2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Review

Overview

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is a sporty five-passenger sedan that offers a fresh look and advanced technological features. The Civic Hybrid employs the advanced Integrated Motor Assist IMA hybrid technology and includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and an available leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and heated side mirrors.

Power and performance

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is equipped with Honda's hybrid technology Integrated Motor Assist System that consists of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC Inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. The engine is teamed with a lightweight, high-output 15 kilowatt electric motor to produce a combined 110 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A smooth continuously variable transmission is standard on this car. The Civic Hybrid qualifies as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle. *The 2012 Civic Hybrid now achieves an EPA estimated 44 city/44 highway mpg

Body and styling

The Civic Hybrid is built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform to deliver refined and sharp handling with its fully-independent McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. The Civic Hybrid comes with the handy average fuel consumption indicator; digital fuel-mileage indicators; low-fuel and low-oil pressure indicators; and idle-stop functions. Standard convenience features include heated front seats with leather; heated side mirrors; leather-wrapped steering wheel; reclining front seatbacks; power windows with auto-up/down; two-tier instrument panel; cruise control; front beverage holders; center console with sliding armrest and storage compartment; map lights; 15-inch alloy wheels; all-season tires; 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers; speed-sensitive volume control; and MP3/auxiliary input jack.

Safety Features

The wide array of standard safety devices offered on the 2012 Civic Hybrid include emergency trunk release; side-impact door beams; anti-lock braking system with brake assist and electronic brake distribution; daytime running lights; tire pressure monitoring system; dual-stage dual-threshold front airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side occupant position detection system; side curtain airbags; outboard lower anchors and tethers for children; 3-point seatbelts at all seating positions; front seatbelts with automatic-tensioners and load limiters; vehicle stability assist with traction control; and active head restraints.