2009 Honda Civic Hybrid: Compact hybrid shows the future is now

Cars 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid with leather and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System

Based on the eighth-generation Civic sedan, the Civic Hybrid is pure Honda reliability and affordability, and seems to sit outside the boundaries of traditional small car thinking.

The exterior of the Honda Civic Hybrid sedan follows a futuristic and high-tech “Advanced Personal Compact” design that incorporates a sweeping roofline and ultra-sleek windshield angle, a low and wide stance and an exceptionally aerodynamic shape. The front-drive hybrid compact is powered by an ultra-efficient 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist. Torque is transferred through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic transmission.

For 2009, the Civic Hybrid boasts redesigned exterior styling features which include new front bumper cover and grille design and new headlight and taillight color combinations featuring clear turn indicator lenses with amber bulbs. Additionally, Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is now standard equipment.

The foundation for the small Honda hybrid is an advanced version of Honda’s Global Compact Platform. The solid unit body of the Civic Hybrid was designed from the outset to define a new standard for torsional and bending rigidity in the compact segment. Employing advanced body construction technologies for enhanced safety, improved rigidity, ride comfort and a quieter cabin, the new platform boasts a 36 percent improvement in torsional rigidity.

The Civic Hybrid’s control hardware is a four-wheel independent system that had been engineered to provide agile handling and refined ride comfort. The Civic Hybrid employs a compact Control-Link McPherson Strut suspension up front, while a double-wishbone multi-link suspension at the rear helps to provide a smooth ride, excellent handling and good cargo space.