2006 Honda Civic Si Hybrid

It is easy being green in the new generation of hybrid cars, and in the case of the Civic Hybrid, ever more so than the previous generation.

The 1.3-liter four is mated to a better IMA hybrid system. The engine by itself now produces 93 hp; with the assist of the 20-hp electric motor, it's only 5 hp short of the power found in last year's LX cars without hybrid assist. A dual set of cams offers up five basics engine-operation modes that opens up the valves more at highway speeds and eases off them a little at lower speeds, shutting them off entirely in coasting and at stop-and-go speeds and letting the battery unit do the grunt work.

As for the updated Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, it includes more efficient batteries, a motor wound tighter with flat wire, and a continuously variable transmission with a slightly more open gearing. Most importantly, it now can operate in battery-only mode like Toyota's Prius, a major boost to efficiency. Regenerative braking is 170 percent improved from last year's model, too. All told the Civic Hybrid checks in at 50 mpg city, 50 highway.

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