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With its shapely exterior, roomy interior and fantastic fuel economy, the  Civic  Hybrid is an easy car to like.

And this year, a few more standard features and options make it just that much more appealing.

It's hard to argue practicality in a car that gives you 45 miles per gallon on the highway and 40 miles per gallon in the city.

"And those are the new EPA numbers," said Jesse Dummett, sales consultant for Basney Honda in Mishawaka. "Most of our customers claim the  hybrid does much better."

The  Civic  Hybrid is powered by the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System that pairs a fuel-efficient 1.3L four-cylinder gasoline engine with a lightweight, high-output electric motor.

"The gas engine provides the primary power, with the electric motor kicking in for added acceleration," said Dummett. "This is a totally different approach than many of the  hybrids out there. Our customers like it better. The  Civic  Hybrid feels and sounds like a real car."

And the interior looks and feels like a real car, too. Oh sure, there are a few more digital indicators on the  hybrid, but what you really notice is the abundance of interior space.

And you don't lose a lot of trunk space because of the battery either. Mounted behind the rear seat, the battery is only 8 inches thick, leaving plenty of cargo room.

"For those that worry about the life of a  hybrid's battery, this one is backed by an eight-year/80,000-mile limited warranty," said Dummett.

The  Civic  Hybrid comes well-equipped for safety with front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution, vehicle stability assist, active front head restraints, a tire monitoring system and a remote entry system.

Additional standard features include cruise control, automatic climate control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, an AM/FM CD audio system with auxiliary input jack and USB interface and power windows, door locks and side mirrors.

The  hybrid is also offered this year with leather upholstery, a voice-activated navigation system and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability.

"The  Civic  Hybrid performs like our regular  Civic," said Dummett. "But it leaves as small a carbon footprint as possible."

The Basney Honda showroom located at 3820 N. Grape Road, Mishawaka, is open Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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