The gasoline-electric motor powered Honda Civic looks like the gasoline-only powered Civic four-door sedan. But there are subtle differences. From a cosmetic standpoint, Hybrid Civic sports a trunk spoiler, a slightly altered (for aerodynamic reasons) front bumper and underbody covers. Inside the vehicle, the 3-gauge cluster shows a continuous tracking of miles per gallon, and green digital blocks form an arch to indicate the motor is being charged. Honda’s patented Integrated Motor Assist (10 kW/13 horsepower at 3000 rpm) provides power assist during most accelerations and it serves as on-board charger for the batteries when braking or decelerating. (This is not a plug-in electric car.) The 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine provides 93 horsepower and 116-peak torque. Civic Hybrid packs its batteries (120 cells/144 volt nickel metal hydride) behind the rear seat. That means no split-fold rear seat with trunk access, but – perhaps a surprise to some riders – there really is no difference in seat comfort between hybrid and non-hybrid Civic. What is different on the hybrid is an up to 30 percent improvement in fuel consumption (compared to gasoline-only Civic) and the ‘idle stop’ engine. Whenever the car is stopped, the engine shuts off – noted by a flashing green lamp and a silent engine. Honda Civic Hybrid is the best-equipped Civic in the line-up with standards like anti-lock braking system, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks. Mileage per gallon estimates for continuously variable automatic transmission-equipped Civic is 48 city/47 highway. A 5-speed manual is available. MSRP is $20,550.