Yea but the Prius was not even in contention since the 2006 was not out and part of the rating is "significant developments"... don't think adding leather counts for them... unlike me ;-)

Am I seeing things, or the "redesigned" Civic looks like an Acura?

And that's just the stone-age saloon and coupé versions. Presumably Honda didn't dare reveal the proper version in the US lest the the locals' heads explode :lol:

Hmm, yes, the interior in the European Civic Hybrid (=US sedan) is a bit "toned down". At first glance I thought they were the same, as the speedo/rev counter layout is superficially similar, and the steering wheel's the same, but on the wide angle it looks rather drab. Here's the real version:

If you look closely you'll see the hatchback rev counter is funkier - it's just got a small needle that moves around the circumference, leaving the centre of the dial free to display other info. (Haven't found a clearer picture I can link to, but go to http://www.honda.co.uk/ for loads of lovely piccies and a funky Flash experience.)

And the other plus point is that it's made in the UK - Honda are our leading car manufacturer now.

Funny, funny, funny. B)

But no, they're not hybridising that design. Presumably they don't have the balls to do what Toyota did - sell a hybrid hatchback in the US - so instead the rest of the world has to accept a US-style car if they want a Honda hybrid. The economics of designing a hybrid presumably don't yet work unless they're selling a car into the US market (not surprising - I believe the US buys at over 10 Priuses for every 1 sold in the whole of Europe).

So instead, they convert the Civic saloon/sedan hybrid to passenger driving configuration. And presumably sell about 3. :lol:

I mean come on, they had a tough enough time selling the last hybrid saloon when the Civic hatchback was merely competent. With the standard hatchback now looking like this, how on earth are they going to convince anyone in Europe to buy a hybrid saloon now?

You are aware that States side, a Saloon is a tavern, aren't you?

:lol:

So the new HCH has a pub in the back? Waitress I'd like fish 'n chips and a pint of bitter!

That hatchback looks really nice. I was considering the Civic Si until I found out that the '06MY was doing away with the hatchback for a traditional sports coupe design.

I agree, put a hybrid system in the hatchback and put it on a boat

Ahhh! Reliability, high MPG, and deep-fried mushrooms with a Chimay!

Reminds me of

Yeah, I was just going to post a reply and say the front end looked a lot like the front end of a 1997MY+ Saturn SC coupe. Very similar headlight design...

I have a lot of respect for Honda, especially their engineering.

That said, truly a shame the EU/UK spec Civic isn't gracing our shores.

Motor Trend Sucks

We're drifting from the topic.

I stopped reading Motor Trend when General Motors paid them to award their "Car of the Year" to the Chevy Caprice circa 1990. That car was undriveable and time has proven that GM was then, and still is, out of touch with reality.

I wouldn't place any value on Motor Trend's opinion, even if they gave their Gold Caliper to the Prius.

Like you I have seen only a very few (maybe 3) Civic Hybrids - But then again, they look just like any other Civic sedan unless you see the little badge on the rear. I may have seen 1000 of them and would never know.

Rob

Well there are several other styling clues to the hybird version of the Civic including the radio antenna is roof mounted, the front grill is separated by a wider cross bar, and the wheels are unique to the HCH.

Made my first visit to a Honda dealer in 20 years. Saw a non-hybrid Civic and was impressed with several features : lots of airbags, nice styling inside and out , price was only $21,800 versus $24 K for Prius. Went there to see the HCH but none on the lot.

1. how much room does the battery pack take up in the trunk ? The non-hybrid is modest in size, so I am a bit concerned that the battery will take too much space.

2. the battery in trunk prevents the use of fold down rear seats ? Yes ?

3. can anyone comment on the comfort of the HCH against the Prius ? I am on a list for a Prius, but after driving a 2005 as a loaner from the dealer, I found the seats to be quite hard on my butt and back. My test drive with the Civic was too short to determine if it is any better.

4. why have you chosen a Prius over an HCH ?

5. how much better is the mpg on a Prius over an HCH ?

6. I have read that the tax credit for a Prius may be as high as $3,100 starting in 2006. Any idea what the credit may be for an HCH ?

that was done with the 2004 model Prius...sorry to disappoint you.

it would be foolish to award the Prius since the 2004 was selected and the 2006 is essentially the same model. lets face it, this is the hybrid decade... any bets on the 2007 Camry???

1. I'm no help on this.

2. Yes.

3. Different strokes for different folks. My wife drives the Prius 100 miles at a time and has no complaints at all.

4. Fewer emissions, better technology, better mileage, quicker availability, impressive roominess (edit on "quicker availability": when we bought our Prius, HCH's were impossible to find, even to test drive. We got our Prius in about 2 weeks.)

5. Somewhere between 10 and 50 percent better. Depends on how and where you drive. My colleague sitting in the next office says he gets 40 mpg in his HCH. (I think the guy is being, um, generous in his mpg estimate since it's a lot of city driving.) We get 45-50 in our Prius but many people can get 50+.

6. Less. I believe it's based on emissions and the Prius is rated right up there with the Insight.

The volume of the IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) is 59L as compared to 68L, a 13% reduction from previous HCH, weight remain unchanged at 55kg.

Press Release 2005, 4/11

Yes, it is located just behind the rear seats.

It depends. If most of your driving are highways, not much difference. If in many stop and slow traffic conditions, Prius will do better. ICE has very poor efficiency in very low RPM, motor is better. No doubt HCHII can switch to LO-VT (Low-speed valve timing), it still cannot match HSD in predominantly series mode operation in slow speed (ICE->MG1->MG2->Wheel). HSD can either run ICE at maximum efficiency or not run at all.

Anyway, whichever your choice, both are great cars.

Vincent