2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
2011 Honda Civic Hybrid Review
The Honda Civic has been a popular car for more than 35 years. New technology has improved the Civic over the years, and the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid will no doubt be a great car.
There will probably be some changes made to the exterior of the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid. Many of the interior features should carry over to the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid, although the design could change a bit. The new Civic Hybrid may include additional features.
If Honda makes engine changes for the new model year, the performance might be improved.
It has excellent gas mileage, but it doesn’t have the best gas mileage. Other cars perform better.
In the Civic, IMA consists of a 93-horsepower, 1.3-liter four-cylinder, assisted by a 20-hp electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission, plus a battery pack located near the rear of the car. Visibly, it would take a true gearhead or hybrid car fan to identify the Civic Hybrid from a standard Civic Sedan, at a distance. Standard-feature content in the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid is impressive. Power locks and windows, along with automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, a 160-watt audio system with an aux jack, and steering-wheel audio controls are all included, and options include a rather antiquated navigation system, satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free, and leather upholstery.
As soon as the second-generation Prius arrived on the scene in 2003, the Civic Hybrid was cast in its role as runner-up in the hybrid world.
Prius buyers usually spend at least a couple thousand more dollars to buy Toyota’s celebrity hybrid than those who drive off with a Civic. The other is the Prius look-alike 2011 Honda Insight.
Honda is on the fourth generation of its integrated engine/motor hybrid design. The system combines a 1.3 liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine with a 20-hp electric motor to deliver a total of 110 hp. In August of this year, Honda issued a “technical service bulletin” for model years 2006 through 2008 Civic Hybrids. The Civic Hybrid looks almost identical to the conventional gas-powered sedan, which was redesigned—to rave reviews—for the 2006 model. Honda has made few changes to that winning design.
In the lower tier behind the three-spoke steering wheel is the tachometer, fuel economy readout, and a hybrid gauge—showing how much the hybrid batteries are being recharged (via regenerative breaking) or being used to assist the gas engine. An Idle-Stop indicator flashes when the gasoline engine has completely shut down to prevent burning fuel when the vehicle is at a stop.
To satisfy them, the "Civic Hybrid" is loaded not just with cool lights, but also with useful technologies. While the "Civic Hybrid "scores high points for style, finish and ergonomics, the cabin doesn’t rank as well for cargo space and comfort in the back seat. The Honda Civic Hybrid has 10.4 cubic feet for cargo space. To make room for the hybrid system’s battery pack, Honda has eliminated the rear folding seats on the Civic Hybrid. Standard equipment is on par with the gas-powered Civic’s top EX trim level. Honda equips every Civic with anti-lock disk brakes with brake-force distribution, electronic stability and traction control and a full complement of airbags, including curtain-style bags. The Civic Hybrid doesn’t stray too far from its gasoline cousins. It is, simply, a pleasurable car. USA Today commented, “Like gasoline Civics, the hybrid test car had a sturdy, tight feel, as if it were modeled after a sport sedan. For 2011, the Civic Hybrid has a suggested retail price of $23,950, up $150 from 2010. A leather-trimmed interior package that includes heated front seats adds $1,200 as does the navigation package. In comparison, the Toyota Prius III, the most popular 2010 model with fuel economy rated at 50 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving, starts at $23,800 and includes satellite radio and Bluetooth. The Prius IV with leather trim makes a considerable jump to $26,600 and a navigation system that includes a backup camera (not available on the Civic Hybrid) retails for $2,380.
Even though the price comparison between the Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius tips the scale toward the Prius with its better fuel economy, the Civic Hybrid will satisfy shoppers who value the Honda Civic for its reliability and contemporary look, but really want a hybrid.
