2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

The all-new 2012 Honda Civic remains a strong contender in the compact car category, but other new models now effectively match the Civic and threaten its traditional dominance in the marketplace. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid has been fully redesigned. Highlights include mild styling updates, improved fuel economy and more power for the Si model.

Fuel efficiency and power are improved for the 2012 Honda Civic hybrid model. In terms of features, stability control is now standard throughout the model lineup. Other upgrades for 2012 include more interior room (3 inches of additional shoulder room up front and another 1.6 inches of rear legroom), and a few new technology features such as a 5-inch information display, the increased availability of iPod connectivity and an economy mode designed to help deliver maximum mpg.

Considering these improvements, the 2012 Honda Civic is still a solid pick with which buyers of compact cars will be pleased. But it’s no longer the only game in town. We’d recommend test-driving this new Civic back to back with new competing models like the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. All three provide excellent fuel economy, and each holds selective advantages over the Civic in terms of interior design, feature content and value. Meanwhile, gearheads lusting for some sport should also test the Ford Mustang V6, Mazdaspeed 3, Mini Cooper S and Volkswagen GTI.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid sedan is available in two trim levels. The base model’s list of standard features is similar to the mainstream EX sedan, with the addition of 15-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires, outside mirrors with built-in turn signals, LED taillights, a rear spoiler and a 160-watt, six-speaker stereo. The top-of-the-line “Leather” trim level adds extras found on the regular EX-L including heated mirrors, leather upholstery and heated front seats.

The Civic Hybrid gets a larger 1.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor for 2012, a combination that’s good for 110 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard. Not surprisingly, this powertrain is the most fuel-efficient of the bunch, with EPA numbers of 44/44/44, an increase of 3 mpg over the outgoing model.

The 2012 Honda Civic comes with standard safety features that include stability control, antilock brakes (four-wheel discs with the EX and Si), front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags.

Interior changes are very minor for the 2012 Honda Civic. The two-tier dash display carries over but now includes a 5-inch monitor that displays information for audio, hands-free phone use and various vehicle systems. The cabin has picked up a tad more passenger room, and it’s most noticeable for front seat sedan passengers who have more shoulder and elbow room, and seat adjustability.

Although the changes to the 2012 Honda Civic aren’t radical, this is still one of the better-driving cars in its class. The coupe use shorter wheelbases than their predecessors and feel well-balanced and light on their feet. Power from the 1.8-liter engine is certainly adequate, though the automatic transmission’s propensity to upshift early can be annoying. Wind noise is also a problem with the Civic, as it’s noticeably louder than its competitors. This makes the Civic seem less refined on lengthy highway trips, despite a rather comfortable ride.