The 2013 Honda Civic hybrid may not be fast, but its lightningstrike development certainly was. After a completely redesigned Civic line debuted for 2012 to disappointment, Honda pushed a fast update down the pike. The fruit of its own hurried job has now ripened, and impressively, the shotgun repair repaired many of the shortcomings, at least in the normal Civic sedan. Now we have run the revised hybrid version through our testing to-see how it was impacted by the accelerated relaunch.

Smile, It is a Hybrid!

And talking about altering looks, like other Civics, the hybrid inherits a couple of upturned chrome accents for the lower and grille intake, which impart a less droopy, depressed - looking countenance.

Behind the revised look are somewhat beefier springs, thicker anti roll bars, and a stiffer frontend construction---all of which produce subjectively better management and body control over last year's auto. Due to a quicker ratio and reduced friction within the stand, the electric power-steering is more precise, also. The hybrid version, however, rides on fuel economy-optimized Bridgestone Ecopia tires, their tough, narrow building limiting lateral grip to 0.77 grams on the skidpad. The low rolling-resistance Ecopias also brought to an abysmal 196 foot stop from 70 miles per hour to 0. Therefore despite the fact that the 2013 auto feels more tied down and reactive, lateral grip and stopping operation are unchanged from the 2012's.

Keep Calm and Impede Your Expectations

As mentioned, the Civic hybrid's main mission would be to preserve fossil fuel. When the battery power is depleted functionality still trails off drastically. Despite our lead footed driving style, we did manage 38 mpg---about 15% unsure of the 44mpg EPA joined amount and, truthfully, this hybrid's most-significant performance metric.

Because you'll have loads of time-to soak within the Civic's inner sanctum while attempting to match other slow-laners, it is a great thing it has been enhanced. The dash layout is a tad more classic, and there are actually better materials too as a cushioned vinyl dashboard and upper door trim.

Even with the multiple upgrades and developments, the hybrid's cost inflates by a few hundred dollars, and command opens at $25,150.

Were it our cash, we had still take a look at nonhybrid, C-section offerings such as the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, and Honda's own Civic HF. Besides being effective at returning mid 30-mpg fuel efficiency for less money, they are faster and more enjoyable to drive.

Honda Civic Hybrid (2013)