The exterior upgrades may not be readily apparent but the six-sided grille and new front bumper give the model a modern updated appearance.  The windshield also has more of a slant than is traditional, also increasing the modern appearance.  The interior now features a satellite-linked navigation system and Bluetooth capabilities.  The audio system includes a USB Audio Interface that will allow you to use your flash drive with MP3 or WMA files or your iPod while driving.  To complete the new interior look, a leather trim in now available in the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The handling system of the Honda Civic Hybrid is geared more toward comfort than speed and it succeeds quite well.  The turning circle seems to have been cut down by a few inches from the last model, but is not overly noticeable.  Although the car is carrying a battery pack in back, as do all hybrids, it still handles very nimbly despite the extra weight.  A new development in this model allows for it to function completely electrically when maintaining a low speed and steady throttling pace.  This is in addition to the regular operation of the hybrid engine that will switch to electric power when idling, although improvements have made this process more seamless in the new model.

With a base price of $26, 700, you can safely be assured of a superb gas mileage and reliable car.  The company will tell you that 45 mpg on the highway is the usual, but it seems that approximately 35 mpg is average.  Overall the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid has managed to take a consistently best seller and make it even more upscale and flawless.