New 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid

If you’re looking for off the charts fuel economy and minimal carbon dioxide emissions at a reasonable price, then you’re going to love the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid.

Completing the Civic’s stable of fuel efficient four-cylinder engines is the hybrid lightweight 1.3-liter motor, which is coupled to a 15 kilowatt electric motor. The gas and electric motor are run by Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) software, and produce a combined 110-horsepower. With IMA, the Civic can run in all-electric mode at low speeds. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

This high-tech power package earned the 2010 Civic Hybrid the Advanced Technology Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicles (AT-PZEV) rating from the EPA. Fuel economy is rated at 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway and your carbon footprint is so low with this car, it should be called a toeprint. Highway fuel economy is ahead of the sedan crowd, except the mighty Prius.

Interior appointments include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. To take it up a notch, add optional leather seating and heat for the front seats. If you need help getting places, Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system is a standard feature you will love. Voice commands and Bluetooth phone connectivity enhance your ease of use and driving safety, while the slick 6.5-inch display screen rotates out of the way to impress and allow access to the CD player’s loading slot. The navigation system also features over seven million points of interest, so you can quickly find most of what you are looking for quickly. For added fun, a memory card reader allows you to hookup your portable media card to play MP3’s and other audio files on your Civic Hybrid’s stereo.

Electronic safety features abound in the Civic Hybrid, from antilock brakes with brake-force distribution to available stability and traction control systems. Honda chassis engineering combines with dual front, front-side and two-row head airbags to earn the 2010 Honda Civic Five-Star front and side impact ratings, except a Four-Star rating on the driver’s side impact test.

When it comes to paying less for fuel, while using less fuel and keeping your carbon footprint as small as possible, the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid makes almost too much sense.