Honda Civic 2005 review

After three months behind the wheel of Toyota's Prius we thought it only fair to devote an equal amount of time to Honda's equivalent, the hybrid-powered Civic.

The two cars are the only hybrid-powered vehicles currently available on Australian market.

Like Prius, the Civic Hybrid uses a combination of petrol and electric power to achieve remarkable fuel economy.

It has a small 1.3-litre four cylinder i-DSI VTEC ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) petrol engine supplemented by an ultra-thin electric motor that is located between the engine and transmission.

The petrol engine produces 63kW of power at 5700rpm and 119Nm of torque at 3300rpm.

Combined with the assistance of the 10kW electric motor, total power output rises to 69kW at 5700rpm and 146Nm of torque at 2000rpm, with the electric motor's extra torque instantly on tap.

The Honda's power output is less than the Prius whose larger 1.5-litre engine produces 82kW in total but the Civic is the lighter of the two at 1190kg versus 1295kg.

Like the Prius, the Civic employs a Continuously Variable automatic transmission (CVT) to maximise performance and economy.

The shiftless system is smoother than conventional automatics with less torque loss, allowing the driver to make the most of the engines characteristics.

Aerodynamic aids have also been added to achieve a low wind drag co-efficient. The Hybrid's front bumper, engine undercover, rear floor side under covers and rear spoiler are shaped to improve airflow over the car.

The car also rolls on low rolling resistance 185/70 R14 88H tyres.

The resulting fuel economy, Honda claims, is 5.2 litres per 100km.

So far our test car's consumption seems to be a little higher than the Toyota's, with our last tank of fuel achieving 730km at a rate of 6.2L/100km, using 47.97 litres of the 50-litre tank.

The Prius which averaged 5.52L/100km in the time we had it.

The Honda is a very different car but equally as impressive.

One thing we miss from the Prius, however, is cruise control which is not included.

Contrary to popular opinion, cruise is a convenience item rather than a fuel saving device.

Hybrid Civic, priced from $29,990, costs $6510 less than Prius.