Honda built the Civic on a simple premise. Create a vehicle that is safe, has fun-to-drive performance, plenty of style, comfort and convenience, is durable and is built with quality and refinement, and it will be popular. When Honda applied all these traits to a hybrid, a uniquely appealing vehicle was born.

 

For 2012, the all-new Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP $24,050) has received multiple enhancements over its previous generation, beginning with an enhanced visual presence. Based on the previous model’s “one-motion” profile, the new Civic has a sweeping roofline with a futuristic and athletic appearance. The wide stance and low profile also lend a feeling of aggression and speed.

 

The all-new Civic Hybrid uses the newest-generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system consisting of a 1.5-liter i-VTEC^® engine connected to a powerful electric motor and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The IMA system uses the gasoline engine as the primary source of power while the electric motor provides additional power and electricity generating capability. The car is also equipped with a new Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery that is more powerful, lighter and more compact than the last generation nickel-metal hydride battery. The IMA system has a total power output of 110 hp and 127 lb/ft of torque and delivers an EPA-estimated 44 mpg for both city and highway driving.

 

With such great fuel economy, you will spend less time at the pump and more time behind the wheel where the Civic Hybrid shines. With its unique, two-tier dash setup, multi-link rear suspension and motion-adaptive electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, the Civic Hybrid is designed to be driven. The 94.6 cubic feet of passenger volume inside the new Civic Hybrid is more than that of the Toyota Prius Two. The Civic interior is intelligently designed with a “smart interface” approach that groups the vehicle’s controls into zones for air conditioning, vehicle controls and audio. The Civic Hybrid with Leather adds leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and heated power side mirrors, lending the cabin an air of sophistication.

 

Honda also offers a navigation system for the Civic Hybrid. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System^™ with Voice Recognition comes with a 6.5-inch color touch-screen and illuminated steering wheel-mounted navigation controls to make using the system an easy and safe process, even in low light situations. This new navigation system features 16GB of flash memory in place of the DVD-based system used previously. The system also includes XM Satellite Radio and FM Traffic to help you make it home on time.

 

The Honda Civic Hybrid promotes safety as much as drivability and comfort. Occupant protection systems include Honda’s exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering^™ (ACE)^™ body structure to manage frontal collision energy, and a long list of standard safety equipment including Vehicle Stability Assist^™ with Traction Control and an Anti-lock Braking System with Brake Assist. These systems, along with front, front side and side-curtain airbags, work together to keep occupants protected before, after and during an accident.

 

Many car companies make hybrids, but none are as dynamically impressive and intelligently designed as the all-new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. It’s not just a hybrid, it’s a Civic.

 

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