Anyone planning of getting Civic Hybrid to show off will be disappointed. While Toyota Prius is instantly recognisable, Civic Hybrid is no more than a standard Civic with distinctive wheels, a discreet rear spoiler and the Hybrid emblem at the back. The interior is identical to the standard Civic's, too, except for a couple of meters displaying your “green” deeds. Compared to the standard Civic, Civic Hybrid has softer suspension, and exhibits more body roll and less grip. The steering is quick to respond, but lacks feel. But the biggest problem however lies with the non-linear brake response, which does not inspire much confidence at all. Civic Hybrid rides comfortably over most road surfaces. Like in the standard Civic, road noise is more of a problem than wind noise while cruising, and the engine sounds raucous when worked hard. The comfortable cabin boasts a futuristic but well laid-out dashboard, excellent ergonomics and supportive seats. The driving environment is conducive thanks to the great all-round visibility and a wide range of seat-height and two-way steering adjustments. Civic Hybrid shares the same brilliant cabin quality as the standard Civic. Cabin materials are high in quality, even if the dashboard may not be covered with the softest plastics. Honda made sure all the switchgear and controls work with precision and tactility. The fit-and-finish are as good as we have seen in this segment. Civic Hybrid's underlying mechanicals have remained reliable since its launch in 2006, and that positive trend should carry on. Powered by a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine and the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system, Civic Hybrid provides a smooth driving experience, much like the standard Civic with a CVT gearbox. The CVT responds urgently and exhibits none of the rubbery effect seen in earlier CVTs. With 94 bhp and 123 Nm from the engine, and 20 bhp and 103 Nm from the electric motor, the hybrid system works seamlessly and has little problems hauling the mid-size Civic Hybrid that weighs 1290 kg. Civic Hybrid comes with class-leading interior room, providing front and rear occupants with generous head- and leg-room. In fact, the rear legroom is only slightly less than Honda Accord's, while the flat rear floor further gives the middle rear passenger more room. Cabin storage areas and cupholders are more than adequate, but the 294-litre boot accommodates the battery pack and hence is smaller than usual. Driving a hybrid helps you become a more efficient driver as you attempt to constantly improve the fuel economy: by planning your route, being gentler on the throttle, etc. The problem is we tried all that, but still fall way short of the claimed 21.7 km/litre. Honda models are highly reliable, which should lower the servicing and repair costs in the long run. The Honda badge usually means rock-solid residual values, but we are not sure Civic Hybrid will be anywhere near as well-received as the standard Civic is. Clean, high-tech and even well-priced against the Civic 2.0S, Civic Hybrid is the car for those with an environmental conscience, especially when there are no other hybrid options in Malaysia. Buyers need not put up with any major compromises over the standard Civic, although achieving the claimed fuel economy does not look easy, and then there is the subtle styling—buyers, environmentalists or not, would not mind showing off their “green” car (read good deeds) with more styling differentiation. Toyota recognises that; just look at the conspicuous Toyota Prius. Civic Hybrid comes equipped with 15" alloy wheels, fog lights, electric side mirrors with turn indicator, leather steering wheel with audio control, leather upholstery, auto air-conditioning, 6-disc CD/MP3/WMA playing audio system, 6 speakers and audio aux jack. Safety kit includes dual front airbags, side airbags, and ABS + EBD + BA. Achieving the claimed 21.7 km/litre fuel economy may need some effort, but at least there is such a potential. Add to that the 109 grams/km of carbon dioxide emissions, and taking into Civic Hybrid's weight, it becomes clear that Honda has created an impressively “green” car.