Honda Civic Hybrid Wins 'World Car Of The Year' Award

Honda’s new Civic Hybrid has been declared World Green Car for 2006. A jury of 46 international motoring journalists awarded the prestigious title to the environmentally-friendlier vehicle as part of the World Car of the Year Awards. The Civic Hybrid achieves a combined fuel economy of 61.4 miles per gallon and emits fewer carbon emissions than most cars on the road (109g/km).

"Honda continues to be a leader in producing environmentally responsible vehicles that set the standard for fuel economy and low emissions," said John Mendel, Senior Vice President, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The award-winning 2006 Civic Hybrid is the latest embodiment of Honda’s long-term commitment to the development of environmentally friendly technologies that are also fun to drive."

The Honda Civic Hybrid went on sale in the UK earlier this month. It’s still the cheapest hybrid car available in Britain, priced from just £16,300. It also has an insurance rating of seven (two groups lower than an equivalent petrol-engined car), and the residual value - according to new figures from Glass’s Guide - is 39 per cent after 3 years/60,000 miles. The Civic Hybrid still receives a 100 per cent discount from London’s Congestion Charge.

• Price: ES - £16,300; with leather £17,100
• Top speed: 115mph
• 0-62mph: 12.1secs
• Combined mpg: 61.4
• CO2: 109g/km
• Engine: 1339cc, SOHC, i-DSI, petrol
• Motor: IMA electric motor/generator
• Power: 115PS (95 petrol + 20 electric) at 2,000rpm
• Torque: 166lb.ft at 2,500rpm
• Auto: CVT transmission as standard
• Insurance rating: 7
• Service interval: 12,500 miles/12 months