2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 29 Civic-Hybrid reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
Most appreciate that the Honda Civic Hybrid mirrors the styling of the gas-engine Civic. As the Detroit News says, "it strikes just the right note between classic and cutting-edge. It's not quite as racy and out there as the new European Civics but much fresher than many of its competitors in North America."
The Washington Post says the full effect is "sleek, sassy. Honda obviously borrowed design cues from the street stylists of Southern California for this one."
One of the frequently mentioned design cues is Civic Hybrid's steeply angled roofline, which forces the windshield forward for what MSN calls an "aerodynamic" shape. The Car Connection explains that the Civic Hybrid's deeply raked windshield "defines the entire vehicle and its packaging."
Cars.com says that compared to its predecessors, the redesigned Civic looks "futuristic," and the Hybrid has some features that take this look further: disc-like 15-inch alloy wheels fitted with low-rolling resistance tires, A-pillars centered over the front wheels, and larger front doors. The Hybrid has a special badge on the rear and a slight spoiler on the trunk, as well as a chromed grille insert, triangular turn signals in the side mirrors, and sharply angled headlamp clusters at the front end.
Automobile.com says the Civic Hybrid's rear design looks "most distinctive, unlike previous Civic that either appeared too staid to inspire comment or left the impression of being heavily from one of Mercedes-Benz's sports models."
