) (5.2 L/100 km, 19.23 km/L) highway.

Honda Hybrid Stats

Engine:             1.3 L I4 SOHC
electric:             156 volt 15 kW
Transmission CVT
Wheelbase      106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length              176.7 in (4488 mm)
Width                 69.0 in (1753 mm)
Height                56.3 in (1430 mm)
Fuel capacity   12.3 US gal. / 50 litres

Safety features Honda Civic Hybrid

Hybrid3-Point Seat Belts at All Seating Positions
Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Seat-Belt Reminder
Adjustable Front Seat-Belt Anchors
Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant
Position Detection System (OPDS)
Side Curtain Airbags
Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Active Head Restraints
Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACET) Body Structure
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
Brake Assist
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Outboard Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
Emergency Trunk Opener

Honda Civic Hybrid generation 2 Review from cars.com

Honda supports the green rebate for hybrid vehicles in Australia;

Honda Australia, which provides Australia’s top-selling hybrid vehicle to the private sector, the Honda Civic Hybrid has welcomed an announcement by the WA Government that it would introduce a “Clean, Green Car Rebate” of $250 per annum.

Honda Australia’s Managing Director Mr Yasuhide Mizuno said that the company welcomed any initiative which promoted sustainability and helped make hybrids more affordable.

“The Honda Civic Hybrid is already Australia’s most affordable hybrid and this promise of a rebate of $1,000 over four years should prove attractive to people looking to make an environmentally sound motor vehicle purchase,” Mr Mizuno said.

The question will no doubt be asked "how does it compare with Toyota Prius?" Well in a nut shell the Civic has a more powerful petrol engine but the electric is less than Prius. Words from the experts relating to Prius second generation is that fuel economy is better than the Civic but the civic is a better car to drive . Ultimately the choice will depend on personal preferences. For Australian readers the Civics price is $32990 AUD and has a 3year 100,000km warranty. It also has been reported that the Honda civic is smoother on the road and is less technology based. This may have a better appeal to the older less technology based buyers. It also in general appears to be cheaper in price. Both the Toyota and Honda have good reports worldwide. Will the anticipated Holden Commodore Hybrid dent this smaller car hybrid market ? well...No