Honda's compact car was first introduced in 1972 as a small, inexpensive hatchback. The Civic Si made a comeback in 2002, and the Civic Hybrid was added as a 2003 model with a gas-electric hybrid technology. For 2006 the Honda Civic was revamped throughout trims. This eighth generation Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Civic comes in two body styles, three engines, four transmissions, and five trim levels.

The Civic Hybrid is the recipient of the prestigious Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. Its battery pack is rigged out for maximum mileage and comes with a 96 month /80,000-mile warranty.

In the preceding model year the Civic received a redesigned instrument panel, a telescoping steering wheel, side-curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, 4-channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), active front-seat head restraints, and most of all, higher horsepower.

Since inception, the Civic has been consistently synonymous with reliable performance and fuel efficiency. Sky-rocketing gasoline prices combined with its spanking new haute couture looks will therefore ensure an appreciative audience.

It wears a sporty-sleek aerodynamic body with a swooping roofline, and a broader stance. The interiors combine functionality with form and style. Revised suspensions deliver a refined ride quality.

The Civic Hybrid is rigged out with a 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that shells out 110 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a DC brushless electric motor engineered to be environment friendly. Honda avers that “Every 2007 Civic Hybrid has a plastic-resin fuel tank that does not produce any evaporative emissions”.

Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) provides added power with a permanent-magnet electric motor placed between the engine and transmission.

The standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) renders an EPA estimated fuel economy of 49/51 mpg (city/highway).

The Honda Civic went through a thorough re-do for 2006. In a bid to help the Civic gain ground in the sport-compact market, Honda has added on reinforced mounting points and gussets to facilitate suspension and various other changes without compromising on body integrity.

Subtle styling changes mark the front fascia. Positioned at the lower portion is a single, broad air intake, while upwardly angled slender headlamp assemblies curve around the fenders.

It features a monoform design; the leading edge of the windshield reaches into the hood right up to the centre of the front wheel wells. The rear view of each body style is markedly different.

The hybrid has a BMW-like vertical trunk lid that moves across from a high crest adding to its sleek contour. Integrated rear-window antenna and multi-reflector halogen headlights are among its standard features.

The Civic’s instrument arrangement is unusual. The digital speedometer and gas gauge are placed at the base of the windshield, while the analog tachometer stays at the same location as before.

The rear legroom gains 1.4 inches. An LCD window that combines the navigation display and an audio setting is located in the centre of the dash above the climate control panel. Dividing the upper and lower halves of the dash is a wide but shallow glove box.

A shallow storage bin with a power point and an audio input jack lies on the left side below the climate control panel. Armrests provide good support. Every door features a plastic map pocket. The rear of the front passenger seatback has a magazine pouch.

The trunk has a spare tire well that is large enough to hold a full-size tire in the event of a flat. Oversize rear doors provide easy rear seat access. Plastic trim elements have a well finished look. Seating is comfortable, and fabric upholstery feels durable. An expansive windshield, low cowl, and sloping hood allow a great view out front.

Honda's Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition is available on the hybrid. Standard features include a two-tier instrument panel, blue backlit gauges, a Maintenance Minder System, adjustable head restraints, a remote trunk release with lock, and plenty more.

The Honda Civic offers a near flawless performance and great fuel economy. Horsepower and torque have been pumped up courtesy of engine upgrades.

The tweaked chassis and upgraded front and rear suspensions combined with enlarged wheels and tires give the car a solid feel and improve steering quality.

A long wheelbase allows a smoother ride. The hybrid offers a firm ride, with minimal road and wind noise. Brakes and steering response feel sure and solid.

Standard safety features include: 3-point seat belts, front 3-point seat belts with automatic tensioning system, driver/front passenger seat belt reminder, dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, front side airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System, side curtain airbags, driver’s and front passenger's active head restraints, advanced compatibility engineering body structure, Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Distribution, Daytime Running Lights, side-impact door beams, and Outboard Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).