The 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid has some significant improvement over the previous version. It is larger and has a three inch longer wheelbase for a slightly smoother ride. The new streamlined European look makes it an eye catching beauty with outstanding fuel economy and extremely low emission levels. It even comes with Honda’s Satellite linked navigation with voice recognition as an available option.

The more sophisticated version of Honda’s variable valve timing (VTEC) design in the 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid gives the hybrid power system optimal power and fuel efficiency over a wider range of speeds than before.

One of the nicest aspects of the 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid is that most of the new features come as standard such as active head restraints that automatically position themselves to protect the front occupant’s heads in an accident and can reduce the more serious injuries. Daytime running lights and a 160 watt stereo are standard.

The hybrid system is yielding about an 18% increase in power and also a slight improvement in fuel economy. A high tech drive by wire throttle system similar to the one used in jet fighter planes and blue backlit gauges provide a very fresh look and feel. Anti lock brakes are standard. Honda’s award winning ACE structural design that channels the energy from a frontal impact and disperses it through the vehicle has been incorporated into the 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid. Sporty P195 / 65 R15 tires with a wider footprint to avoid getting caught in roadway groves are standard.

The new air conditioner features a new hybrid compressor that can be powered by the gasoline engine, the electric motor or both. Automatic Climate Control is also included on the hybrid version of the Civic. This system uses the electric motor to power a small compressor unless rapid cooling is needed. At that point a second gasoline compressor kicks in.

The 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid is a collection of excellent engineering improvements that provide a 20% increase in efficiency over the old system. The electric motor is 1.5 times more powerful than the old one while maintaining the same physical size. Its output is 30% higher and includes increased battery cooling capability. The improved regenerative braking system can capture more energy than its predecessor and has more of that braking feel.

The new 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid starts at $21,850 basic model and $23,350 when equipped with Honda's optional satellite linked navigation system. The new 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid is only available with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).