Honda Civic Hybrid – Long Test An eco-friendly car with high performances We asked Honda to give us Civic Hybrid for a long test, to verify vehicle's performances and reliability even in a long period. The result has been surprisingly positive: by the way the hybrids technology is so developed now that we can be optimistic about the future of our environment. The Civic Hybrid's most important exterior feature is the fact that it uses revolutionary technlogy: less fuel, which means low emissions and less impact on the environment. All environmentally responsible vehicles are evolving so much, that we can hope for a future characterized by innovation and development. Design This Japanese sedan does not hide its oriental origins, with a well-balanced design and an appreciated style. The Civic's spoilers improve the Civic's aerodynamics, reduce wind noise, and improve efficiency. The Hybrid's light weighted alloy wheels are not just designed to look good, but also to be aerodynamic, and that way you also use less fuel. Civic Hybrid is 4545 mm long, 1750 mm wide and 1430 mm high. The vehicle uses 50% high resistance steel and new advanced structural solutions. The level of noise developed from engine and wheels is reduced, and even vibrations inside the vehicle are minimal: inside, there is a pleasant silence, which shows a particular attention for driving comfort. Inside the main feature is a well studied ergonomics; The first thing that sudden hits is the Civic Hybrid's dashboard, which is a little bit special. It is called “dual zone”, as the major instruments are in the centre, with less important information around the edge. In the dashboard both battery level and electric engine assistance are displayed, and even the Auto Stop function, to mark when the engine automatically turns off. That way, you do not need to take your eyes off the road. What is also characteristic is the3-spoke steering-wheel, with its lightly elliptical shape. Double engine Two are the engines that power the Civic: a 4 cylinders fuel 1339 cc i-VTEC, which develops a peak power of 95 hp at 6000 RPM, and a peak torque of 123 Nm at 4600 RPM. Moreover, an electric motor called IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) that helps out the petrol engine, adding further 20 hp at 2000 RPM, for a total power of 115 hp at 6000 RPM and a torque of 167 Nm at 2500 RPM. The charging system projected by Honda works like this: When the vehicle stops, the traditional engine stops, lowering the emissions; when the vehicle gets both a low and a high acceleration, the traditional engine is helped out by the electric motor; when the vehicle goes at low speed, the vehicle is powered by petrol engine; at last, when there is deceleration, the electric motor charges battery. Our Long Test We have tested Honda Civic Hybrid for a couple of weeks, even on hard roads: extra-urban areas, hills and highway. Well, we can say that driving sensations are the same of a traditional vehicle, and thanks to the surprising silence, driving comfort is very high. Even after this long test our opinion stays the same: a very funcional and safe vehicle. Civic Hybrids feels, drives and sounds like a conventional car, even if it is not. Safety Civic Hybrid has series ABS, also with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Vehicle Stability Assist. The vehicle also provides head on, front and side air bags, with active headrests. Moreover, Anti-lock Braking System and child seats. Price According to the Japanese manufacturers' sell estimations, units will cost 23.900 euro, for a complete car with many series optionals. In our opinion, Honda Civic Hybrid is an incredibly innovative car, an eco-friendly car which represents a further step towards, we hope, a cleaner future.

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