Hybrid of the Year

The 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid should become part of the costume of this, the American commuting society – serving the multitudes that live far away from work and like it that way. Or tolerate it, at least, for the manicured lawns, quiet streets and family-friendly environment of ex-urbia. The Honda Civic Hybrid makes that drive between home and office much easier, saving money today and reducing emissions for a cleaner future world. Because it’s clean, because it gets close to 50 mpg without trying hard, because it’s roomy enough for four adults, and because it costs less than the average price of a new car sold today, it’s the 2006 Autobytel Editors’ Choice for Hybrid of the Year.

Powered by Honda’s latest Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology, the 2006 Civic Hybrid is more powerful than the outgoing model, but is also more fuel-efficient and cleaner. Assisting the electric motor is a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine. Combined, the powertrain makes 110 horsepower and a real-world fuel efficiency rating of around 47 miles per gallon. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers power to the front wheels, and is the only transmission this year. Standard safety equipment includes dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; seat-mounted front side-impact airbags; front and rear side-curtain airbags; antilock brakes with independent electronic rear brake distribution and brake assist; and active head restraints. The almost identical Honda Civic sedan with a 1.8-liter conventional four-cylinder engine earns the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Best Pick – Gold rating for safety.

As a well-equipped, modern car, there’s no surprise that the Honda Civic Hybrid delivers the goods. On the road, some hybrids sacrifice performance in order to gain efficiency, and while the Civic Hybrid feels a bit heavy compared to the regular Civic and the CVT takes a little time to get used to, after awhile you’ll forget to keep noticing. There’s more than enough power, the car is remarkably quiet, and while the low resistance tires make the ride somewhat stiff, we’re willing to make the trade for fuel economy in the upper forties – no EPA fairy tale here. – Brian Chee