A few other notes about the Civic Hybrid.
It's $4000 cheaper than the previous 2005 model yet it has the new body design,more horsepower and a more powerful battery. It ONLY comes in an automatic CVT transmission. Pretty smooth driving as you never feel the gear changes but I'd prefer a manual.
When you are at a dead stop the car is completely silent. Pretty disheartening at first because it feels like the car stalled. Brings back bad memories of when i was learning to drive a stick. hehe.
There is a meter on the dash that tells you real time how many litres you are using per 100 kms. and a meter that tells you when the battery is charging.
The Prius gets better mileage though because at low speeds, 5-15kph the gas engine shuts off. The Civic doesnt', only when it's at a complete stop. Maybe thats why the Toyota battery is not as good, because you are using it more.
The major drawback with the civic is on the highway. I can get 1000 kms but only if you drive under 130kph. If you drive over it actually uses more gas than in the city! Another is you can't get rust undercoating on it because of the electronics. It voids your warranty.
Also trying to get one is pretty crazy too. If i didn't buy the one in the showroom i would have had to wait 7 months for one.
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