Honda Civic Hybrid 2006 Review

That is a vexed question and the answer in cold hard economic terms is no. It would take decades to recoup the price differential especially given the fuel efficiency of new sub- 1.8-litre engines.

But there is another attraction with hybrid cars and that is their green credentials. If everyone drove one, there'd be no greenhouse crisis, cities wouldn't be cloaked in a grey/ brown patina, oil reserves would last years longer and human health would be better.

Honda is one of only three manufacturers with a hybrid petrol/electric car available in Australia. The new Civic Hybrid sedan hit the market this week selling for $31,990.

It looks just like the other Civic sedans except for special alloy wheels and is made in Japan, not Thailand.

This is the second Hybrid Civic from Honda and is a step up technologically though the mechanical essentials are similar to the previous model.

Motive power comes from a 1.3-litre petrol four cylinder with variable valve timing hooked up to an electric motor driving the front wheels through a CVT auto transmission.

A battery pack captures and stores electricity from the engine under deceleration and when braking.

The car is capable of running purely on electricity at less than 40km/h.

Power output is a healthy 85kW with 170Nm of torque - up substantially on the previous model. Average fuel consumption despite more power and weight is better at around 5.2L/100km.

On the road, the hybrid is an interesting drive partly because of the one-gear CVT that allows the engine to rev freely and also because everything shuts down when the car comes to standstill.

It fires up as soon as the brakes are let off and the throttle is pressed.

Performance is pretty good, rating about the same as a 1.5-litre car overall. It's a bit hesitant off idle but accelerates well once underway.

Handling and ride characteristics are the same as on the VTi Civic - competent and slightly sporty.

The car is well equipped, has six airbags and a comprehensive array of features.

But would I buy one?

No.

I would buy the Civic VTi auto at around $23,000 and put nine grand in my pocket. I'd still have a clear conscience about the environment because the VTi is already an ultra low emission vehicle.

It has the edge in performance, the five- speed auto is more user friendly and there would be minimal penalty at the bowser.