Great! Another Christmas toy with batteries

As the year draws to a close, couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend some time in one of those hybrids everyone made such a fuss about.

We tested the 2006 Honda Civic. Honda first offered the hybrid in the 2003 model year, and for this model year all Civics, hybrid included, got a major redesign.

The sheet metal is a little more distinctive, though still somewhat bland. The car tested was pastel blue. It looked like a couple boxes of Pampers should be included. While a pleasant and peaceful color, can't expect too many men will go for a baby blue sedan--whether it conserves petrol or not.

But the new look is secondary to the new mileage and the fact the '06 Civic hybrid offers better mileage--49 m.p.g. city and 51 m.p.g. highway--than its predecessor--48/47.

Mileage is higher because Civic's 4-cylinder gas engine borrowed the cylinder deactivation system from the V-6 Accord hybrid.

Accord shuts off 3 of 6 cylinders to conserve fuel; Civic shuts off all 4 and relies on battery power between 25 and 35 m.p.h. It also shuts off all cylinders when you coast.

You may never obtain the optimum 48/51, but you'll still do better than the 30/40 in the gas-powered Civic sedans with their 1.8-liter 4-cylinders. Have to say, however, that 30/40 is pretty good.

If higher mileage, greater driving range and fewer stops at the pump are your primary concerns, you'll do well to check out the Civic hybrid.

But keep in mind that 48/51 rating on the window sticker is an estimate, not a blood oath or money-back guarantee that this is the mileage you will obtain.

Full Article