| How to Save Money by Greener Driving |
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| Green Car
Guide |
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The Top 10 Green Cars
| Small Family Cars |
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Petrol Electric Hybrid
2. Honda Civic Hybrid
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| Model/Engine size: 1.3 IMA 4 door |
| Fuel: Petrol Electric Hybrid |
Fuel economy combined:
61.4mpg |
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Summary
The Civic Hybrid is the UK’s only competitor to the Toyota Prius, and has recently undergone a major overhaul. Now into its third generation, Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system is well proven. In order to extract the maximum fuel consumption from the new model, Honda has fitted a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
The hybrid Civic is only available as a saloon, which is a strange decision given that Brits don’t buy saloons of this size. Honda UK are well aware of this too, and were assuring us 18 months ago that the new hybrid would be offered in UK friendly hatchback form. The decision is all the more galling given the futuristic design of the hatch compared to the rather more conservatively styled hybrid.
Still, the new hybrid is a major step forward compared to the previous model. More power, more torque and better economy are the headlines, but there is more to it than that. The interior is very well finished and space is impressive too with a genuine 5 adult capability and a decent boot.
The Civic is always going to be compared to the Prius, even though they are very different cars. They have similar fuel consumption, similar performance and both have state of the art hybrid systems. However, on the road the old Civic was deeply disappointing to drive, the new one is genuinely entertaining. The chassis is well balanced thanks to its independent rear suspension. By contrast the hatch has to make do with a less sophisticated torsion beam set-up. This means that the Hybrid is light on its feet, although the steering lacks weight and feel.
The fantastic fuel consumption, which is better than the diesels in this class, is also achieved without the air quality-damaging emissions that are a by-product of diesel engines. The Civic is therefore the most environmental option. It is also a very accomplished cruiser with nicely damped suspension and a quiet and comfortable cabin. |
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| Fuel economy extra urban: 65.7mpg |
| Fuel economy urban: 54.3mpg |
| CO2 emissions: 109g/km |
| Green rating: VED band B - £15 a year |
| Weight: 1297 Kg |
| Company car tax liability (2007): 12% |
| Price: £16,300 |
| Insurance group: 7 |
| Safety: NCAP N/A (Honda Civic hatch 4 star) |
| Max speed: 115mph |
| 0-60mph: 12.1 seconds |
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