2003 Honda Civic Hybrid

Until this latest Civic hybrid, we had an uneasy feeling that we were participating in a science experiment when driving production hybrid-drive cars. But this neat little sedan's powertrain polish, steering precision, overall ride, and road poise make the experience quite like driving a well-executed conventionally powered compact. The automatic transmission-equipped four-door we drove felt peppy, solid, and downright normal.

Like Honda's efficient but seemingly fragile Insight hybrid two-seater, the Civic employs a gasoline engine for its main propulsion; the difference is the use of a four-cylinder within the Integrated Motor Assist system, instead of the Insight's three-banger, to handle extra vehicle and passenger weight. A brushless, DC electric motor supplements the internal-combustion engine with additional torque for more thrust, lower emissions, and an improvement in fuel economy. Electrical power for the motor is derived from a regenerative braking system that uses a generator to capture electrical energy, which is then deposited into a nickel-metal-hydride battery for later use--no plug-in recharging required.

This high-efficiency Civic went on sale in Japan in December and will show up here "sometime this spring," according to an American Honda spokesman. Pricing and volumes have not yet been determined, although you can expect at least a $2000 premium over a conventionally powered Civic EX model.