Honda says that the 2012 Civic Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient sedan (i.e. not a hatchback) on U.S. roads. The all-new, ninth-generation 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, using a lithium ion battery for the first time, increases its average EPA fuel economy rating from 41 mpg to 44 mpg. The new model is rated at 44 in both city and highway driving.
The improvement in fuel economy solidifies the Civic Hybrid's second-place position for fuel economy among cars that don't plug into the grid. The 44-mpg average moves the Civic slightly closer to the Prius's 50-mpg level, and edges out the 42-mpg Lexus CT 200h. Honda makes the claim that the Civic Hybrid becomes the most fuel-efficient sedan – meaning it's not a hatchback – on U.S. roads.
In addition to the shift to lithium-ion batteries, the 2012 Civic Hybrid gains a larger gasoline engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder in place of a 1.3-liter. Combined gasoline and electric horsepower is unchanged at 110 and torque is up a nominal four pounds-feet, to 127. Yuuji Fujiki, chief engineer for Honda's IMA hybrid system, explained that the larger displacement allows the engine to run at lower RPMs, which in turn allows for more frequent use of the electric motor and produces a quieter ride.
Fujiki said every aspect of the hybrid system's design was tweaked for optimal efficiency – such as the motor that increases output from 15 kW to 20 kW, uses more coils and widely spaced magnets, and employs plastic spacers to better manage temperature. The motor provides up to 23 horsepower, a three horsepower gain over the previous motor.
The 20-kW Li-ion battery is more powerful by 5 kW and 30 percent lighter than the previous generation's nickel-metal hydride battery. The IMA system's greater power and the battery's 35 percent increase in efficiency allow the Civic Hybrid to operate more frequently on the electric motor's power alone in certain low-speed cruising situations.
There's a side benefit in going lithium: so the next generation of Civic Hybrid owners don't go postal.
The Civic Hybrid doesn't stray too far from its gasoline cousins. The Civic's ride and handling reputation of being among the very best in class continues. Tweaks to the all-independent suspension, the shorter wheelbase and a stiffer body provide a more refined ride comfort than the 2011 model while maintaining agile and responsive handling. Steering is nicely weighted and executes sharp cornering in an effortless manner.
Tough horsepower is the same, the larger displacement 1.5-liter four is more responsive than the previous 1.3-liter engine. While it won't win any stoplight drags, once up to speed it's a solid performer when merging onto freeways and passing.
Around town the Hybrid has a smooth, fairly well-damped ride and it's easy-to-drive and easy-to-park. The highway ride is firm, controlled and pleasant, not harsh. Bumps and those pesky expansion joints have a negligible impact.
Two things set the Hybrid apart from the gas Civics. First, while improved, the regenerative brakes still have a jerky pedal feel that take time to get used to. Second, and again improved, when the gas engine restarts after shutting down temporarily at stops, the car shudders as it gets up to speed.
For 2012, the base Civic Hybrid has a suggested retail price of $24,050, up $100 from 2011. A leather-trimmed interior package that includes heated front seats adds $1,200. Combine the leather with a navigation package and the sticker price is $27,150. In comparison, the Toyota Prius Three, the most popular 2011 model with fuel economy rated at 50 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving, starts at $24,520 and includes satellite radio.
In the past, Prius buyers usually spent at least a couple thousand more dollars to buy Toyota's celebrity hybrid than those who drove off with a Civic, but that has changed. Not only has the price gap narrowed, the Prius is a larger car and it's hatchback style allows the rear seats to fold forward, enlarging the cargo space from 21.6 cubic feet to nearly 40 cubic feet.
Even though the price comparison between the Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius tips the scale toward the Prius with its better fuel economy, the Civic Hybrid will satisfy shoppers who value the Honda Civic for its reliability and contemporary look, but really want a hybrid. And, if the Prius design is not your cup of tea, and you can live with a compact rather than a mid-size sedan, then the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is worth a strong consideration.
