Honda Civic Hybrid
Performance and Handling
Performance wise, the Honda Civic Hybrid basically has 20% higher power compared to its predecessor. The 1.4-liter petrol engine is able to produce 94bhp and 113bhp when assisted by an electric motor. That is already reasonable as power output for cars of its size.
The combination of the gasoline engine and electric motor makes up for a leaner and lower fuel consumption, which translates to greater savings and less costs. The gasoline engine is functional upon start of the car. As you drive along at low and steady speeds, the car silently shifts into the electric power until you press for greater acceleration. When you do so, you can sense that the petrol engine starts to kick in.
On the road, you can heavily rely and take comfort for driving the Honda Civic Hybrid. The vehicle is leaning a lot in the corners. That is because the car is following the design of the standard Civic saloon. There is a soft suspension that makes the vehicle practically feel like floating over crests.
When cruising, you could practically find the Honda Civic Hybrid well refined. When driving, you and your passenger would feel like you are in a standstill as silence is maintained even when you are speeding. The shift from gasoline to electric and back to gasoline engines is done seamlessly.
Just like other hybrid cars, the Honda Civic Hybrid makes use of a regenerative braking system that enables charging of the batteries especially when brakes are getting functional. Thus, when the car is decelerating, the mechanical energy is practically converted and stored into electrical. The number of batteries built in and integrated into the car makes this feature truly remarkable. And the regenerative braking system facilitates more energy efficiency.
Moreover, there is an integrated stop-start system that enables the engine to cut out during traffic and junctions so that wasteful and unnecessary idling can be greatly lowered, if not totally reduced. When that happens, the car immediately fires back as the driver steps into the accelerator. The car has a continuously variable transmission of CVT system that provides smoother progress at speed. However, this makes the vehicle a little jerky especially when picking up speed from a standstill.
As for handling, Honda Civic Hybrid grips well. It has an outstanding sharp steering that is very much pleasant and ideal especially when driving around. Suspension is firm enough and there are low resistance tyres that are fitted to back increased fuel economy.
