2007 Honda Civic Hybrid

Design

The refined styling incorporates a sweeping roofline, a sleek, sharply raked windscreen – 23.9 degrees – and short overhangs that emphasise the vehicle’s advanced monoform profile and low, wide stance.

Ultra-tight body panel fit contributes to the outstanding aerodynamics. A chin spoiler and an under cover reduce air turbulence around the engine, rear wheels and rear bumper, while a lip spoiler on the boot lid cleans up the airflow behind the vehicle.

In order to accommodate the steeply raked windscreen and its significant surface area, outboard mounted opposable windscreen wipers are used that cover more surface area than typical wipers and the blade bodies have a flat design that makes air flow push the wiper blades firmly against the glass. And like the Civic 5-door, side indicators are incorporated into the door mirrors.

The wheels are also special low-drag alloys, designed for the Civic Hybrid, and these help make the car even more aerodynamic.

 Styling

The new Civic Hybrid is based on the 4-door saloon version of the 8th Generation Civic. It is wider and lower than the old Civic IMA, which means it has a sleek, futuristic appearance that also benefits packaging efficiency, handling and ride quality.

Compared to its predecessor, it has grown 65mm in overall length (4545 mm) and 35mm in width (1750mm) and its 2700mm wheelbase is 75mm longer. Height has been reduced by 5mm. The front track is 35mm wider (1505mm) and the rear track is 60mm wider (1545mm).

Vehicle weight has increased by approximately 100kgs – a relatively small gain considering the addition of extensive standard safety equipment, new features and greatly increased bending and torsional rigidity. With 50 per cent total high strength steel content and advanced new structural engineering, torsional rigidity increases by 35 per cent.

Of note is a fuel tank manufactured from an innovative six-layer polyethylene composite design that provides zero evaporative emissions performance while also decreasing weight and increasing fuel capacity.

There is also a new front subframe produced from hydroformed elements for increased strength and rigidity. Special rubber floating mounts minimise the level of road and engine noise and vibration transferred to the passenger compartment.

Interior

As you’d expect inside a sophisticated machine, the interior of the Civic Hybrid is high-quality and features the latest technology, loads of storage and innovative ergonomics.

Like the 2006 Civic 5-door model, the Hybrid features a two tier, ‘dual zone’ instrument panel with the dashboard split into functional upper and lower ‘links’. Priority gauges like the speedometer are positioned high up in the driver’s field of vision. The design takes advantage of the generous dashboard space from the steeply raked windscreen.

Unique to the Civic Hybrid, instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed in the upper level of the instrument panel, while the lower level displays battery charge level along with instantaneous IMA ‘charge’ and ‘assist’ displays, and ‘AUTO STOP’ to indicate when the engine is in idle stop mode. The odometer will also display average fuel economy for Trip A and Trip B.

The standard automatic climate control system is operated by means of two large and easy to use dials.

The relatively small diameter steering wheel is adjustable for rake and reach and features audio controls on the left hand side. The front seats have been completely redesigned with a wider and more supportive seat construction and the driving position has been optimised in relation to the steering wheel and vehicle controls.

During the design stages, the focus was on increasing interior utility and the perception of space inside the Hybrid. However, hip room, shoulder room and knee room in all seating positions is improved.

Meanwhile, we’ve got the priorities right; this car has really good cup-holders! The generous centre storage console features a large sliding armrest. Even when extended fully forward, the armrest still provides enough clearance for the cupholder to accommodate a large-size beverage cup. The gear stick is positioned within easy reach and its compact size allows the provision of a storage tray in front and behind (with room for mobiles) and a business card holder on the right hand side. The instrument panel provides multiple storage zones – a spacious glove box and a centre stack lower pocket/tray – while every door has a large storage pocket.

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