The hybrid powerplant easily manages to keep the Civic in the thick of traffic but it ought to be said that this is not a powerful car by any stretch. Highway passing must be carefully planned, and don't expect to snap a quick left turn from a dead stop in front of quickly approaching traffic.

By the time the gas engine fires-up and sufficient power finds the front wheels you may be a hood ornament. Really though, the Civic Hybrid was never intended to inspire performance-minded drivers; its true strength is in providing eco-friendly highly efficient transportation that's comfortable and stylish. And it does so remarkably well.

Within normal driving parameters, the Civic's hybrid powerplant is docile and unobtrusive.

Within normal driving parameters, the Civic's hybrid powerplant is docile and unobtrusive. Squeezing every last scintilla of performance from it will generate a fair amount of engine buzz as the CVT holds the gas mill at its 6,300-rpm redline. Also detectable is a little more road noise permeating the cabin than desirable.

Due I presume to the regenerative function of the brake arrangement, a quick snap of the brake pedal nets a harder hit than expected. The brakes work just fine however some time to acclimate to their sensitivity is needed.

Civic Hybrid, how civilized
I truly enjoyed my time behind the wheel of this week's hybrid. It's a relaxing car to drive that displays more polish, refinement and standard equipment, including occupant protection, than one would expect; and with a price tag of $26,350 more value too. The 2008 Civic Hybrid normalizes hybrid ownership- it's just that good.


Photo Credit : Rob Rothwell