Honda Civic IMA Saloon (03-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
This is the future for petrol cars (or not): a conventional petrol engine linked to an electric motor. The battery is charged when you're coasting or braking and fed back to the engine under acceleration; it's essentially free power. It may have a conservative look, but there are many innovations (as well as the engine), such as a natural driving position, roomy interior and clear dash.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£14,990 - £15,300

Used price range:

£2,100 - £3,988

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Hi-tech engine won't appeal to all

This is the future for petrol cars (or not): a conventional petrol engine linked to an electric motor. The battery is charged when you're coasting or braking and fed back to the engine under acceleration; it's essentially free power. It may have a conservative look, but there are many innovations (as well as the engine), such as a natural driving position, roomy interior and clear dash.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3 out of 5

    "Just one: a 1.3 linked to an electric motor. Acceleration is good and the unit performs well in..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "The ride is quite rough around town, and wallows too much on the motorway. The steering could be..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3.5 out of 5

    "There's plenty of head and legroom and IMA is well insulated against engine and road noise. IMA..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "Not as practical as the Civic hatchback; IMA lacks the MPV-like practicality and hatchback..."

  • Equipment

    3.5 out of 5

    "Full leather upholstery is good quality (and the seats are heated - a treat on cold mornings)."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "Everything is well laid out and easy to use. Instruments are particularly clear; large and backlit..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3.5 out of 5

    "A special 8 year/100,000 mile warranty covers the battery and the systems associated with it. The..."

  • Green credentials

    5 out of 5

    "Civic is very eco-friendly and easy on the environment. It does feature a hybrid engine, which is..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4 out of 5

    "Four-Star Euro NCAP crash test result, with driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS and five..."

  • Reliability

    4.5 out of 5

    "Linking a petrol engine to an electric engine is cutting edge stuff. Current owners report no..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3.5 out of 5

    "Overpriced for a small family car, but it is well-equipped, superbly built and uses the latest..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "A rare sight on the open market. Head down to your local Honda dealer if you're interested in one,..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "Demand is hardly ferocious for IMA, but there should be at least a few interested buyers. Selling in..."

Gallery

  • Interior Honda Civic IMA Saloon (03-05)
  • Exterior Honda Civic IMA Saloon (03-05)
  • Exterior Honda Civic IMA Saloon (03-05)

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Owners' reviews