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Real-world test - Honda Civic-petrol vs hybrid (In town and on the highway!)

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Comparing a Petrol Honda Civic with a Hybrid Honda Civic gives insights into real-world performance, especially considering fuel efficiency in both town and highway driving. Let's break down the key aspects of these two Civic versions, focusing on towing capacity, dimensions, engine performance, maintenance, and more. Here’s a comprehensive look:

1. General Specs and Performance
Towing Capacity


Hybrid Civic: Not rated for towing, as hybrid powertrains are usually optimized for fuel efficiency, not heavy towing.
Petrol Civic: Light towing capacity, typically around 1,000 lbs for smaller loads.

Dimensions & Ground Clearance

Dimensions:
Generally, both the petrol and hybrid versions share similar external dimensions, such as a length around 182 inches and a width of 70 inches.
Ground Clearance: Both versions offer approximately 6.7 inches of ground clearance.

Trunk Size

Hybrid:
Slightly reduced trunk space due to battery storage, typically around 14 cubic feet.
Petrol: Offers the full trunk space, generally around 15 cubic feet.

2. Engine and Powertrain
Engine Size and Horsepower

Petrol Civic:

2.0L inline-4 engine, producing around 158 hp.
Hybrid Civic:
2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine combined with an electric motor, producing about 181 hp in total.

honda civic petrol vs hybrid test.jpg

Fuel Consumption (Real-World)

Petrol Civic:

City: Around 30-32 MPG.
Highway: Around 37-40 MPG.

Hybrid Civic:
City: Around 50-55 MPG (much more efficient in urban driving).
Highway: 47-50 MPG.



3. Battery & Range
Hybrid Battery and Range

Battery:
1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery (non-plug-in, self-charging).
Range: Combined fuel-electric range can be over 500 miles depending on conditions.

4. Maintenance and Insurance
Annual Maintenance Costs

Hybrid:
Slightly lower costs due to less wear on brakes (from regenerative braking) but potential higher costs in the future for battery replacement.
Approx. $400–$500 annually.
Petrol: Standard maintenance such as oil changes may increase costs slightly.
Approx. $500–$600 annually.

Insurance Costs

Hybrid:
Typically 10-15% higher due to the added complexity of the hybrid system and battery replacement risks.
Petrol: Lower, with savings of around $100-$200 annually compared to the hybrid model.

5. Tire Sizes

Both the petrol and hybrid Civic models generally come with standard 16-inch or optional 17-inch tires, providing balance for urban and highway use.

6. Pricing, Trim Levels, and Colors
Price


Petrol Civic: Starts around $25,000.
Hybrid Civic: Starts around $28,000 (higher due to the hybrid powertrain).

Monthly Payment Estimates

Petrol:
Approx. $370 per month (based on moderate credit and a standard 60-month loan at 5% APR).
Hybrid: Approx. $410 per month under similar terms.

Cheapest Lender Options

Credit Unions: Often offer lower interest rates on auto loans, starting at around 3–4% APR.
Online Lenders: LightStream and Bank of America are generally known for competitive rates on eco-friendly vehicles like hybrids.

7. Real-World Performance: In Town and Highway

In Town:
The hybrid Civic shines in city driving, achieving high MPG due to regenerative braking and electric motor assistance.
On the Highway: The petrol Civic is closer in efficiency to the hybrid on highways, though the hybrid still holds a slight advantage.

8. Defects and Reliability

Hybrid Civic:
Some users report concerns with the long-term reliability of hybrid batteries and occasional software-related issues.
Petrol Civic: Known for strong reliability with fewer reported issues, especially in simpler, lower-trim models.

9. Extras and Trim-Specific Options

Hybrid Civic:
Includes features such as regenerative braking, electric drive modes, and more extensive infotainment options.
Petrol Civic: Generally, fewer features but offers good performance-focused options like turbocharging in higher trims.

In summary, the Hybrid Civic is the more economical option for city driving, while the Petrol Civic offers simplicity and lower upfront costs. Each has its trade-offs, with the hybrid excelling in fuel economy and lower emissions, and the petrol version often being cheaper to insure and maintain.

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