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

Other Honda reviews

3 out of 5

Performance

Just one: a 1.3 linked to an electric motor. Acceleration is good and the unit performs well in town, but it's a bit breathless on the motorway and struggles to overtake on A and B roads. Free power is appealing, but it's not as economical as we'd hoped in real life either.

3 out of 5

Handling

The ride is quite rough around town, and wallows too much on the motorway. The steering could be more precise, but the gearchange is pleasant and the pedals are well placed.