2003 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID; Evolution, not revolution.(Brief Article)

When Honda introduced the Insight in 1999 there was no mistaking the car was something different. Its aerodynamic, bug-like appearance was wrapped around a lightweight two-seater containing a highly sophisticated powertrain coupling a gasoline engine with an electric motor.

Honda's second-generation gas/electric hybrid is far less conspicuous, but styling isn't what the Civic Hybrid is about. The point is the power- train-what Honda calls Integrated Motor Assist.

Civic Hybrid chief engineer Akira Fujimura had three goals: the highest level of fuel economy for a five-passenger vehicle; a refined driving experience; and ease of use.

The EPA rated the five-speed, manual transmission Civic Hybrid at 47 mpg city, 51 highway, while the CVT-equipped car gets 48/48. So Mr. Fujimura succeeded on goal No. 1.

Based on a test drive of both the CVT and five-speed manual models, we'd say goals two and three were also met. While the car will not give you smoky burnouts, its 12.5-second 0-to-60-mph time is pretty good. However, its fuel mileage ``performance'' is nearly 20 mpg greater than a Civic sedan, so it all depends on your definition of ``performance.''

During a couple of hundred miles driving different Civic Hybrids, one word kept coming to mind: seamless. The car is so smooth, so ordinary, you forget you're driving something different. At idle the engine is so quiet you need to look at the tachometer to make sure it's running. Pull up to a stop sign, take the car out of gear and your foot off the clutch, and the engine shuts off. (In the CVT, simply come to a stop and keep your foot on the brake.) Depress the clutch and the engine starts up again. Seamless.

The engine gets a bit buzzy under full throttle, especially the CVT model. We preferred the five-speed; despite being just 70 pounds lighter than the CVT, the manual car feels ...